Marek’s Disease Virus (MDV) vaccine is indicated for active immunization of healthy chickens (day-old chicks) to prevent mortality, reduce clinical signs (paralysis, tumors), and lessen lesions caused by virulent MDV strains
INDICATIONS
- Target Species: Chickens
- Protect against Mortality: Prevents widespread death in poultry flocks.
- Reduce Clinical Signs: Lessens paralysis (leg/wing droop), vision problems (gray eyes), and behavioral changes.
- Prevent Lesions: Minimizes tumors in organs (liver, spleen, heart, etc.) and enlarged peripheral nerves.
- Early Protection: Provides immunity starting from a few days old, covering the highest risk period.
- Timing: In ovo (18-19 day embryos) or 1-day-old chicks (day-old).
ADMINISTRATION
For Day-Old Chicks (Subcutaneous Injection)
- Timing: Day of hatch.
- Site: Back of the neck, pinching the loose skin to create a pocket.
- Method: Inject 0.2 mL under the skin, away from the head, using a 1 mL syringe and a 20-22 gauge, 3/8-1/2 inch needle.
- Key Steps: Clean the injection site with alcohol, use sterile equipment, and place vaccinated chicks in a separate area to avoid unvaccinated birds.
For Embryos (In Ovo)
- Timing: Around day 18 of incubation.
- Method: Automated injection systems deliver 0.05 mL or 0.10 mL directly into the egg.
- Benefits: Widely used in commercial settings due to lower labor costs and precision.
Preparation
- Refrigeration: Keep vaccine refrigerated until use (often frozen in liquid nitrogen for some types).
- Mixing: Thaw frozen vaccines quickly (around 90 seconds) and mix with sterile diluent.
- Time Sensitive: Use the mixed vaccine within 1-2 hours
