Instructions for Salmonella Vaccine
Polyvalent Autogenous Paratyphoid Vaccine
Product Description:
This vaccine is a polyvalent autogenous bacterin of Salmonella isolates recently found in racing, show and meat pigeons. It has been formulated as an aid in the prevention of paratyphoid infections caused by many of the Salmonella strains currently circulating in pigeons.
Indications:
It is intended for use in all types of domestic pigeons. Vaccinate only healthy birds, preferably during a period of low stress, such as after the moult or prior to breeding season. Avoid vaccinating during breeding season, racing/show, the moult, and pigeons less than 6 weeks of age. It is also advised to rest pigeons in their own loft for 48 hours post vaccination.
Vaccinate all birds in the flock; this includes not only breeder and young birds, but also feeders, droppers and all stock/odd birds. Vaccinate all birds, regardless of whether they are kept fully confined, or go out for racing, flying or showing. Do not vaccinate during periods of extreme heat/cold and a light meal is advised 2 hours prior to vaccination. During a Salmonella outbreak, healthy birds should be vaccinated to stimulate their immune systems. Vaccination will not cure a bird already sick; for treatment, please consult a pigeon Veterinarian for a culture, antibiotic sensitivity, and other appropriate treatment and control measures.
The decision to vaccinate should be in consultation with your pigeon Veterinarian or an USDA/APHIS/VS Approved Specialist, such as John Kazmierczak, D.V.M. and based on flock disease history and the birds’ intended use. Because of the dormant nature of the Salmonella bacteria, apparently healthy birds can be carriers of Salmonella; it often causes disease during times of stress and in young birds raised by carrier parents. If there is any history of Salmonella in any birds in a flock, all birds should be vaccinated. Any birds allowed out of the loft for racing, flying or showing could possibly become exposed to Salmonella and therefore, vaccination would be strongly recommended. Since rodents and wild birds may be the source of Salmonella, any birds exposed to rodents, wild birds or rodent and wild bird damaged feed or litter, should be vaccinated.
Administration:
Shake well before using. Vaccination is accomplished by using a syringe and small gauge needle to inject 0.25 ml of the bacterin subcutaneously at the base of the neck. Withdraw slightly on the syringe plunger prior to injection to ensure that delivery of the bacterin is not into a blood vessel. Caution should be taken to administer this product at shoulder level on the midline and not higher up on the back of the neck to avoid an extensive venous plexus present in pigeons. Aseptic technique should be followed using alcohol to clean the injection site and using a new sterile syringe and needle between each bird. In case of anaphylactic reaction, administer epinephrine or atropine sulfate. Two vaccinations are recommended 3-4 weeks apart. Vaccinations should be completed at least 2-3 weeks prior to racing, showing or the onset of egg production. Thereafter, boosters are recommended semi-annually. Do not vaccinate within 21 days before slaughter.
If you are unable to understand or carry out these instructions, please consult your local Pigeon Veterinarian or consult Dr. Kazmierczak listed below.
General Information:
This bacterin has been carefully produced and has undergone purity, sterility and safety tests.
Store in the dark at 35-45° F (2-7°C) . This product is non-returnable.
CAUTION: DO NOT USE IF VACCINE IS FROZEN! DO NOT TRY TO THAW AND USE!!! DISCARD VACCINE IF FROZEN OR AFTER THAWING!
For any questions or adverse reactions, please contact:
Dr. John Kazmierczak
West Trenton Animal Hospital
West Trenton, New Jersey 08628
Phone (609)771-0995
