The erysipelas vaccine Eryvac, widely used for the control of post-dipping lameness in sheep, is now available in convenient 5 x 100 ml, 1000-dose poultry packs, says manufacturer Intervet UK.
The vaccine is indicated for the immunisation of turkeys against disease caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infections. However, erysipelas can affect several other species of birds, including chickens, ducks and geese.
The disease is readily passed from bird to humans, can survive for long periods in soil and is carried by sheep, swine, rodents and red mites. Intervet say free range farms are more likely to remain contaminated after an outbreak than a closed unit.
The indications that a flock might be infected include finding sick, depressed or dead birds. Typical symptoms are a lack of appetite, listlessness and occasionally yellowish or greenish diarrhoea, or dark spots on the skin of the body and head. Because these symptoms are easily confused with those of other diseases, a definite diagnosis can only be made through isolation and identification of the causative organism.
Good management practises, say Intervet, and, if necessary, the use of Eryvac can significantly reduce the chances of an erysipelas outbreak.
Further information is available from Intervet’s poultry team on 01908 685249.
