Racing Pigeon Laboratory Testing Vaccination Guidelines, designed to support the health and wellbeing of your birds and to help protect them against the dangerous viral and bacterial infections commonly affecting racing pigeons.

A well-planned vaccination programme plays a vital role in developing strong loft immunity, reducing the risk of disease outbreaks, and helping pigeons maintain optimum health for breeding, training, and racing.

RACING PIGEON LABORATORY TESTING VACCINATION & LOFT IMMUNITY GUIDE LINE.

IMPORTANT VACCINE STORAGE & HANDLING

All vaccines must be stored between 2°C and 8°C at all times.

• Store vaccines in a refrigerator immediately upon receipt.
• Keep vaccines on ice during transport and during vaccination.
• Never use vaccines that have not been maintained under a verified cold chain.
• Exposure to heat can significantly reduce vaccine effectiveness.
• Only purchase vaccines from reputable suppliers that can demonstrate correct cold-chain management.
• Always check expiry dates before use.
• Shake vaccine bottles thoroughly before drawing up.

WHY VACCINATION MATTERS

Vaccination is one of the most important tools available to racing pigeon fanciers.

Benefits of Vaccination

✔ Protects against common bacterial and viral diseases.

✔ Reduces mortality and disease outbreaks.

✔ Improves breeding performance and chick survival.

✔ Enhances racing fitness and recovery.

✔ Builds loft immunity, protecting the entire colony.

Understanding Loft Immunity

Disease organisms are constantly present in the environment. Many pigeons can carry pathogens without showing signs of illness. During periods of stress such as breeding, racing, transport, training, moulting or overcrowding, these organisms can become active and cause disease outbreaks.

A well-vaccinated loft develops herd immunity (loft immunity), significantly reducing the risk of epidemics.

ANNUAL VACCINATION PROGRAMME

OCTOBER – FOUNDATION VACCINATION PERIOD

Following the moult, vaccinate:

• Breeders
• Old Bird Racers
• Naturally Reared Young Birds

This allows sufficient time for immunity to develop before the following season.

Darkened Young Birds: Young birds that complete their moult later should be vaccinated in December once the moult has finished.

PRE-VACCINATION HEALTH PREPARATION

If health problems occurred during the previous season, such as:

• Respiratory disease
• Salmonella
• E. coli infections
• Streptococcal infections
• Poor racing performance

it is advisable to investigate and address these issues before vaccination.

Healthy birds respond significantly better to vaccination.

BREEDING BIRDS

Timing

Vaccinate 4–6 weeks before pairing.

Vaccines

Salgen Salmonella Vaccine

• Protection against Salmonella Group B & D.

PMV Vaccine

• Colombovac PMV or
• Nobilis PMV

Benefits

Vaccinating breeders before pairing:

✔ Produces strong antibody levels.

✔ Allows maternal antibodies to pass through the egg to the chick.

✔ Provides early protection during the first weeks of life.

Both vaccines can be administered at the same time.

YOUNG BABY CHICKS (SQUABS)

5–12 Days Old

Salgen Vaccine

• Administer oral Salgen droplets as directed.
• Provides early Salmonella protection.

21 Days Old (Before Weaning)

PMV Vaccination

• Colombovac PMV or Nobilis PMV.
• Protection against Paramyxovirus Type 1 (PMV/PPMV1).

4 Weeks Old

RP Vaccine

• Protection against Rotavirus (Ro/D) and Paramyxovirus (PPMV1).

2 Weeks Later

PHA Vaccine

• Protection against Pigeon Herpesvirus, Adenovirus and Paramyxovirus.

OLD BIRD RACERS

Racing pigeons are highly exposed when mixing with birds from other lofts.

Early January

Vaccinate with:

• Salgen Salmonella Vaccine
• PMV Vaccine (Colombovac or Nobilis)

Two Weeks Later

Vaccinate with:

• RP Vaccine (Rotavirus & Paramyxovirus)

One Week Later

Vaccinate with:

• PHA Vaccine (Herpesvirus, Adenovirus & Paramyxovirus)

YOUNG BIRD RACERS

Young birds should be re-vaccinated before mixing with large groups of birds.

Early May

Vaccinate with:

• Salgen Salmonella Vaccine
• PMV Vaccine

Two Weeks Later

Vaccinate with:

• RP Vaccine

One Week Later

Vaccinate with:

• PHA Vaccine

This programme helps ensure maximum immunity before training, racing and basket exposure.

CORRECT METHOD OF VACCINATION

RP & PHA VACCINES

RP and PHA are oil-based inactivated (killed) vaccines.

Dose

0.3 ml per pigeon

Injection Site

1. Gently lift the loose skin at the back of the neck.
2. Insert the needle just under the skin.
3. Direct the needle towards the tail.
4. Inject slowly.

Important

✔ Inject under the skin only.

✔ Do not inject into muscle.

✔ Do not inject deeply.

✔ Ensure the vaccine forms a small pocket beneath the skin.

PREVENTING CROSS-CONTAMINATION

Good vaccination hygiene is essential.

Follow These Rules

✔ Use sterile syringes and needles.

✔ Never place a used needle back into the vaccine bottle.

✔ Use one needle exclusively for drawing vaccine from the vial.

✔ Disinfect vaccination needles regularly using surgical spirit or an approved disinfectant.

✔ Keep equipment clean throughout the vaccination process.

✔ Replace damaged or blunt needles immediately.

These measures reduce the risk of spreading infection from bird to bird.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS

✔ Allow vaccine to reach room temperature before use.

✔ Shake thoroughly before drawing up.

✔ Maintain the cold chain throughout vaccination.

✔ Use clean handling techniques.

✔ Vaccinate only healthy birds.

✔ Avoid vaccinating birds suffering from active disease.

✔ Record vaccination dates for every loft.

BOOSTER RECOMMENDATIONS

RP & PHA Vaccines

• First vaccination: 4–5 weeks of age.
• Booster: 3–4 weeks later if required.
• Annual booster before breeding or racing.

PMV Vaccines

• Annual vaccination strongly recommended.
• Vaccinate at least 3–4 weeks before breeding or racing.

Salgen Vaccine

• Follow manufacturer recommendations.
• Annual vaccination is generally advised to maintain loft immunity.

LUMPS OR SWELLING AFTER VACCINATION

A small lump may occasionally develop at the injection site.

This Is Normal

✔ Expected with oil-based vaccines.

✔ Indicates stimulation of the immune system.

✔ Usually resolves within 2–6 weeks.

✔ Similar reactions can occasionally occur with Nobilis PMV.

This Is Not

✘ An infection.

✘ A disease.

✘ A cause for concern unless severe swelling or illness develops.

SUMMARY

A successful racing pigeon health programme relies on:

✔ Correct vaccine storage (2–8°C).

✔ Strict cold-chain management.

✔ Annual vaccination of all birds.

✔ Development of strong loft immunity.

✔ Vaccination of breeders before pairing.

✔ Early vaccination of young birds.

✔ Strategic booster vaccination before racing.

✔ Proper subcutaneous injection technique.

✔ Good loft management and biosecurity.

When combined with sound loft hygiene, nutrition and health monitoring, this vaccination programme provides the best opportunity for healthy breeders, healthy youngsters and successful racing performance.