Ep 38 | Joshua Davison: extending Salmonella protection in UK egg flocks

Longer laying cycles are changing the conversation around Salmonella protection in laying hens.In this episode, Tom Willings and Tom Woolman speak with Josh Davison about the new option of a fourth dose of AviPro Duo in lay, and why it matters for egg producers managing longer-lived flocks.Josh explains that the traditional three-dose AviPro Duo programme in rear was developed for shorter production cycles, with up to 68 weeks of immunity for the enteritidis component.As birds are now being kept for longer, the industry has been looking for a way to extend protection.The result is a booster dose that can be given at around 50 weeks of age, designed to provide up to a further 50 weeks of Salmonella protection.The episode also covers how the vaccine is administered through drinking water, why there is zero day egg withdrawal, and what producers can expect in practice on farm.Josh stresses that this is a prescription product and that any decision to adopt a fourth dose should sit between the producer and their clinical vet.Alongside the technical detail, the discussion looks at the wider commercial and reputational context for the UK egg industry.With Salmonella control a core part of consumer confidence, Lion Code strength and whole-industry reputation, the conversation explores whether a fourth dose of AviPro Duo should be seen as a practical extension of existing control measures for longer laying cycles.What’s covered in this episodeWhy longer laying cycles have increased demand for longer Salmonella immunity in laying flocksHow the three-dose rear programme compares with the new in-lay booster optionWhy the fourth dose is given at around 50 weeks of ageHow the vaccine is delivered through water on farmWhat producers need to know about stress, production impact and zero day egg withdrawalWhy uptake is expected to be a producer-and-vet decision, not a mandatory stepThe wider business case around risk reduction, consumer confidence and industry reputationJosh’s estimate that the cost of the extra dose is less than the farm-gate value of a single egg