TVLA comes with new vaccine to boost poultry business

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agency (TVLA)’s innovative Newcastle vaccine in tablet form, which can be easily mixed with water, marks a significant advancement for the poultry industry, directly influencing business outcomes for farmers.

TVLA took three years to develop this user-friendly solution, which enhances vaccination efficiency, reduces costs and improves flock health, ultimately driving profitability and sustainability in poultry farming throughout the country.

The TVLA Head of the Animal Science Division Central Veterinary Laboratory, Dr Scholastica Dotto said that previously, farmers relied on liquid vaccines that required administering drops to each individual chicken.

“We wanted to make this vaccine easier to administer, especially for those with large flocks. It’s more convenient as it can be mixed with water instead of having to drop a dose into each chicken’s mouth,” Dr Dotto said at the closing day of the Poultry Fair in Dar es Salaam over the weekend.

“We are in the final stages of development and plan to launch the vaccine in the market within the next three months, at which point the name will be revealed,” she said.

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The vaccine used to protect poultry, particularly chickens, against Newcastle disease, a highly contagious viral infection.

This disease can cause severe respiratory issues, decreased egg production and high mortality rates in infected flocks. Also, the vaccine helps prevent outbreaks, ensuring healthier birds and more stable poultry production. TVLA said the vaccine will be affordable and produced locally by the government laboratory.

Despite being affordable, the vaccine will provide effective immunity against Newcastle disease, reducing the risk of outbreaks and associated losses, while also enhancing egg production and growth rates. Meanwhile, she said that TVLA is in process to develop two other vaccines for lumpy skin disease and another for Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).

“The vision is to broaden the range of locally produced vaccines to better meet the needs of the country,” Dr Dotto said.

The TVLA Laboratory Technician, Ms Shukuru Nganga, said farmers will save time as many chickens can be vaccinated at once. She said that with the completion of this vaccine TVLA will have researched a total of seven different vaccines.

TVLA is the national body responsible for veterinary diagnostics, research and the development of veterinary products, including vaccines.

It plays a crucial role in enhancing animal health, supporting livestock production and safeguarding public health in the country.