Prevention and control of Marek’s disease

Historically vaccination has been a determining factor for the prevention of disease and the growth of the industry. The vast majority of vaccines available are live virus and cell associated.

Live virus vaccines

In the live virus vaccine, the virus replicates and remains within cultured cells for the production of the vaccines, which can be injected:

Commercial live virus vaccines

Commercial live virus vaccines include:

HVT vaccines

The HVT vaccine can be combined with vaccines of: Serotypes 2 -SB-1 and 301 / B1- and / or serotype 1 -CVI-988 (Rispens) -

With the combination of serotypes 1 and 2, the degree of protection is maximised. The combination of HVT with Rispens is the most used to protect breeders against highly virulent viruses.

Recombinant vaccines

Recombinant vaccines contain HVT, which functions as a vector for the insertion of genes that encode immunising proteins from other viruses. They induce immunity against the HVT vector and against the expressed proteins of the foreign virus. Recombinant vaccines should not be used alone in breeders, nor combined with other ordinary HVT or recombinant rHVT viruses, as the response to foreign virus proteins will be compromised.

Cell-associated vaccines are stored in liquid nitrogen (-196 ° C / -320 ° F) and are reconstituted in specific diluents supplied by the manufacturer. Cell-free vaccines are lyophilized and refrigerated, but are not used industrially. Reconstitution and administration of vaccines must be carried out strictly following the protocols recommended by the manufacturer. The strict hygiene of the vaccine preparation room and the vaccination equipment is an essential requirement to avoid contamination.

The importance of constant training

The processes of storage, thawing, reconstitution, hygiene and administration of vaccines require periodic training and routine audits by internal and external quality control specialists. Producers should consult with veterinary specialists familiar with available products, different vaccination strategies, local challenges, and vaccine selection, handling, preparation, and administration processes.

Administration of in-ovo vaccines has improved protection against disease and also suggested a positive effect on the non-specific immune response against other agents.

Reconstituted vaccines should be kept refrigerated and should be administered over a period of 30 to 60 minutes, in addition to being periodically gently shaken to prevent cell sedimentation and ensure a uniform dose.