Infectious bronchitis (IB) vaccines
Infectious bronchitis (IB) is a fast-spreading coronavirus disease of chickens. It causes respiratory illness in young birds, kidney damage with some strains, and lasting drops in egg production and shell quality in layers. Because IB exists in many variants, programmes often combine Massachusetts-type (H120, Ma5) and variant (4/91) vaccines.
Signs to watch for
- Gasping, coughing, rattling breath and nasal discharge
- Wet litter and kidney damage with nephropathogenic strains
- Drop in egg production
- Thin, rough, wrinkled or misshapen eggs; watery whites
Which birds are at risk?
All ages; young chicks suffer respiratory disease and permanent oviduct damage, layers lose production.
How vaccination protects your flock
Live vaccines are given by spray, eye drop or drinking water in the first weeks, with boosters during rearing; inactivated multi-strain vaccines are injected before lay. Pairing a classic strain with a variant strain broadens protection.
Infectious Bronchitis (IB) vaccines from Shiv Sales
Protects against respiratory disease and the egg-production losses it causes in layers and breeders, with multiple serotypes available.
Infectious Bronchitis (IB): common questions
Why do layers lay soft or wrinkled eggs after IB?
IB virus damages the oviduct. Infection in very young chicks can cause permanent damage, so those birds may never lay normally.
Which IB vaccine strain should I use?
Massachusetts strains (H120, Ma5) are the base; variant strains such as 4/91 are added where variant IB is present. Laboratory diagnosis helps decide.
Is IB the same as Newcastle disease?
No. Both cause respiratory signs, but they are different viruses. Combined ND+IB vaccines are commonly used.
Related guide
Why vaccines fail — and how to prevent it
When a vaccinated flock gets sick, the vaccine itself is rarely the problem. Most failures come from what happens between the fridge and the bird.
Read articleCommon chicken diseases and their vaccines
Signs, affected ages and vaccines for the 12 most important poultry diseases.
Open guideOther vaccines
This page is general information for farmers and does not replace veterinary advice. Always follow the vaccine manufacturer's instructions.
Need help choosing the right vaccines?
Talk to our team for a vaccination schedule built around your flock, location and disease pressure. Consultation is free for customers.