Norfolk-based Banham Poultry as teamed up with Zoetis and poultry veterinary consultants Crowshall veterinary services in a UK first in trialling a vaccine called Poulvac E.coli.
The vaccine is being administered to day old chicks along with other vaccines in the hatchery in order to protect birds against E coli. The pathogen can cause disease and mortality in birds leading to poorer welfare and poor productivity as well as increased antibiotic use.
It is anticipated that this vaccine will prevent the disease associated with E.coli bacteria by providing the birds with immunity, improving their welfare and at the same time reduced antibiotic usage.
If the trial is successful Banham Poultry said it would roll out the programme across its entire farming base.