Pharmavac Columbi 2 Vaccine: PPMV & Herpes Defense

Healthy pigeons fly faster, breed better, and recover stronger. In the world of racing and show pigeons, disease prevention isn’t optional—it’s essential. That’s where the Pharmavac Columbi 2 Vaccine (50 doses) steps in as a trusted solution for combating two of the most serious viral threats in pigeons: Paramyxovirus (PPMV1) and Herpesvirus.

This dual-inactivated vaccine has become a go-to tool for pigeon fanciers worldwide who want to protect their birds from devastating losses. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll explore what makes Pharmavac Columbi 2 a standout vaccine, how it works, who should use it, and best practices for administration.

Let’s dive in and protect your loft from preventable diseases before it’s too late.

What Is Pharmavac Columbi 2?

Pharmavac Columbi 2 is an inactivated injectable vaccine specifically formulated for pigeons. It provides combined immunity against Pigeon Paramyxovirus type 1 (PPMV1) and pigeon Herpesvirus (PHV)—two of the most widespread and deadly viral diseases in pigeons.

Key Features:

• 50-dose vial (for larger lofts or repeated use)

• Combines two vaccines in one injection

• Enhances immune response and lowers disease risk

• Safe and effective for both young and adult birds

Developed by veterinary vaccine experts, this product simplifies disease management for breeders, racers, and hobbyists.

Understanding the Threat: PPMV1 & Herpesvirus in Pigeons

What is Pigeon Paramyxovirus Type 1 (PPMV1)?

PPMV1 is a highly contagious viral disease affecting a pigeon’s digestive and nervous systems. It spreads quickly through droppings, shared feed/water, and loft surfaces.

Common symptoms:

• Head tremors and neck twisting (torticollis)

• Incoordination or falling over

• Refusal or inability to eat

• Green, watery droppings

• Death in severe cases

Even birds that survive often become poor performers due to lasting nerve damage.

What is Pigeon Herpesvirus (PHV)?

Pigeon Herpesvirus causes respiratory and reproductive issues, especially in young birds and breeding pairs. It’s often overlooked but can wreak havoc on a loft.

Common symptoms:

• Eye inflammation or conjunctivitis

• Open-beak breathing and nasal discharge

• Poor hatchability and embryo death in eggs

• Sudden deaths, especially in young stock

• Secondary bacterial infections due to weakened immunity

Both PPMV1 and Herpesvirus can be easily spread through close contact, contaminated surfaces, or loft mixing. That’s why early vaccination is critical.

How Pharmavac Columbi 2 Works

Pharmavac Columbi 2 contains inactivated (killed) strains of PPMV1 and PHV. Once injected, the pigeon’s immune system recognizes the viral particles as foreign, and begins creating antibodies to fight them off.

This process gives your birds immunity—so when they encounter these viruses in the real world, their immune systems will react faster and more aggressively, preventing infection or reducing disease severity.

Immunity Timeline:

• Initial response starts within 7 days

• Full protection builds over 2–3 weeks

• Annual booster helps maintain long-term immunity

Why Choose a Dual Vaccine?

Managing a loft of pigeons already comes with enough tasks—so why make disease prevention harder than it needs to be?

Pharmavac Columbi 2 saves time and stress by combining two essential vaccines into one injection. Here’s why that matters:

Advantages:

• Fewer injections = less handling stress

• Streamlined health routines

• Lower labor and equipment costs

• Better compliance for large lofts

• Minimizes missed vaccinations

For busy fanciers preparing for breeding season, racing, or auctions, this dual vaccine is a time-saver and lifesaver.

When and How to Vaccinate

Timing your vaccinations properly ensures maximum protection during high-risk periods like training, racing, or breeding.

Recommended Vaccination Schedule:

Avoid vaccinating during illness or heatwaves, as this can stress the birds and reduce the vaccine’s effectiveness.

Administration Instructions

Pharmavac Columbi 2 is administered intramuscularly using sterile syringes.

Dosage:

• 0.2 mL per pigeon

Method:

1. Gently restrain the pigeon.

2. Inject into the breast muscle (pectoral region).

3. Use a new sterile needle for each bird to avoid cross-contamination.

4. Discard used needles responsibly.

Aftercare Tips:

• Observe vaccinated birds for 24–48 hours.

• Allow recovery time (avoid flights or bathing for 3 days).

• Provide access to clean water, high-quality feed, and multivitamins to support immune response.

Most birds tolerate the vaccine well. Mild swelling or a small lump at the injection site is normal and typically disappears within days.

Who Should Use Pharmavac Columbi 2?

This vaccine is perfect for:

• Racing pigeon fanciers preparing for the competitive season

• Breeders safeguarding young birds and eggs

• Exhibition pigeon owners who mix birds at shows

• Loft managers looking to simplify disease control

Even backyard enthusiasts with small lofts benefit from the peace of mind this dual protection provides.

Can It Be Used During an Outbreak?

No. Pharmavac Columbi 2 is a preventive vaccine, not a treatment. Vaccinating during an active outbreak won’t help infected birds and may stress them further.

If you suspect an outbreak:

• Isolate sick birds immediately

• Use supportive care (hydration, probiotics, electrolytes)

• Disinfect the loft thoroughly

• Wait until the flock is healthy before vaccinating

Supporting Loft Health Beyond Vaccination

Vaccination is a vital tool, but not the only one. Combine Pharmavac Columbi 2 with good loft hygiene and nutrition for maximum disease resistance.

Best Practices:

• Clean drinkers and feeders daily

• Use pigeon-specific probiotics

• Control internal/external parasites regularly

• Minimize overcrowding in the loft

• Ventilate properly to reduce airborne spread

Supporting the immune system with supplements like PHP Immune Boost or multivitamins helps birds recover and resist infections even better.

Where to Buy Pharmavac Columbi 2 (50 Dose)

Pharmavac Columbi 2 is available from:

• Pigeon health product retailers

• Avian veterinarians

• Online pigeon supply stores

What to Look For:

• Factory-sealed 50-dose vial

• Clearly labeled expiration date

• Cold chain preserved (keep refrigerated)

• Complete instructions inside box

Never purchase vaccines from unverified or non-refrigerated sources.

Summary: Double the Protection, Half the Hassle

If you’re looking for a reliable way to protect your pigeons from two of the most damaging viral threats, Pharmavac Columbi 2 delivers. It’s a streamlined, trusted, and effective option for both novice and seasoned pigeon fanciers.

With 50 doses per vial, it’s ideal for individual fanciers and large-scale loft managers alike. When paired with solid loft hygiene and supportive care, this vaccine gives your birds the best chance at thriving no matter what comes their way.

Healthy pigeons are high-performing pigeons start protecting yours today.