EP2185100B1 - Device for injecting veterinary products to poultry including a contention member having an anatomic form with means for bracing a detectable bone - Google Patents

Description

The field of the invention is that of devices for assisting veterinary practices. More specifically, the invention relates to devices for injecting birds and more particularly poultry veterinary products intramuscular or subcutaneous, with the aid of at least one needle movable through an orifice in a element of contention of birds in a muscle near a locatable bone.

The invention also relates to methods or methods for injecting and / or vaccinating poultry using these devices. The invention further relates to the use of these devices for vaccination or more generally the treatment and / or prevention of avian diseases. The present invention finally relates to methods and kits for treating and / or preventing avian diseases of birds and more particularly poultry.

In the field of poultry farming, it is traditional to have to feed poultry veterinary products, and in particular vaccines.

Injections can be done manually. However, in this case, a vaccination campaign proves to be excessively long. In addition, certain injections need to be performed with good precision, manual execution does not guarantee sufficient accuracy and / or constant, especially since an injection campaign frequently involves a very large number of birds, which implies a significant repetition of the actions of the operator (who has to seize a poultry then proceed to the injection keeping the poultry firmly) and, therefore, a fatigue of the operator likely to cause inaccuracies in the actions taken.

It has therefore been proposed by the prior art devices for assisting the injection of veterinary products.

• une seringue d'injection ;
• des moyens de contention de l'animal à traiter, comprenant des organes de butée et de gabarit formés par une plaque fixe amovible ayant un bord rectiligne et un bord oblique sur lequel se place le membre ou le cou du volatil ou autre partie du corps en position transversale donnée et sous un angle donné par rapport à la seringue;
• des moyens d'avancée et de retrait de la seringue à chaque injection ;
• un organe de commande tel qu'un bouton poussoir qui fait légèrement saillie sur le bord rectiligne de la plaque de telle sorte que la mise en place de l'animal déclenche simultanément l'injection.

In particular, the patent document published under the number FR 2,276,838 a device for automatically injecting a vaccine into the member of a poultry comprising:

• an injection syringe;
• means for restraining the animal to be treated, comprising stop and jig members formed by a removable fixed plate having a straight edge and an oblique edge on which the member or the neck of the volatile or other part of the body is located. given transversal position and at a given angle with respect to the syringe;
• means for advancing and withdrawing the syringe at each injection;
• a control member such as a push button which protrudes slightly on the straight edge of the plate so that the placement of the animal simultaneously triggers the injection.

• les moyens de contention sont conçus pour maintenir un seul membre de la volaille, ce qui limite les applications du dispositif (beaucoup de produits vétérinaires devant être injectés dans d'autres parties du corps d'une volaille) ;
• les moyens de maintien du membre sur les moyens de contention sont relativement sommaires, et ne garantissent pas la présentation du membre de la volaille avec une grande précision ;
• la présence d'une volaille et l'injection est commandée par une sorte de bouton poussoir, , mais rien n'assure que la volaille est positionnée correctement au moment de l'injection ;
• le bouton poussoir destiné à être actionné par la mise en place de la volaille peut aussi être actionné par inadvertance par l'opérateur qui peut alors éventuellement subir lui-même une injection, ce qui est bien entendu à éviter.

This technique has several disadvantages among which:

• the restraining means is designed to maintain a single member of the poultry, which limits the applications of the device (many veterinary products to be injected into other parts of the body of a poultry);
• the means of maintaining the limb on the means of contention are relatively basic, and do not guarantee the presentation of the member of the poultry with great precision;
• the presence of a poultry and the injection is controlled by a kind of push button, but nothing ensures that the poultry is positioned correctly at the time of injection;
• the push button to be actuated by the introduction of the poultry can also be inadvertently actuated by the operator who can then itself undergo an injection, which is of course to avoid.

• une seringue fixée au bâti de l'appareil et munie d'un système d'injection à vérin à air comprimé ;
• deux platines identiques qui forment une rainure d'un angle d'environ 90°C destinée à recevoir les cous des poussins. Les platines présentent par ailleurs des creusures transversales où l'opérateur place ses doigts et de part et d'autre du cou des poussins de sorte à le maintenir pendant l'injection ; et
• un capteur à air comprimé, placé derrière une des platines, qui est obturé lorsqu'un animal est placé sur les platines et commande ainsi le mécanisme d'actionnement du vérin.

