NZ Vaccine Guide for Poultry
New Zealand is fortunate to be free of some major poultry diseases (like Newcastle
Disease and Infectious Bursal Disease), so those vaccines are not used. However, several other diseases exist in NZ, and vaccination can protect small flocks from serious outbreaks.
Below is a detailed list of vaccines available for mostly commercial chickens in NZ, a recommended vaccination schedule for commercial flocks, and a discussion of vaccine vial sizes.
Available Vaccines
Vaccines Information
AE-Vac™
Avian Encephalomyelitis (AE / Epidemic Tremor)
Avian Encephalomyelitis (AE / Epidemic Tremor) is a viral disease that primarily affects young chickens, usually under six weeks of age. It is caused by a picornavirus that attacks the brain and spinal cord, leading to signs such as tremors of the head and neck, unsteady walking, paralysis, and, in severe cases, blindness or death. The virus spreads rapidly through both horizontal transmission (contact with contaminated faeces or equipment) and vertical transmission (from infected hens to chicks via the egg). Adult birds often show no symptoms but serve as carriers. While there is no treatment, vaccination of breeding flocks effectively prevents the disease by ensuring chicks hatch with protective immunity. Good hygiene, biosecurity, and vaccination remain the key measures for prevention and control.
AviPro Thymovac®
Chicken Anaemia Virus (CAV)
Chicken Anaemia Virus (CAV), also called Chicken Anaemia Disease, is a viral infection that weakens the immune system of young chicks. The virus mainly affects hatchlings, causing pale combs, weakness, poor growth, and a higher risk of other infections. Adult birds may carry the virus without showing signs.
In New Zealand, parent flocks are usually vaccinated during rearing, about six weeks before laying starts, so they pass protective antibodies to their chicks. The vaccine is a modified live virus, given via the drinking water. Backyard flocks generally don’t need vaccination unless they hatch their own chicks, as the disease rarely affects older birds. Good biosecurity and sourcing chicks from vaccinated parent flocks are usually sufficient protection
Livacox® Q and Livacox® T
Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is a common intestinal disease in chickens caused by Eimeria parasites. It spreads when birds ingest infected droppings or contaminated feed, water, or bedding. Signs include bloody or watery droppings, lethargy, poor growth, and sudden death in severe cases. The parasite damages the gut lining, affecting nutrient absorption and overall health. Prevention includes keeping housing clean and dry, rotating pasture areas, and using medicated feed or vaccines for young chicks. Early detection and good hygiene are key to controlling outbreaks.
Izovac® EDS
Egg Drop Syndrome (EDS)
Egg Drop Syndrome (EDS) is caused by a duck adenovirus that can infect chickens, leading to soft-shelled or shell-less eggs and a drop in egg production. It’s uncommon in New Zealand backyard flocks but can cause significant production losses in commercial layers. The EDS vaccine is an inactivated (killed) virus vaccine, usually given by intramuscular injection around 16–18 weeks of age, before hens start laying. Immunity from one shot lasts through the laying period, so no booster is needed. Products such as Izovac EDS are available in NZ through veterinary suppliers, although they’re typically used by commercial farms. Backyard keepers who buy pullets from commercial sources often receive birds already vaccinated
Vaxxon® FC
Fowl Cholera
Fowl Cholera is a bacterial disease caused by Pasteurella multocida that can lead to severe pneumonia and sudden deaths in chickens. In New Zealand, it appears sporadically, especially in free-range flocks or those exposed to wild birds in warm, wet regions. Vaccination is recommended for flocks with a history of the disease or living in high-risk areas.
The vaccine is an inactivated (killed) bacterin, typically given in two doses: the first at 6–8 weeks of age and the second four weeks later, well before laying starts. This provides immunity for the laying season, with annual boosters if risk remains. A common product used in NZ is Vaxxon FC, which protects against several P. multocida strains. As the vaccine is restricted and supplied in large vials, it’s usually obtained and administered by a veterinarian
Poxine®
Fowl Pox
Fowl Pox is a slow-spreading viral disease that causes scabby lesions on a chicken’s comb, wattles, and face. It’s mainly spread by mosquitoes, especially in warmer regions of New Zealand. Vaccination is best done well before laying age, using a live wing-stab vaccine on birds older than three weeks. Immunity from a single dose usually lasts for the bird’s entire life. You can confirm the vaccine worked by checking for a small scab (“vaccine take”) at the stab site 1–2 weeks later. The vaccine (e.g. Poxine®) comes in multi-dose vials, so most backyard keepers will need to share with others or vaccinate all birds at once
Poulvac® Bron Vic S
Infectious Bronchitis (IB)
Infectious Bronchitis (IB) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting chickens’ respiratory and reproductive systems. It causes coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, and a sharp drop in egg production or misshapen eggs in laying hens. The virus spreads easily through the air, contaminated equipment, and people’s clothing.
New Zealand has its own IB strains (commonly the “NZ A strain”), so vaccination is routine in commercial flocks but less common in small backyard ones. The IB vaccine is a live spray or eye-drop vaccine, often given at 1 day old, again at 4 weeks, and boosted before lay at 16–18 weeks for lasting protection. Immunity fades over time, so periodic boosters may be needed if birds are at risk of exposure.
Laryngo-vac®
Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT)
Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a herpesvirus that affects chickens. It leads to severe coughing, gasping, nasal discharge, and sometimes bloody mucus. In New Zealand, ILT is mainly found in the upper North Island (north of Taupō), with Auckland and Northland flocks most at risk, but this does not mean it isn't on the South Island.
Vaccination is recommended for birds in these high-risk regions. The ILT vaccine (e.g. Laryngo-vac®) is a live, freeze-dried virus specific to the NZ strain and is administered by eye-drop, drinking water, or spray at around 4–6 weeks of age. In outbreak situations, emergency vaccination of all birds, including adults, is advised. The vaccine requires a veterinarian’s authorisation to purchase or use in NZ
Poulvac®
Marek’s Disease
Marek’s Disease is a highly contagious viral disease caused by a herpesvirus that affects the nerves, eyes, and organs of chickens. It can cause paralysis, blindness, tumours, and sudden death, especially in young birds. The virus spreads through feather dust and dander, and once it’s in the environment, it can survive for months.
The Marek’s vaccine is a live virus vaccine given at hatch or within the first 24 hours of life. It doesn’t cure infection but helps prevent tumours and paralysis in vaccinated birds. Protection takes about two weeks to develop and only works if birds are vaccinated before exposure. Most commercial chicks are vaccinated at hatch, but home-hatched birds remain at risk if not. The duration of immunity isn’t fully known, and protection may reduce over time depending on exposure and virus strain.
Megan® Vac 1
Salmonella (S. Typhimurium / S. Enteritidis)
Salmonella (S. Typhimurium / S. Enteritidis) is a bacterial infection that can affect chickens and contaminate eggs, posing a food safety risk. In New Zealand, vaccination against S. Typhimurium is mandatory for commercial layer flocks due to past outbreaks, while backyard birds face lower risk. However, small flock owners who sell eggs or chicks may still consider vaccination for extra protection.
New Zealand uses a live attenuated vaccine that also provides some protection against S. Enteritidis. The vaccine is given to pullets at day-old, 4–6 weeks, and again about 4 weeks before lay, usually via spray or drinking water. This primes immunity through the laying cycle, with no routine booster required.
The main product used is AviPro Megan® Vac 1, available in large multi-dose vials, which can make it impractical for small flocks unless shared. Proper cold-chain handling is essential, as the vaccine contains live bacterial culture
How to Choose Vaccinated Chickens for Your Backyard Flock
The Take Away
