In this episode, we break down everything turkey growers need to know about vaccinating against coccidiosis — a common but preventable disease in young turkeys. We start by explaining how the vaccine works: it contains live, but safe, coccidia that birds must ingest so their bodies can build strong, natural immunity. The key to success? The coccidia must replicate inside the bird, shed onto the litter, and reinfect the flock over about three cycles, leading to protection by 21 days of age. Next, we cover the main coccidia strains targeted by vaccines: Eimeria adenoeides Eimeria meleagrimitis Eimeria gallopovonis Only USDA-approved vaccines like Huvepharma’s Live Turkey Coccidiosis Vaccine and Immucox-T (Ceva) are used, ensuring safety and effectiveness. Finally, we dive into field application tips, including hatchery or on-farm delivery using spray or gel. We highlight the importance of uniform vaccine ingestion and maintaining good litter quality, which plays a critical role in allowing the vaccine to cycle properly. Moisture, bird comfort, and spacing all help promote the re-exposure needed to build flock-wide immunity. Whether you're new to cocci vaccines or looking to improve your results, this episode offers practical, real-world advice to help you raise healthier turkeys and reduce losses from coccidiosis.
In this episode, we dive into the essentials of using coccidiosis vaccines in turkeys—what they are, how they work, and how to apply them effectively in the field.
You’ll learn:
Why controlled exposure to live, non-pathogenic coccidia is key to developing strong immunity in poults
The three Eimeria species targeted by turkey vaccines:
Eimeria adenoeides
Eimeria meleagrimitis
Eimeria gallopovonis
The two USDA-approved vaccine options:
Huvepharma’s Live Turkey Coccidiosis Vaccine
Immucox-T from Ceva
Best practices for field application, including:
Hatchery vs. on-farm delivery
Spray vs. gel droplet methods
Importance of even vaccine uptake and recycling of oocysts through the litter
Managing litter moisture to support sporulation and reinfection
Whether you're a seasoned turkey producer or just getting started, this episode offers practical, farmer-friendly advice on preventing coccidiosis through vaccination—helping you raise healthier, more productive birds.
Turkey growers and farm managers
Poultry health professionals
Hatchery teams and technical staff
Anyone looking to reduce reliance on anticoccidial drugs
Listen now to learn how a well-executed vaccination program can protect your poults from day one.