Also known is the patent document published under the number FR 2,276,839 an apparatus for the vaccination of very small animals such as chicks, comprising

• a syringe attached to the frame of the apparatus and provided with an injection system with compressed air jack;
• two identical plates that form a groove at an angle of about 90 ° C for receiving chicks' necks. The plates also have transverse recesses where the operator places his fingers and on both sides of the neck chicks so as to maintain it during the injection; and
• a compressed air sensor, placed behind one of the plates, which is closed when an animal is placed on the decks and thus controls the actuating mechanism of the cylinder.

• il semble essentiellement adapté pour l'injection sous-cutanée dans le cou de petits volatils tels que les poussins et;
• il ne permet qu'un positionnement approximatif des volatils sur l'appareil et ne présente pas de caractère de précision relativement à la zone de contact à injecter ;
• il ne permet pas non plus d'assurer la sécurité des opérateurs.

This device however has several drawbacks among which:

• it seems essentially suitable for subcutaneous injection into the neck of small volatiles such as chicks and;
• it only allows an approximate positioning of the volatiles on the device and does not have a character of precision relative to the contact area to be injected;
• nor does it guarantee the safety of operators.

According to another technique described by the patent document published under the number US-4,758,227 , there is provided a vaccination device comprising a form of restraint cradle for receiving the body of a poultry, in the vicinity of which are mounted means of injection movable in translation.

The device also comprises a member on which the keel of the volatile is intended to be placed in support. This device is intended in particular for the injection of a vaccine into the muscles of the knuckle of the bird, on each flank. When the poultry is in place, the injection is triggered by the operator, using a button or foot control.

This technique also has the disadvantage of not allowing a precise positioning of the poultry relative to the needles, the injection can therefore be performed in an area of the poultry body ineffective or even inoperative or dangerous for the animal. In addition, the injection can be performed even if the position of the animal is not correct.

• l'injection ne doit pas être trop basse sur le corps des volailles, ceci en vue d'éviter impérativement une injection dans le foie de la volaille (ce qui entraînerait la mort de la volaille quasiment instantanément) ;
• la profondeur de l'injection doit être parfaitement maîtrisée pour éviter que celle-ci soit effectuée dans le bréchet (auquel cas, l'injection serait sans effet, ou quasiment) ;
• l'injection ne doit pas être effectuée trop haut sur le corps de la volaille pour éviter de réaliser une injection dans la clavicule des volailles ;
• l'injection doit se faire avec une profondeur constante, prédéterminée (de l'ordre de 10 mm pour des poules de dix semaines et plus).

Indeed, the injection of a veterinary product, and in particular of an intramuscular vaccine into the body of the volatile must be done in a precise manner so as to avoid injecting into the organs or bones that are close to the muscles targeted. For example, in the case of muscles adjacent to the keel of a poultry, the injection must obligatorily respond simultaneously to the following points:

• the injection must not be too low on the body of the poultry, this in order to avoid imperatively an injection in the liver of the poultry (which would cause the death of the poultry almost instantaneously);
• the depth of the injection must be perfectly controlled to prevent it being performed in the keel bone (in which case, the injection would be ineffective, or almost);
• the injection should not be done too high on the body of the poultry to avoid making an injection in the clavicle of poultry;
• the injection must be done with a constant, predetermined depth (of the order of 10 mm for hens of ten weeks or more).

In addition, the injections must be carried out in such a way that the return of the syringes does not take place until the product is completely injected. In particular, in the case of an injection of two different products, the difference in viscosity between the two products may require a particular injection kinematic to allow the good diffusion of the products in the muscle.

In any case, the technique described by the document US-4,758,227 does not guarantee a series vaccination of poultry with high quality on all the points mentioned above.

It should be noted that the problem of the accuracy of the positioning of the poultry is all the more accentuated that, generally, the operator carrying out the vaccination performs these gestures with a high rate, on difficult to handle adult poultry, or in the case where the areas to be injected are not easily visible to the operator.

Another technique described by the patent document published under the number US-5,312,353 which concerns a device for the vaccination of chicks. According to this technique, the device comprises a template comprising two surfaces at right angles, delimiting a space in which the head and the neck of a chick are intended to be introduced, each of the two surfaces having a presence detection sensor of a chick, simultaneous activation of both sensors triggering vaccination.

Once again, this technique does not allow accurate positioning of poultry in the device, and therefore does not guarantee an injection of good quality and / or consistent quality.

