Kvet Forum
Well-known member
Very many animal diseases are preventable by vaccination and scientists are constantly searching for new vaccines to prevent diseases. Only healthy animals should be vaccinated, because weak animals will not respond effectively. Some weak animals can even become sick from the vaccines.
- After injection, vaccines take a minimum of 2 weeks or more to take good protective effect.
- Do not use antibiotics and other drugs in connection with vaccines, as they may interfere with the protective effects of the vaccine.
- Try to avoid disinfectants during vaccinations. Use sterilization by boiling water or use new disposable needles.
- Avoid using chlorinated water when giving chicken oral vaccines. Use rain water, spring water or borehole water sterilised by boiling - but NOT chlorinated water.
- When using live vaccines some animals may develop mild symptoms of the illness. This is no cause for alarm, as it actaully shows that the vaccine is working well.
Vaccination Practices
- Ring vaccination: This is the practice of vaccinating all animals around a location with an active acute outbreak to prevent spread of the disease, it is carried out by the Department of veterinary services
- Vaccination of whole herds
- Vaccination of breeding stock only
- Vaccination of young animals only
- Sometimes pregnant animals are not vaccinated as the vaccine can damage the offspring
Types of Vaccines
- Live vaccines, these are attenuated vaccines (containing a weakened disease agent)
- Killed vaccines
- ITM - Infection and Treatment Method (for East Coast Fever)
In some countries farmers are using immuno stimulants to raise the general level of immunity against viral diseases in general. These products are not yet available in East Africa.
Most veterinary vaccines in Kenya are produced by the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI) but some are also imported.
Mode of Vaccine Administration
- Subcutaneous injection (S/C)
- Intramuscular injection (I/M)
- Orally (P/O (Per Os)
- Intranasal spray
- Intraocular drops
- Scarification
A list of the livestock vaccines for East Africa can be found here.