Ceva has been granted permission in Europe to use Cevac Ibird & Cevac Mass L in combination, the first programme of its kind, which offers poultry nine weeks of immunity against respiratory conditions.
Combined vaccination will also simplify programmes for layer pullets with less revaccination required during rearing, the drug firm said. Safe repeated use leads to a lower drop in egg production and improved eggshell quality, Ceva said.
A further benefit is that this new generation of vaccines reduces the virus load in the trachea.
Dr Pascal Paulet, Head of Poultry marketing commented: “Achieving simple disease protection through vaccination is no longer enough, the new standard means that today’s vaccines must also be capable of reducing overall disease pressure by minimising circulation of field viruses.”
Consumer demand is having significant impact on the way that poultry is produced. Up to 40% of broilers are now reared for eight to nine weeks, as producers respond to evolving consumer demand for more taste from ethically reared birds or new cooked lifestyle products.