In addition, the positioning template has a very basic form, within which any part of a poultry could be introduced, while allowing the simultaneous actuation of the two sensors, and therefore the outbreak of vaccination .

According to yet another technique described by the patent document published under the number FR 2 839 245 , there is provided a poultry sanitary treatment station having a cradle comprising an area for receiving and supporting the chicken breast in which an opening is provided for the passage of a syringe needle and incorporating a presence detector allowing or not, putting into operation, by a separate command, means for moving and actuating the syringe. In addition, the device comprises means for severing the beak of the poultry.

The positioning of the poultry in the cradle is carried out when the breast is present in the receiving zone and the beak of the poultry presented next to the corresponding cutting means.

It can be seen that such a device only makes it possible to position the poultry approximately in relation to the injection means.

In any case, this device does not guarantee an injection quality as defined by the points listed above.

The invention particularly aims to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

More specifically, the invention aims to provide a device for performing injections of veterinary products in the body of a bird and more particularly a poultry which ensures an optimal quality of the injection made.

The invention also aims to provide such a device that allows to ensure such quality including high injection rates.

The invention also aims to provide such a device that can be used by non-specialized operators while maintaining the quality of the injections made.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a device which ensures the safety of operators.

The invention also aims to provide such a device that is simple in design and easy to implement.

These objectives, as well as others which will appear later, are achieved thanks to the invention which relates to a device for injecting veterinary products intramuscularly to at least one poultry with the aid of at least one needle. injection, said injection or injections to be performed in an area of at least one muscle in the vicinity of a markable bone of the body of said poultry, said device comprising a restraining element having means for setting said detectable bone, at least one orifice being formed in said restraining element, said one or more needles being movable through said orifice, said restraining element having an anatomical shape that conforms to said body of said poultry and within which said fixing means are inscribed; said anatomical shape comprising a bearing surface for said body at said muscle, at least two contact sensors for actio born by said poultry being presented on said anatomical shape of which at least one on said bearing surface, said hole or openings between said sensors.

The device according to the invention can be used for injection, vaccination and / or treatment of all types of birds such as traditionally poultry, hens, ducks, turkeys, guinea fowl, quails, geese , pigeons, or parrots.

The device according to the invention may in particular be advantageously used in the field of breeding hens (breeding or laying). The number of chickens in these farms is indeed generally considerable and it is often necessary to carry out vaccination campaigns quickly, this with great reliability given the significant risk of contagion within the breeding.

Thus, a device according to the invention makes it possible to perform injections to poultry (or more generally to birds) in compliance with the above-mentioned quality criteria, this steadily from one poultry to another, including at high speeds.

Indeed, the anatomical shape of the restraining element allows to position reliably and accurately the bird facing the needle or needles.

Since the restraining element is designed to conform to the body shape of the poultry, the operator, even if not specialized, can visualize and / or feel easily and quickly how to present the poultry in the device.

This is particularly useful for poultry (or any other bird) adults such as adult hens for which the anatomical reference area that the operator must position on the contention zone is not easily visible

The detection means consist of at least two sensors located on the anatomical shape, at least one of which is on the bearing surface of the muscle to be injected, which is close to the locatable bone, which makes it possible to detect that the anatomical area of reference (ie the part of the body to be injected) is correctly positioned on the anatomical shape which is complementary to it. The sensors or detection means thus positioned can be activated only if the anatomical reference area of the bird is in place. Thus, the operator is assured of not receiving unfortunate injections in the case of improper handling of the device according to the invention.

The anatomical shape therefore allows, as a first step, to achieve a good general positioning of the poultry: the anatomical shape conforms to a part of the body of the poultry, it is clear and quickly to the operator what part of the poultry he has to to introduce in the element of contention, without it being possible or almost to present the poultry in another way. Thus the anatomical shape can fit any appropriate part of the body of the bird, such as for example the chest or the rib cage, the dorsal side at the wings or the pelvis at the legs.

In addition, the general positioning is followed by a fine positioning, this by means of locating means of the locatable bone, these wedging means forming a kind of abutment against which the locatable bone of the poultry must be supported. At this stage, the body of the poultry is correctly presented in the device, target areas to be stitched with the needle or needles being correctly presented opposite the orifice or orifices in the compression element allowing the passage of the needle or needles. The detectable bones may be for example the keel on which the pectoral muscles and the wing muscles are fixed, or the cranial entrance of the rib cage, the scapular girdle and the clavicle on which the wing muscles are attached, or the Coxal bones of birds where the muscles of the legs are inserted with a reference at the ventral level constituted by the ilio-ischiatic foramen.

