Vaccination and Disease Prevention for Native Chickens
Consumer Preference for Native Chickens
Raising native chickens has slowly gained popularity and importance in recent years in many countries in Asia. This preference for native chickens is attributed to the superior flavor of their eggs and meat, and the ease with which these fowls are managed. They require fewer inputs and resources than commercial chickens.
Vaccination
Although native chickens are known to be hardy and resistant to diseases, it would be wise to vaccinate them against common poultry diseases. This will ensure that they will be healthy and productive.
It must be noted that commercial vaccines are sold in a large volume. Therefore, it is best to practice vaccination on many farms within the whole locality, so as not to waste any vaccines. If possible, a veterinarian should be consulted in these matters.
The most common diseases of native chickens are Newcastle Disease or Avian Pest, Fowl Pox and Fowl Cholera.
A vaccination program against these diseases should be followed to prevent disease outbreaks (Table 1). Local government units in some countries provide free vaccination against common poultry diseases. If vaccination services are available in the community, farmers should make use of this extension service. If none are available, commercial vaccines may be used. However, proper application and use should be followed to ensure flock health.
It must be noted that commercial vaccines are sold in a large volume. Therefore, it is best to practice vaccination on many farms within the whole locality, so as not to waste any vaccines. If possible, a veterinarian should be consulted in these matters.
Sanitation
Chicken raisers should practice proper sanitation to ensure the health of the flock. Dead birds, particularly those that have died of disease or unknown causes, should be burned or buried immediately to avoid the risk of infecting the remaining healthy birds.
Sick, inactive and weak birds should be isolated and kept separate from healthy ones to prevent a possible disease outbreak in the flock. Sick birds should be given proper medication and care, so that they soon recover.
Index of Images
Figure 1 Chickens with Newcastle Disease
Table 1 Vaccination Schedule for Native Chickens<BR>
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