Enquiries from Mr/Ms breeder Jaya Farm
Can a field virus infection cause antibody formation? Please explain, thank you.
Answer
Thank you Mr / Ms breeder of Jaya Farm for the question submitted. When chickens are exposed to the field virus, chickens will physiologically respond with the body's defense mechanisms against the virus. This mechanism is commonly known as the immune (immune) system. One of these immune systems is played by the specific immune system, where immune cells will react specifically to foreign substances that are immunogenic (can induce the immune system). These cells are T cells and B cells. Both cells will react when immunogenic substances such as field viruses enter the chicken's body.
The Virus will be phagocytized by macrophages (one of the white blood cells). Then this macrophage will generate a signal in the form of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Class II (substances that help the formation of immunity). MHC Class II will be recognized by T cells helperand then there's the T cell helper will stimulate B cells to differentiate into plasma B cells and memory B cells. Plasma B cells will produce specific antibodies against the infecting virus and memory B cells will act as identifiers if at any time there is re-infection.
As additional information, antibodies found in the body of chickens in general can come from the parent that is passed on to the child (maternal antibodies), vaccination (artificial infection), and attack/ challenge field infectious agents (natural infections).
Antibodies that are formed due to natural infection are influenced by several factors including the condition of the chicken, the infecting disease agent, the presence of immunosuppression (suppressing the immune system) and maintenance management (maintenance management and biosecurity). However, it should be understood that the amount of antibodies formed as a result of natural infection tends to be non-uniform in each individual chicken in one cage or flock. So it does not provide maximum protection if there is a recurrence of the disease.
Some disease agents in the field have a high level of virulence (the ability to cause a disease) and can cause a decrease in production, an increase feed convertion ratio (FCR), to high mortality. Examples Avian Influenza (AI) and Newcastle Disease (ND). These diseases if they attack chickens that do not have immunity will result in higher losses. Such losses can be prevented by regularly vaccinating.
Vaccination is an artificial infection using microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, or protozoa) that have been weakened or killed and formulated in such a way under controlled conditions, aims to stimulate the formation of high and uniform immunity (antibodies), so as to protect chickens in the event of an attack from field infectious agents.
To help the formation of antibodies after vaccination can also be given multivitamins / supplements for chickens. One of them can be given immunostimulants Imustim to stimulate the formation of the immune system optimally and to increase the body's resistance to disease. Imustim it is an herbal product that is efficacious to stimulate the immune system, increase appetite, and help restore chicken health.