Among the quality criteria of an injection, the depth of injection is a determining point.

This quality criterion is guaranteed thanks to the invention, this by the presence of at least two sensors on either side of the orifice (s). Indeed, the stroke of the needles can easily be determined according to the bearing surface against which the body of the poultry must be applied. When the part of the body of the bird in which the target area to be stitched is correctly pressed against the corresponding bearing surface, it is then clear that the injection depth is that expected. The presence of sensors on either side of the passage for the needle ensures the detection of a support against the corresponding surface, whereas the part of the body between the sensors is also pressed against the bearing surface.

It is therefore understood that the device according to the invention contributes optimally to compliance with the quality criteria of injection of poultry, this with simple, quick and unambiguous manipulation by the operator.

In addition, the injection does not trigger in case of incorrect positioning of the poultry in the device. Moreover, as will become clearer later, the device according to the invention considerably limits the risk that the operator inadvertently injects himself the product.

Of course, the principle of the invention can be used for all kinds of birds such as poultry (eg hens, ducks, turkeys, guinea fowl, quails, geese, pigeons, parrots, or any other volatile) and / or other parts of the body, for example by taking as identifiable bone (for example the keel bone, a locatable bone of a joint of a limb, such as the thigh or the wing, the belt scapular and clavicle, coxal bones, or ilio-ischiatic foramen).

According to a preferred application, said anatomical shape corresponds at least partially to the chest of said poultry, said wedging means forming a reception and abutment space of a chicken breast.

According to an advantageous solution of this preferred application, said anatomical form extends from said reception space and abutment of a poultry keel to a complementary wedge protrusion against which a cavity between clavicles of said poultry is intended to be put in support.

Such an outgrowth contributes to the precise positioning of the poultry in the restraining element and also provides a complementary reference point for the operator.

Advantageously, said anatomical shape extends from said reception and abutment space of a poultry keel to a complementary bearing surface corresponding to the shape of at least one thigh of said poultry.

Thus, the compression element extends quite widely, from the space between clavicles of the poultry to the thighs thereof, which facilitates, for the operator, the job of keeping the poultry in the device .

According to a particular embodiment, the device has two orifices each forming a passage through which an injection needle is movable, said wedging means extending between said orifices.

Thus, the device allows a double injection of veterinary products which becomes common practice.

In addition, when the locatable bone is constituted by the keel, each of the orifices is placed in the vicinity of the main marking means constituted by the wedging means, and allows in particular targeted injections precisely on either side of the keel bone. Poultry.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, one of said sensors is placed within said wedging means.

According to the application of the device in the case where the wedging means are intended to receive the keel bone, these consist of a cavity of specific shape formed in the anatomical shape. The presence of a sensor within this cavity not only detects the presence of the keel bone, but also limits the risk that the operator injects himself the product. Indeed, it is very unlikely for an operator to introduce for example a portion of the hand within the wedging means, while actuating the other sensor present on the support surface.

In the case where the device is provided for a double injection, it preferably comprises three contact sensors intended to be actuated by said poultry, said three sensors being arranged in V, the base of said V being occupied by said sensor placed within said means cushioning.

Thus, the precise positioning of the poultry is ensured vis-à-vis each orifice, a pair of sensors being associated with each orifice, a sensor (the one placed within the wedging means) being common to the two pairs of sensors.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, said restraining element is removably mounted on a sensor incorporating drive means for said one or more needles.

In this way, it is possible to easily and quickly change the restraining element according to the type of bird (for example, a bird such as a breeding hen has a larger corpulence than that of a laying hen) and / or the part of the body that one wishes to maintain on the device.

According to yet another characteristic, said casing has a rear hatch access to said drive means.

Thus, in the context of any maintenance operations, access to the interior of the housing operates from the rear, which limits the risk for the technician to injure himself or injection needles directed to the front of the device.

According to yet another feature, said orifice or said orifices have an oblong shape, said device comprising means for adjusting the position of said one or more needles with respect to said orifice or said orifices.

Thus, it is possible to adjust the position of the needles according to the target areas on the body of the birds, without having to modify or replace the compression element.

