For commercial poultry farmers, proper immunisation is a key pillar for healthy, fast-growing birds. Without it, even the best feeding practices may fail.
According to poultry experts and experienced farmers, several important factors must be considered if you want to protect your flock from deadly diseases and ensure good returns.
Robert Sserwanga, the director of Agrarian System, says that immunising chickens is not just about injecting or giving medicine. “You must know which diseases to vaccinate against, when to do it, and how to do it properly,” he advises.
He lists common poultry diseases that need vaccination, including Newcastle disease, Gumboro, Fowl Pox, and Marek’s disease.
Sserwanga emphasises buying vaccines from certified dealers and ensuring that they are handled and stored correctly.
“Always keep vaccines refrigerated, and never use expired ones,” he says. He also warns that the water used for administering vaccines must be clean and cool. “If the water is too warm or contaminated, it can kill the live vaccine and make it useless.”
Richard Nyakaana, a poultry farmer from Kana Farm, adds that timing is very important. “You must immunise early in the morning or late in the evening when the weather is cool.
This helps reduce stress on the birds,” he says. Nyakaana also advises against feeding the birds immediately before or after vaccination, as it can interfere with the vaccine’s absorption.
Cleanliness is another crucial factor. Samuel Israel Kayonde, who runs a poultry farm with over 20,000 birds, says hygiene during vaccination determines success.
“Always disinfect equipment and ensure that the hands and clothing of workers are clean,” he says. He also insists on isolating sick birds before immunisation and following a strict vaccination schedule.
