Why does high iron in water lead to vaccination failure of live vaccines, especially the Gamboro vaccine?

🐓 Why does high iron in water lead to vaccination failure of live vaccines, especially the Gamboro vaccine?

Water in some areas of the country contains iron ions (Fe²⁺ or Fe³⁺).

When these ions are high (even at 1–2 ppm), they can cause problems.

🔻 Effect of iron on the Gamboro vaccine (IBDV)

1. Iron has oxidizing properties, live vaccine viruses (such as Gamboro, Newcastle, bronchitis) are highly sensitive to oxidation. Therefore, iron destroys the surface proteins of the virus and inactivates the live vaccine.

2. Reducing the effective dose

Instead of a full and active dose, birds receive a weakened or inactive virus. As a result, complete immunity will not be developed.

3. Creating apparent resistance in the flock

When some birds do not receive the live vaccine and others have an incomplete response, the farm viruses continue to circulate.

This situation makes it seem that the birds are “vaccinated”, when in fact the vaccine is inactivated by iron in the water.

Gamboro virus (IBDV) is one of the most sensitive vaccines to water quality and environment.

This vaccine is given as a drink → comes into direct contact with the water.

Therefore, the presence of iron, chlorine, high hardness or chemicals in the water = failure of the Gamboro vaccination.

✅ Solutions

Farm water quality control

Regular iron (Fe) testing with simple kits.

Poultry drinking water standard: iron < 0.3 ppm.

Use of stabilizers

Skim milk powder (2–4 g/l).

Commercial vaccine protection products

Water purification or filtration

In case of high iron, use oxidation filters, reverse osmosis or sedimentation before consumption.