Banham Poultry has joined forces with Zoetis, and poultry veterinary consultants, Crowshall Veterinary Services, in trialling a new vaccine, Poulvac E.coli.
The vaccine is being administered to day old chicks along with other vaccines in the hatchery, and sets out to protect the chickens against E.coli, which 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, thus improving their welfare. This landmark trial has already been implemented, and more than 1.6 million birds will receive this Government approved vaccine.
If the trial is successful Banham Poultry will roll out the programme across its entire farming base.
Banham Poultry Managing Director Blaine Van Rensburg said: “The poultry industry is a success story in its significant achievement in reducing antibiotic usage over the past five years, and the drive continues.”