In the realm of aviculture, ensuring the health and well-being of your flock is essential for both the productivity and longevity of your birds. Salmonellosis, caused by various forms of the Salmonella bacteria, represents a significant health threat to pigeons. SALMOVAC is a specialized vaccine designed specifically for pigeons, offering a robust solution for active immunization against salmonellosis.

Understanding Salmonellosis in Pigeons

Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella enterica, which can lead to severe health complications in pigeons, including:

• Gastrointestinal distress
• Weight loss
• Dehydration
• High mortality rates in severe cases

The disease spreads through contaminated food, water, and environments, making it imperative for pigeon keepers to take proactive measures to protect their flocks.

What is SALMOVAC?

SALMOVAC is an inactivated vaccine designed for the effective immunization of pigeons against salmonellosis. Each dose contains inactivated seeds from two distinct serovars of Salmonella:

• Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium (min. 10^9 CFU)
• Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis (min. 10^9 CFU)

This dual-serogroup formulation ensures comprehensive protection against the most common strains of Salmonella affecting pigeons.

Key Features

• Effective Immunization: Provides active immunization against salmonellosis, significantly reducing the incidence of the disease.
• Dosage Packaging: Available in 15 ml (50 doses) and 30 ml (100 doses) packages to accommodate both small and large aviaries.
• Storage Stability: Offers a stability period of 12 months when stored correctly, ensuring long-term efficacy.

Benefits of Using SALMOVAC

1. Disease Prevention

The primary benefit of SALMOVAC is its ability to prevent salmonellosis outbreaks in pigeon populations. By vaccinating your birds, you proactively shield them from the risk of infection.

2. Comprehensive Protection

With the inclusion of multiple Salmonella serovars, SALMOVAC provides broad-spectrum protection, making it suitable for diverse environments that pigeons may encounter.

3. Easy Administration

The subcutaneous or intramuscular route of administration allows for straightforward application, making it accessible to both novice and seasoned pigeon keepers.

4. Cost-Effective Health Management

Investing in vaccinations can provide significant cost savings by reducing the potential veterinary expenses associated with treating sick birds or managing outbreaks.

5. Supports Overall Flock Health

Implementing SALMOVAC in your vaccination regimen contributes to the overall health and well-being of your pigeons, ultimately enhancing their productivity and performance.

Administration of SALMOVAC

Recommended Vaccination Scheme

Young Pigeons

• Initial Vaccination: Young pigeons may be vaccinated from the 4th week of age.
• Booster Vaccination: A booster dose is recommended 21-28 days after the initial vaccination to ensure enduring immunity.

Adult Pigeons

• Annual Dose: For adult pigeons, a single yearly vaccination is recommended, ideally administered at least 14 days before the exhibition period to maximize protection during stress-inducing events like competitions.

Route of Administration

SALMOVAC can be administered:

• Subcutaneously: Injecting under the skin, usually at the nape of the neck.
• Intramuscularly: Injecting into the muscle, typically the breast muscle.

Withdrawal Period

One significant advantage of SALMOVAC is its zero-day withdrawal period, meaning vaccinated pigeons can be safely used for consumption or exhibitions right after immunization.

Possible Undesirable Effects

While SALMOVAC is generally safe and well-tolerated, around 1-3% of vaccinated animals may experience post-vaccination reactions. These mild side effects may include:

• Mild swelling or discomfort at the injection site
• Slight lethargy

These reactions are typically temporary and resolve without the need for medical intervention. It is advisable to monitor the birds after vaccination for any unusual signs.

Storage Conditions

To maintain the efficacy of SALMOVAC, adhere to the following storage guidelines:

• Temperature: Store between +2 to +8 °C.
• Environment: Keep in a dark and dry place.
• Post-Opening Use: Use any opened product within 24 hours to ensure maximum efficacy.