Diftovac Pox Vaccine for Pigeons

Pigeon pox can cause characteristic skin lesions and other clinical signs that can significantly affect the health and condition of racing and breeding pigeons. Diftovac® is a live pigeon pox vaccine designed for the active immunisation of pigeons against pigeon pox.

This guide covers what Diftovac is used for, when pigeons can be vaccinated, how long immunity lasts, and the recommended vaccination methods.

What is Diftovac?

Diftovac is a live vaccine containing Pigeon Pox Virus, strain NJ. It is supplied as a freeze-dried vaccine with Diluent D for preparation immediately before use.

The vaccine is intended to reduce the clinical signs and lesions associated with pigeon pox infection.

How quickly does Diftovac provide protection?

Immunity develops within 21 days of vaccination and lasts for at least 9 months.

This makes vaccination something that can be incorporated into the loft's wider preventative health programme rather than waiting until pigeon pox becomes a problem.

When should pigeons be vaccinated?

Pigeons can receive their primary vaccination from 4 weeks of age.

The appropriate revaccination schedule depends on the level of pigeon pox risk:

• Higher-risk lofts: Revaccination every 9 months.
• Lower-risk lofts: Annual revaccination is generally considered sufficient.

Only healthy pigeons should be vaccinated. Birds that are sick or suspected of suffering from disease should not be vaccinated.

How is Diftovac administered?

There are two administration methods: subcutaneous injection and feather-follicle administration.

Subcutaneous vaccination — recommended method

Subcutaneous administration is the preferred method.

For a 50-dose vial, reconstitute the vaccine with 10 ml of Diluent D. For a 100-dose vial, use 20 ml.

Each pigeon receives 0.2 ml by subcutaneous injection, normally into the loose skin of the neck.

Sterile syringes, needles and equipment should always be used, and vaccination should be performed using appropriate aseptic technique.

Feather-follicle vaccination

Diftovac can alternatively be administered through the feather follicles.

For this method, a 50-dose vial is reconstituted with 5 ml Diluent D, while a 100-dose vial requires 10 ml.

Around 10–15 feathers are removed from the inside of the leg and 0.1 ml of vaccine per pigeon is applied to the exposed follicles.

The area should be clean and dry but should not be disinfected before vaccination. Bleeding should also be avoided, as this can increase the local reaction.

What should you expect after vaccination?

A successful vaccination should normally produce a small local swelling within 4–10 days.

This may develop into a scab and typically resolves within 4–6 weeks.

Local reactions following subcutaneous administration are very rare. With feather-follicle administration, swollen follicles greater than 5 mm without discharge may rarely occur and normally resolve within approximately 9 days.

If no vaccination reaction is observed, this can potentially indicate incorrect administration or previous immunity.

How should Diftovac be stored?

Correct storage is particularly important with vaccines.

Diftovac should be:

Stored and transported at 2–8°C • Never frozen • Protected from light and direct sunlight • Kept dry

Even short periods outside the recommended temperature range should be avoided.

Once the vaccine has been reconstituted, it should be used within 1 hour.

Important vaccination considerations

Diftovac should not be mixed with other veterinary medicinal products except the supplied Diluent D.

There is also insufficient information regarding its use alongside other veterinary medicines, so decisions about administering other products before or after vaccination should be made with appropriate veterinary guidance.

The safety of Diftovac during the laying period has not been established. Its use during lay should therefore follow a veterinarian's benefit-risk assessment.

The withdrawal period is zero days.

Diftovac pack sizes

Diftovac is available in:

50 doses — lyophilised vaccine supplied with 10 ml Diluent D
100 doses — lyophilised vaccine supplied with 20 ml Diluent D

Protecting Racing Pigeons Against Pigeon Pox

Vaccination is an important preventative tool for lofts where pigeon pox presents a risk. Starting vaccination from four weeks of age and maintaining an appropriate revaccination programme can provide sustained immunity while reducing the clinical signs and lesions associated with infection.

For advice on Diftovac, pigeon pox vaccination or your loft's wider vaccination programme, contact Racing Pigeon Laboratory Testing.