The present invention also relates to methods or methods for injecting and / or vaccinating poultry comprising the steps of seizing said poultry by taking for example by the wings and legs and to position it on the device of the invention so that the part of the body of the poultry completely conforms to the anatomical shape of the restraining element, and to support said poultry thus positioned against the restraining element so that a reference bone close the muscle to be injected is in abutment against the end of the wedging means and can thus actuate the sensors, the movement of syringes and the injection of the veterinary product or products. It is thus possible to inject with great precision different parts of the body of the poultry using as a reference bone for the proper positioning of the poultry on the device as has been previously described.

This injection method is particularly advantageous for vaccinating and / or treating poultry, for example against avian influenza, SARS, avian malaria, Newcastle disease, mycoplasmosis, cholera, Gumboro disease, avian smallpox, candidiasis, aspergillosis, salmonellosis, enteritis, bronchitis, pancreatitis, Marek's disease, diseases caused by reovirus infections and / or astroviruses, leucoses, or infectious anemias. The method or method according to the present invention can be further used prophylactically to prevent infections and contaminations, especially in avian farms.

Another object of the present invention resides in the use of the devices as previously described for injecting and / or treating diseased poultry with veterinary compositions suitable for avian pathologies and thus for treating and / or preventing said pathologies. Also, the poultry vaccination device according to the present invention is useful for the prevention of avian diseases. Finally, the present invention relates to methods and kits for treating and / or preventing avian diseases in poultry.

As has been previously described, all types of birds, including poultry such as hens, ducks, turkeys, guinea fowl, quails, geese, pigeons, or parrots can be vaccinated and / or treaties.

As previously mentioned, by veterinary product is meant any compound intended to be administered to poultry as a prophylactic and / or therapeutic treatment and / or necessary for the well being of poultry and for example, without this being exhaustive, a vaccine, vitamins, dietary supplements, antibiotics.

Yet another subject of the invention resides in an injection or avian vaccination kit comprising the device as previously described, and a series of removable compression elements of various anatomical shapes adapted to the different parts of the body and to the detectable bones. poultry. The kit may advantageously also include a set of syringes, ampoules, bags or packaging appropriate for veterinary products and / or vaccines. The injection or avian vaccination kit may also include a data sheet and instructions on methods of vaccination and / or treatment and the use of said device.

• la figure 1 est une représentation schématique d'un squelette de poule ;
• les figures 2 et 3 sont des vues en perspective d'un élément de contention d'un dispositif selon l'invention, respectivement pour une poule reproductrice et pour une poule pondeuse ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective d'ensemble d'un dispositif selon l'invention, côté élément de contention ;
• la figure 5 est une vue d'ensemble en perspective d'un dispositif selon l'invention, côté trappe arrière.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of illustrative and nonlimiting example, and the appended drawings among which:

• the figure 1 is a schematic representation of a chicken skeleton;
• the figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of a restraining element of a device according to the invention, respectively for a breeding hen and for a laying hen;
• the figure 4 is an overall perspective view of a device according to the invention, side restraint element;
• the figure 5 is an overall perspective view of a device according to the invention, rear hatch side.

As indicated above, the principle of the invention lies in the fact of associating with a device for injecting avian veterinary products a restraining element whose anatomical shape conforms to the body of the poultry and incorporating locking means. a locatable bone, in particular the keel of poultry, the device comprising sensors for verifying the good support of the bird against a bearing surface of the anatomical shape in the vicinity of one or more orifices through which a injection needle is movable in translation.

It is recalled that a device according to the principle of the invention can be applied to different poultry (and more generally to birds), and / or to different injection target areas.

The device described later is intended for the injection of veterinary products, especially vaccines, into the wing muscles extending along the keel of a poultry.

With reference to the figure 1 , we recall that the skeleton of a hen includes a keel 1 along and on both sides of which extend the muscles wings, this keel 1 having an end 11 detectable to the touch through the chest 10 of the hen. The skeleton of a hen also includes clavicles 12 between which extends a space also detectable to the touch.

In the following description, the keel 10, and in particular its end 11, constitutes a locatable bone within the meaning of the invention.

With reference to figures 2 and 3 a restraining element 2 of a device according to the invention is described.

According to the present embodiment, the compression element is a part made by molding, using a mold made in particular according to a fingerprint of the body of the target poultry.

Such a compression element 2 thus has a general surface 20 in which is formed a cavity whose anatomical shape 21 is intended to conform to the body of the poultry.

