Bursine® Plus (Gumboro) Vaccine

Description

Poulvac® Bursine® Plus Vaccine for Poultry in Uganda

Poulvac® Bursine® Plus is a live, freeze-dried vaccine produced by Zoetis that protects chickens against Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD), commonly known as Gumboro disease.

In Uganda’s poultry industry, IBD is one of the most damaging viral diseases affecting young chickens. It attacks the bursa of Fabricius, an organ essential for the bird’s immune system, often causing immunosuppression, poor growth, and high mortality in broiler flocks. Vaccination with Bursine® Plus helps farmers protect birds during their most vulnerable early weeks of life.

Purpose

The vaccine is used for active immunization of chickens against Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV). It helps to:

• Reduce mortality caused by virulent IBD strains

• Protect the immune system of young birds

• Prevent severe immunosuppression that can make birds vulnerable to other diseases

• Improve overall flock health and productivity

It is commonly used as a primary vaccination in broiler programs or as a priming vaccine for breeder replacement pullets before administration of an inactivated IBD vaccine later in life.

Target Birds

Bursine® Plus is intended for:

• Healthy chickens

• Birds 7 days of age or older

The vaccine is suitable for use in broilers, layers, and breeder flocks.

Method of Administration

The vaccine is primarily administered through drinking water, which allows for mass vaccination of entire flocksquickly and efficiently.

The vaccine comes as a freeze-dried powder that must be dissolved in water before administration.

Vaccination Schedule

Typical vaccination programs may include:

• First vaccination: around 7–14 days of age

• Additional vaccinations may be recommended depending on local disease pressure and farm management practices

For breeder flocks, Bursine® Plus may be used as a primer before an inactivated IBD vaccine is administered later in the rearing period.

Farmers should consult a veterinarian or poultry extension officer to determine the best schedule for their specific farm conditions.

Storage Requirements

To maintain vaccine effectiveness:

• Store in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C

• Keep the vaccine protected from light

• Maintain the cold chain during transport and storage

Proper cold storage is particularly important in Uganda’s warm climate to prevent vaccine degradation.

Preparation and Water Management

When using the drinking water method, several steps help ensure effective vaccination:

• Withhold water for 2–4 hours before vaccination so birds drink the vaccine quickly.

• Use clean, chlorine-free water.

• Add dried milk powder (approximately 1 ounce per 2 gallons of water) to stabilize the vaccine and protect the live virus.

• Ensure the entire vaccine solution is consumed within a short time.

These steps help ensure each bird receives an adequate dose.

Withdrawal Period

Birds should not be vaccinated within 21–28 days before slaughter.

Precautions

Farmers and poultry handlers should follow these guidelines:

• Vaccinate only healthy birds.

• Maintain good hygiene and biosecurity when preparing and administering the vaccine.

• Avoid exposing the vaccine to sunlight, disinfectants, or high temperatures.

• Mild and temporary reactions may occur after vaccination but usually resolve quickly.

Packaging

The vaccine is typically supplied in freeze-dried vials, commonly packaged as:

• 10 vials × 5,000 doses each

This packaging is suitable for small, medium, and large poultry farms.

Importance for Ugandan Poultry Farmers

IBD outbreaks can severely damage poultry enterprises by weakening birds’ immune systems and increasing susceptibility to other infections. Vaccination with Bursine® Plus helps farmers:

• Reduce mortality in young chicks

• Maintain healthy immune systems in flocks

• Improve broiler growth performance

• Protect breeder and layer productivity

Combined with proper sanitation, biosecurity, and good management, vaccination against IBD is a critical component of successful poultry farming in Uganda. 🐔