Pigeon owners and breeders understand the importance of maintaining the health and well-being of their birds. Among the key components to achieving this is vaccination. Pharmavac PHA 50 doses is a vaccine specifically designed to offer immunity against several viruses affecting pigeons.

Composition of Pharmavac PHA

Pharmavac PHA is formulated to ensure maximum efficacy in protecting pigeons from specific viral threats. Each dose of 0.3 ml contains:

• Pigeon Paramyxovirus 1 (PPMV1): Inactivated, derived from the 988M strain with a potency of ≥ 6.9 log2 HI, which is critical in inhibiting the haemagglutination in chicks.
• Pigeon Herpesvirus 1 (PHV1): Inactivated, sourced from strain V298/70, boasting a strength of ≥38.1 ELISA units, essential for eliciting an immune response
• Poultry Adenovirus Type 8 (FAdV-8): Inactivated, taken from strain M2/E and marked at ≥24.7 ELISA units, contributing to the vaccine’s overall efficacy.

Dosage and Administration Guidelines

For effective vaccination, Pharmavac PHA should be administered following specific guidelines:

Dosage: The recommended dose is 0.3 ml, precisely calculated to stimulate the pigeon’s immune response without overloading their system.

Administration Technique: Each dose should be administered subcutaneously in the dorsal area of the neck, ideally towards the tail, and not near the head. This method promotes better absorption and reduces discomfort for the bird.

Age Consideration: Vaccination should commence at 4 weeks of age. This timing is critical as it aligns with the birds’ developmental stage, ensuring they receive adequate immunization before exposure to potential pathogens.

Indications for Use

Pharmavac PHA serves several vital purposes that support pigeon health:

Active Immunization: It is primarily used to actively immunize pigeons against several diseases, which is crucial in population management and disease control.

Reducing Clinical Symptoms: The vaccine significantly reduces mortality rates, the frequency of clinical symptoms, and their severity caused by PPMV1 infection.

Combatting Other Viral Infections: It also mitigates the severity of symptoms and viral shedding associated with the pigeon herpesvirus (PHV1) and adenovirus types 7/E, 2/D, 3/D, and 4/C.

Waiting Times and Immune Response

In terms of waiting periods post-vaccination, Pharmavac PHA has the following guidelines:

Meat and Offal Withdrawal: There are no waiting days for meat and offal consumption following vaccination, making it suitable for immediate integration into health management practices without affecting food safety.

Onset of Immunity: Immunity begins to develop approximately 3 weeks after vaccination. This is an essential consideration for breeders, allowing them to ascertain when their birds will be adequately protected against specific threats.

Duration of Immunity: The immunity to the PPMV1 component lasts for 12 months, while the immunity duration for components PHV1 and AdV is up to 5 months. This distinction helps in planning future vaccinations and management of bird health.

Storage Recommendations

Proper storage is vital to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of Pharmavac PHA:

Temperature Guidelines: The vaccine should be stored at a controlled temperature of 2°C ± 8°C. Higher or lower temperatures can potentially degrade the vaccine’s efficacy.

Original Carton Usage: It is advisable to keep the vaccine within its original carton, which provides protection against light and environmental factors, further preserving its stability.