Assessment of Poultry Vaccination Knowledge and Practices Among Commercial Layer Farmers in the Serukele Veterinary Range, North Western Province, Sri Lanka

Proper knowledge and practice regarding poultry vaccinations are crucial to minimise vaccine failures and disease outbreaks in commercial poultry farms. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted with 30 commercial layer farms in the Serukele veterinary range of Sri Lanka. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and the associations between selected outcome variables and three categorical variables (flock size, period engaged in layer farming, and method of bird procurement) were assessed using Chi-Square test. Flock sizes were categorised as small (<500), medium (500-1000), and large (>1000), with large-scale engagement (36.67%) being the most common. Direct sourcing of birds from hatcheries was prevalent (63.33%), with most birds (46.67%) starting to lay at 18 weeks. All farms used open-sided housing systems with deep litter floors. Self-mixed feed was the primary practice (66.67%), and well water was the main water source (66.67%). Predatory threats were reported by more than half of the farms, and 80% had visitor restrictions while 10% used foot baths as biosecurity measures. Vaccination compliance was high for critical diseases such as Newcastle Disease and Infectious Bursal Disease. Although correct vaccine storage temperatures were generally maintained (90%), there were discrepancies in the correct water quantity for vaccine administration (30%) and the use of commercial vaccine stabilisers (0%). Challenges in implementing vaccination programmes included affordability (86.67%) and vaccine accessibility (50%), particularly in small quantities (70%). Significant associations were found between vaccine storage temperature and both the period engaged in layer farming and the method of bird procurement. Additionally, the use of chlorinated water for vaccination was associated with the method of bird procurement. The study identifies areas of compliance and non-compliance with vaccination practices and highlights potential areas for improvement in poultry farm management and vaccine administration.