Vaccination of poultry is crucial for reducing disease within a flock of chickens and limiting the possibility of disease transfer to poultry farmers and support staff. However, there are several major challenges associated with poultry vaccination.

Traditional vaccination methods, such as injections, can be labor-intensive making vaccinating large numbers of chicks efficiently a significant challenge. Ensuring that each chick receives the correct dose of vaccine without missing any can be difficult, especially in large-scale operations. Further, the effectiveness of vaccines can be influenced by various factors, including the method of administration, the health status of the birds, and environmental conditions. Ensuring that vaccines remain effective under different conditions is essential for successful disease prevention.

Starting in 2016, we collaborated with researchers looking to address these challenges by exploring the use of aerosolized vaccines and nebulization chambers. We supported the development of a large-scale nebulization chamber capable of vaccinating up to 8,000 chicks at once using a batch method as well as small benchtop systems for nebulized vaccine research. This innovation aimed to reduce labor and stress associated with traditional vaccination methods while ensuring consistent and effective vaccine delivery.

Extensions of this project have focused on optimizing the nebulized particle size to ensure effective vaccination in both small- and large-scale applications. By tailoring the particle size, researchers aim to improve vaccine uptake and efficacy, providing a more reliable and scalable solution for poultry vaccination.

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