RP Vaccine (emulsion injection) – targets Rotavirus (Ro/D strain, PIRV, G18P[17]) and Paramyxovirus type 1 (PMV1/PPMV1)
Pharmavac PHA (emulsion injection) – targets Paramyxovirus type 1 (PPMV1), Pigeon Herpesvirus (PHV1), and Fowl Adenovirus type 8 (FAdV-8)
Here’s a structured comparison and clarification of their uses, differences, and practical implications:
1. Composition
RP Vaccine
Inactivated pigeon rotavirus (Ro/D strain)
Inactivated pigeon paramyxovirus type 1 (PPMV1)
Adjuvants: Paraffin oil, sorbitan oleate, polysorbate 80
Preservative: Thiomersal
Pharmavac PHA
Inactivated PPMV1 (strain 988M)
Inactivated PHV1 (Herpesvirus, strain V298/70)
Inactivated FAdV-8 (Adenovirus, strain M2/E)
2. Indications
RP Vaccine
Reduces severity & spread of pigeon rotavirus (Ro/D strain)
Reduces mortality & severity of PMV1
Mainly useful during rotavirus outbreaks
Pharmavac PHA
Protects against PMV1
Reduces clinical signs & lesions from pigeon herpesvirus (PHV1)
Protects against adenovirus type 8 (partially cross-protects against other AdV subgroup I strains)
Mainly useful in lofts with PHV or AdV problems
3. Immunity
RP Vaccine
Onset: 2 weeks after basic schedule
Duration: 8 months (Rotavirus) / 9 months (PMV1)
Some evidence of antibody persistence up to 12 months
Pharmavac PHA
Onset: 3 weeks post-vaccination
Duration: 12 months (PMV1), 5 months (PHV1 & AdV)
Revaccination advised before breeding or racing season if PHV/AdV risk is high
4. Administration
RP Vaccine: 0.3 ml intramuscular injection (needle at acute angle)
Pharmavac PHA: 0.3 ml subcutaneous injection in neck
5. Safety Notes
Both vaccines contain mineral oil adjuvant → accidental self-injection can cause severe local injury (requires urgent surgical care).
Only vaccinate clinically healthy pigeons.
Avoid mixing with other products unless studied.
6. Practical Use – Which to Choose?
Use RP Vaccine if:
You have confirmed or high risk of rotavirus outbreaks (Ro/D strain).
You want combined protection against Rotavirus + PMV1.
Use Pharmavac PHA if:
Your loft has history of PMV1, herpesvirus, or adenovirus problems.
You need longer PMV1 protection (12 months).
You want broader protection for multi-pathogen challenges (esp. PHV & AdV).