The animal health company, Merial, has launch its NeO vaccination technology for use by the UK and Irish poultry sectors, unveiling its NeO effervescent tablets at this week’s Pig & Poultry Fair.
Designed as an alternative to the traditional glass vial method of dispensing vaccines to water, in preparation for spray or drinking water administration, the new tablet technology was described by the company as “significantly improving vaccination practices for poultry producers while maintaining reliable virus protection”. The NeO tablets are packed in aluminium blisters and dissolve in water.
“NeO is going to be really helpful on farm,” said Merial’s avian manager for the UK and Ireland, Gavin Kelly. “Compared to the traditional glass vials, NeO tablets are much easier to use. They are coloured so you can be sure you have added the dose and there’s no risk of glass breakage, so it’s safer for operators too.
“Less glass and less packaging on farm can only be a good thing with the aluminium blister packs and card outers reducing the quantity of waste by 10% compared to vials. Fridge space is always at a premium and, while NeO tablets do need refrigerating, the packs only take up a fraction of the space normally required.”
Two of Merial’s poultry vaccines will be available in the new NeO format, including Gallivac IB88 and Avinew.
