Your chickens are coughing, losing appetite, and you’re losing sleep over the threat of Newcastle disease. You’ve heard about Avivax I 2 vaccine but aren’t sure how to use it properly to save your flock.
This guide gives you the clear, step-by-step process for vaccinating your chickens. It’s a straightforward task that takes just a few minutes but offers months of crucial protection for your birds.
What You Need Before You Start
Getting everything ready before you mix the vaccine makes the whole process smooth and effective. Here’s your checklist:
- The Avivax I 2 Vaccine Vial: You can buy this from certified agrovets, veterinary pharmacies, or directly from the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI). It usually costs between KES 200 to KES 500 per vial.
- Clean, Chlorine-Free Water: The vaccine must be mixed with clean water. Use borehole, rain, or bottled water. Tap water in towns often has chlorine which will kill the vaccine, so avoid it unless you boil and cool it first.
- A Clean Drinker: You need a dedicated, non-metallic water container for the birds that is thoroughly cleaned. Don’t use one that has had disinfectants or soap residue.
- Healthy Birds: Only vaccinate chickens that are active and not showing signs of sickness. Vaccinating stressed or ill birds won’t work well and can cause more problems.
- Timing: Plan to vaccinate early in the morning or late afternoon when it’s cooler. Ensure the birds are slightly thirsty by removing their normal water for about 1-2 hours before.
Step-by-Step: How to use avivax i 2 vaccine for newcastle disease in Kenya
Follow these six clear steps to properly vaccinate your flock; the entire process, from mixing to completion, should take about 3 to 4 hours.
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Step 1: Prepare the Drinking Water
Calculate the amount of clean, chlorine-free water your birds will drink in 1-2 hours. For 100 birds, this is roughly 5-10 litres. Pour this water into your clean, non-metallic drinker and place it in a shaded spot.
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Step 2: Mix the Vaccine
Open the vaccine vial. For a 1000-dose vial, you can mix it with a small amount of the prepared water first in a separate clean cup. Then, pour this concentrated mix into the main drinker of water and stir gently with a clean stick. Do not use metal utensils as they can deactivate the vaccine.
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Step 3: Withdraw Normal Water
Take away all other sources of water from your chickens about 1-2 hours before you plan to give the vaccine. This ensures they are thirsty enough to drink the medicated water quickly and fully.
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Step 4: Administer the Vaccine
Place the drinker with the mixed vaccine in the coop or run. Make sure all birds have easy access. Watch to confirm that most birds are drinking. This is a common point of failure if the birds aren’t thirsty enough.
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Step 5: Monitor Consumption
The birds should finish the vaccine water within 1-2 hours. If it takes longer, the vaccine loses potency. Once they are done, remove the empty drinker.
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Step 6: Restore Normal Water
After about an hour, provide fresh, clean water in your usual drinkers. Keep an eye on the flock for the next day or two, but avoid stressing them.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Birds Not Drinking the Vaccine Water
This happens if they weren’t thirsty enough. Next time, withhold water for a full 2 hours before mixing the vaccine. You can also add a little blue dye or sugar to the water a few days prior so they get used to it, but never add anything to the actual vaccine water.
Vaccine Seems Ineffective (Birds Still Get Sick)
The most likely cause is using chlorinated tap water, which kills the live vaccine. Always use borehole, rain, or properly boiled and cooled water. Also, ensure you buy your vaccine from a reputable agrovet and check the expiry date on the vial.
Mixing and Timing Mistakes
If the mixed vaccine stays in the drinker for more than 2 hours under the sun, it becomes useless. Mix only what the birds will drink quickly, do it in the cool morning, and discard any leftovers. Never mix the vaccine with vitamins or antibiotics on the same day.
Where to Get Help
If you face persistent issues, contact your nearest Sub-County Veterinary Officer or call the Directorate of Veterinary Services hotline. For genuine product concerns, you can reach the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI) directly.
Cost and Timeline for How to use avivax i 2 vaccine for newcastle disease in Kenya
The main cost is the vaccine itself, with minimal extra expenses. The entire vaccination process is completed in one day. Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Item | Cost (KES) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Avivax I 2 Vaccine (1000-dose vial) | 200 – 600 | Purchase day |
| Clean Water Source (e.g., 20L bottled water) | 100 – 200 | Purchase day |
| Veterinary Consultation Fee (Optional) | 500 – 2000 | 1 hour |
The vaccine price can vary slightly by agrovet and county. A hidden cost is losing birds if you use chlorinated water, rendering the vaccine useless. There are no official government fees for the vaccination act itself. The active process—from water withdrawal to restoring normal drinking—takes roughly 3 to 4 hours on a single morning.
The Bottom Line
Using Avivax I 2 vaccine is a simple, cost-effective way to protect your chickens from Newcastle disease. The absolute key to success is using clean, chlorine-free water and ensuring your birds are thirsty enough to drink the mixture quickly. Follow the steps carefully and your flock will have strong immunity for months.
Did this guide help you? Share it with another poultry farmer in your area to help keep our Kenyan flocks healthy and productive.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to use avivax i 2 vaccine for newcastle disease in Kenya
How often should I vaccinate my chickens with Avivax I 2?
You should vaccinate your chickens every 3 to 4 months for continuous protection. This is especially important in high-risk areas or during weather changes.
Start vaccinating chicks from as early as two weeks old, following the same schedule throughout their laying or growing period.
Can I mix the vaccine with the chickens’ normal drinking water?
No, you must not. Their normal water source likely contains chlorine or other additives that will destroy the live vaccine.
You must provide separate, clean chlorine-free water specifically for the vaccination. Always use a dedicated, clean drinker.
What if my chickens don’t finish the vaccine water in two hours?
This is a common problem. Discard the remaining mixture immediately, as the vaccine becomes ineffective.
Next time, ensure birds are thirstier by withholding water longer, and mix only the amount they are likely to consume quickly.
Is it safe to vaccinate sick or stressed chickens?
No, it is not advisable. Only vaccinate birds that are healthy and active.
Vaccinating sick birds can worsen their condition and the vaccine may not trigger a proper immune response, wasting your money and effort.
Where can I buy genuine Avivax I 2 vaccine in Kenya?
Purchase it from certified agrovets, veterinary pharmacies, or directly from the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI).
Avoid roadside sellers. Always check the expiry date on the vial to ensure you are getting a potent product for your flock.
