On this episode of The Turkey Talk Show🎙️, we cover everything farmers need to know about vaccinating their own turkeys. Four industry representatives who have been on the front-lines of this, share their insights on what techniques work best pulling from their current field experiences. We dive into key topics such as droplet size, equipment selection, and the essential preparations needed to ensure an effective and efficient vaccination process to guarantee all birds receive their dose of the vaccine.
On this episode of The Turkey Talk Show🎙️, we cover everything farmers need to know about vaccinating their own turkeys. Four industry representatives who have been on the front-lines of this, share their insights on what techniques work best pulling from their current field experiences. We dive into key topics such as droplet size, equipment selection, and the essential preparations needed to ensure an effective and efficient vaccination process to guarantee all birds receive their dose of the vaccine.
Sheila and Gretta announce the addition of a keynote speaker and lunch on the first day of the Summer Meeting! On Tuesday, June 10, at 12:30-1:30 PM, Andy Caygeon, author of "Stubborn" will be joining us! He discusses "fixing the stubbornness" between families in farming and businesses. Also hear from Aviagen Turkeys, Hybrid Turkeys, NTF, ITF, and hear a round-table discussion on aMPV, all on Tuesday afternoon. Book your hotel by May 23rd!
Joining us today is Dr. Eliza Ripplinger and Dr. Corissa Robinson both Technical Services Veterinarians for BVS, Hannah Menges a Technical Services Representative with BVS based out of North Carolina, based out of Pennsylvania, Dr. Elizabeth Beilke a veterinarian with West Liberty Foods.
The ideal time to apply this field vaccine is when turkeys are around three weeks of age, based on current data and ongoing testing. The most common equipment being used is gas-powered blowers, electric wand backpack sprayers. Blowers will spray particles farther away than a wand. It is important to use equipment that fully empties so no vaccine is being wasted.Â
The key to effective vaccination is achieving the correct droplet size, ideally between 0.3 and 0.4 mm, small enough to reach the birds’ eyes and nasal passages. This can be verified using water-sensitive paper to assess spray pattern and distribution. Practicing with water beforehand helps ensure consistent coverage and proper droplet size. Factors such as the height and speed of the person spraying, turkey age, and spray distance all affect application quality. The goal is to hit at least 80% of the birds in the face with an even distribution, so stationing people in the barn to gently mix and move the flock is recommended.Â
The vaccine comes freeze-dried and needs to be stored in a refrigerator until ready to use. To use mix cool room temperature water (50-70 °F), vaccine stabilizer, and the freeze-dried vaccine. Once mixed you have one hour to complete spraying.Â
Attention to the small details is critical, especially in warmer months, to keep birds comfortable and reduce stress. Be mindful of how long your ventilation is off while spraying, make sure you are spraying healthy birds, and be prepared and make a plan when vaccinating so you can be efficient and make sure all birds get sprayed.
Mild upper respiratory signs may occur 4–7 days post-application as viral levels peak; by 10–14 days, the viral load declines, and antibody development typically begins around 2–3 weeks.
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