Frequently asked questions

Questions about vaccinating against avian metapneumovirus and avian metapneumovirus vaccines.

Avian Metapneumovirus

What is the main reason for vaccinating broilers, meat turkeys and layers/breeders against Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV)?
Answer: In broilers and meat turkeys vaccination is done to prevent respiratory problems caused by Avian Metapneumovirus infection. The consequent economic losses from (secondary) infections, such as increased use of antimicrobials, reduced weight gain, increases in carcass condemnation and increased mortality are reduced.

Vaccination of layers and breeders prevents economic losses due to decreased egg production and poor egg quality. See Economic consequences.

When can vaccines against aMPV be applied?
Answer: In general live vaccines (like Nobilis Rhino CV for chickens and Nobilis TRT for meat turkeys) can be used from 1 day of age onwards. The inactivated vaccine is usually used at 16 weeks of age in chicken layers and breeders and at 26-30 weeks of age in turkey breeders. See Vaccination programs,Chicken vaccines and Turkey vaccines.

Must a new vaccine be developed in order to control infection caused by new (chicken or turkey) aMPV subtypes?
Answer: In general there is cross protection between vaccines of different subtypes (A or B) and different biological origins (chicken or turkey isolates). See Subtypes and Trial Data.

Is an inactivated vaccine necessary for the protection of layers and breeders during the production period?
Answer: Yes, for complete protection of layers and (turkey) breeders an inactivated vaccine is necessary. Layers and/or breeders primed with Nobilis Rhino CV and vaccinated with Nobilis RT inac (+ combinations) will develop high levels of antibodies and will be protected against challenge. Turkeys primed with Nobilis TRT and vaccinated with Nobilis TRT inac (+ ND) will develop high levels of antibodies and will be protected against challenge.
See Trials - inactivated vaccines.

When vaccinating against aMPV, do interference problems occur?
Answer: Interference may occur when vaccines that compete for the same target cells are combined (for example live Infectious Bronchitis, Newcastle Disease and/or Pneumovirus vaccines). At least one week should be left between each vaccination. Otherwise, the vaccines can be concomitantly used when their compatibility has been proven as is the case of Nobilis Rhino CV.

Nobilis Rhino CV

How does Nobilis® Rhino CV differ from other vaccines?
Answer: Nobilis Rhino CV contains a chicken subtype B strain. Nobilis Rhino CV can be used for the vaccination of MDA+ chickens from 1 day of age onwards by coarse spray or eye drop. It has been demonstrated that birds vaccinated with Nobilis Rhino CV will be protected against challenge 16 weeks post vaccination. See Nobilis Rhino CV.

Is Nobilis Rhino CV compatible with other vaccines?
Answer: Nobilis Rhino CV is compatible with IB vaccines Nobilis IB Ma5 and Nobilis IB H120, with ND vaccines Nobilis ND Clone 30 and Nobilis ND C2 as well as with Gumboro vaccine Nobilis Gumboro D78. See Nobilis Rhino CV.