In the world of pigeon breeding and racing, the health of your flock is of utmost importance. Disease outbreaks can devastate pigeon populations, leading to severe clinical signs, increased mortality rates, and significant economic losses. To combat these threats, the RP Vacc vaccine offers a reliable solution to immunize pigeons against two major diseases: pigeon rotavirus and paramyxovirus type 1.
Understanding the Diseases: Pigeon Rotavirus and Paramyxovirus Type 1
Pigeon Rotavirus
Pigeon rotavirus is a contagious virus that affects pigeons, leading to clinical signs such as:
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Dehydration
- Weight loss This virus can severely impact both the health and productivity of affected birds. Infection can result in shedding of the virus, further exacerbating its spread within a flock.
Paramyxovirus Type 1 (PMV1)
PMV1 is another viral pathogen that poses a considerable threat to pigeons. Clinical signs of PMV1 infection may include:
- Neurological symptoms such as tremors and incoordination
- Respiratory distress
- Reduced breeding success Infections can lead to high mortality rates, particularly in naïve populations.
What is RP Vacc?
RP Vacc is an inactivated vaccine formulated for the active immunization of pigeons against pigeon rotavirus and paramyxovirus type 1. Each 0.3 ml dose contains:
- Pigeon Rotavirus, strain Ro/D: Inactivated, ≥ 52.2 ELISA units*
- Pigeon Paramyxovirus type 1, strain 988M: Inactivated, ≥ 6.47 log2 HI**
- ELISA units measured in chickens.
Key Features
- Inactivated Active Substances: The use of inactivated strains ensures safety while effectively building immunity.
- Broad Protection: Combines immune responses against both pigeon rotavirus and PMV1 in one vaccine.
- User-Friendly Administration: Designed for easy administration, RP Vacc is suitable for aviculturists of all experience levels.
Indications for Use
RP Vacc is recommended for:
- Active Immunization of Pigeons: Pigeons aged 4 weeks and older can benefit from this vaccination.
- Reduction of Clinical Signs: The vaccine helps reduce the frequency and severity of clinical signs, gross lesions, and virus shedding caused by pigeon rotavirus (PiRV).
- Reduction of Mortality: The vaccine significantly lowers mortality rates and the severity of clinical signs of PMV1.
Onset and Duration of Immunity
- Onset of Immunity: Immunity develops approximately 2 weeks post-primary vaccination.
- Duration of Immunity: Lasts for 8 months for PiRV and 9 months for PMV1 following the primary vaccination scheme.
Dosage and Administration
To achieve the best results from RP Vacc, follow these guidelines for dosage and administration:
Recommended Vaccination Scheme
- Primary Vaccination:
- First Dose: Administer the first dose from 4 weeks of age.
- Second Dose: A second dose should be administered 3 weeks later to enhance immunity.
- Revaccination:
- Administer one dose every year after the last injection at the latest.
- For flocks with high exposure to PiRV and/or PMV1, revaccination is recommended every 8 to 9 months.
Route of Administration
- Intramuscularly: Inject into the femoral muscle for effective uptake.
- Subcutaneously: Inject in the dorsal region of the neck towards the tail, avoiding the head area.
Adverse Reactions
While RP Vacc is safe for pigeon populations, some minor adverse reactions may occur:
- Apathy: Mild apathy for a day after vaccination, usually transient.
- Immediate Pain upon Injection: Temporary pain may happen without swelling lasting up to one day after intramuscular administration.
- Injection Site Swelling: Up to 0.5 cm in diameter at the injection site, which typically lasts for about five days following subcutaneous administration.
These reactions are generally mild, and most pigeons tolerate the vaccine well. Monitoring birds post-vaccination is recommended to ensure their well-being.
Withdrawal Period
One of the significant benefits of RP Vacc is its zero-day withdrawal period. This means that vaccinated pigeons can be safely used for consumption, shows, or competitions immediately after vaccination.
