Can I use Clostridium perfringens type A toxoid to help protect broiler flocks that will be medicated with ionophore anticoccidial drugs?
Yes. Ionophore anticoccidials help prevent clostridial infections in two ways. First, they control coccidiosis, which predisposes birds to clostridial overgrowth and NE. Second, these drugs have a direct anticlostridial effect when administered at the recommended doses for anticoccidial activity. Ionophores, however, may become less effective if bacteria and coccidial parasites develop resistance. To achieve optimal anticoccidial protection, ionophore anticoccidials need to be used in shuttle or combination with other, non-ionophore anticoccidials such as nicarbazin or diclazuril, which have no anticlostridial activity, thus diluting the beneficial effect of ionophore drugs against clostridial bacteria. Clostridium perfringens type A toxoid may complement the partial protection provided against NE afforded by ionophore anticoccidials. In field trials carried out in the United States by Schering-Plough Animal Health, broiler flocks from hens vaccinated with the toxoid that were treated
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- Can I use Clostridium perfringens type A toxoid to help protect broiler flocks that will be medicated with ionophore anticoccidial drugs?
