Dutch layer hen farmers can now extend protection against Salmonella for their flocks following approval for an updated vaccination schedule for Elanco’s AviPro Salmonella Duo vaccine, the pharmaceutical company announced last week.
The revised schedule introduces a fourth vaccine dose administered during the laying period, around the 50th week of the hen’s life. Elanco’s Joost Boerrigter, a poultry veterinarian, explained that the approval provides “more flexibility” for poultry producers. “Thanks to this approval, our vaccine offers more flexibility to help poultry farmers better protect their flocks with a four-dose vaccination plan. This update is entirely focused on providing long-lasting immunity to laying hens,” he said.
AviPro Salmonella Duo has been used for fifteen years to protect poultry against Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) and Salmonella Typhimurium (ST). The updated schedule addresses the increasing trend of farmers keeping laying hens for longer periods, according to Elanco.
The new vaccination regimen extends protection as follows: protection against S. Enteritidis to 100 weeks of age (50 weeks after the final vaccination), and protection against S. Typhimurium to 94 weeks of age (44 weeks after the final vaccination).
A key benefit of the approval is a zero-day withdrawal period following the fourth vaccination. This means farmers can administer the dose without interrupting the supply chain, as there is no required waiting period for eggs or meat from hens after the fourth administration. According to Elanco, this feature is a significant advantage for producers.
Salmonella is a significant economic threat to the poultry industry. An outbreak among free-range birds in the UK can cost producers up to £17 per bird, according to Elanco. Globally, Salmonellosis accounts for approximately 59,000 deaths annually and represents half of all foodborne outbreaks requiring hospitalization.
AviPro Salmonella Duo is a live, dual-strain vaccine containing both S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium. The vaccine is administered via drinking water. The product is authorized for use in turkeys, chickens (for reproduction), and ducks.