As illustrated, two orifices 3 are formed in the compression element, these orifices each forming a passage through which a needle can be translated from a position behind the compression element to an injection position ( wherein the needle protrudes within the anatomical shape 21 by having therein a needle length of about 10 mm), or vice versa.

It is noted that the presence of two orifices makes it possible to use the device according to the invention to effect injections of two distinct products. However, it is also possible to design such a device with a single orifice, the latter then being intended for the injection of a single product or the injection of two products by the same injection needle.

• des moyens de calage 22 de l'os repérable, en l'occurrence du bréchet ;
• une surface d'appui 23, contre laquelle le corps de la volaille est destiné à être plaqué au niveau du ou des muscles destinés à recevoir l'injection ;
• des capteurs 41, 42, 43, dont les emplacements sont explicités plus en détails par la suite.

According to the principle of the invention, the compression element further comprises:

• setting means 22 of the locatable bone, in this case the keel bone;
• a bearing surface 23, against which the body of the poultry is intended to be plated at the muscle or muscles intended to receive the injection;
• sensors 41, 42, 43, whose locations are explained in more detail later.

The wedging means 22 of the keel of the poultry therefore correspond to the deepest zone of the anatomical shape 21, and extend over a length substantially corresponding to that of the middle part of the keel bone. In addition, the crevice formed by the wedging means 22 comprises an end 220 forming, with the adjacent bearing surface 23, a markedly marked break in slope, so that this end 220 constitutes an abutment against which the end 11 of the bolster 1 is intended to support.

Thus constituted, the wedging means 22 constitute a reception and abutment space of the keel of the poultry.

In addition, the bearing surface 23 extends on either side of the wedging means 22, from them, to the base surface 20, defining a shape corresponding to the chest 10 of the poultry.

Here again, in the case of a device intended to perform a single injection (the compression element then having a single orifice 3), it is conceivable to conceive that the compression element comprises a bearing surface. 23 extending only on one side of the wedging means 22, this side corresponding, of course, to the side of the chest including the muscle in which the injection is to be performed.

• une excroissance de calage complémentaire 24, correspondant à l'espace entre les clavicules 12 de la volaille, et de part et d'autre de laquelle les muscles pectoraux de la volaille sont destinés à être plaqués ;
• une surface d'appui complémentaire 25, contre laquelle les cuisses de la volaille sont destinées à être plaquées, au moins en partie, cette surface 25 délimitant une partie élargie de la forme anatomique 21 de façon à correspondre à la forme des cuisses de la volaille.

Moreover, the anatomical shape 21 of the compression element 2 preferably comprises:

• a complementary wedging protrusion 24, corresponding to the space between the clavicles 12 of the poultry, and on both sides of which the pectoral muscles of the poultry are intended to be plated;
• a complementary bearing surface 25, against which the legs of the poultry are intended to be plated, at least in part, this surface 25 delimiting an enlarged portion of the anatomical shape 21 so as to correspond to the shape of the thighs of the poultry .

According to the present embodiment, the anatomical shape 21 thus extends from the base surface 20 and integrates the wedging means, the bearing surface 23, the latter extending at the ends of the wedging means 22 so as to that the protrusion 24 (as well as the reception surfaces 240 of the pectoral muscles) and the surface 25 fit within the anatomical shape 21.

As indicated above, the anatomical shape 21 of the compression element 2 is provided with sensors 41, 42, 43.

These sensors are arranged in the restraining element so that each orifice fits between two sensors.

In addition, the arrangement of the sensors makes it possible to ensure that the poultry is perfectly positioned in the compression element.

• un capteur 41 est placé au sein des moyens de calage 22 ;
• un capteur 42, 43 est placé sur la surface d'appui 23, de telle sorte que chaque orifice 3 s'inscrivent entre deux capteurs (les capteurs 41 et 42 pour l'un des orifices et les capteurs 41 et 43 pour l'autre orifice).

For this, it is necessary to detect the presence of the keel in the wedging means 22, as well as the support of the chest of the poultry against the bearing surface 23. Thus, as illustrated by the figures 2 and 3 , the sensors are arranged as follows:

• a sensor 41 is placed within the wedging means 22;
• a sensor 42, 43 is placed on the bearing surface 23, so that each orifice 3 fits between two sensors (the sensors 41 and 42 for one of the orifices and the sensors 41 and 43 for the other orifice).

It is thus clear that the presence of at least two sensors combined with a restraining element having an anatomical shape conforming to the body of the poultry first of all makes it possible to guide the correct positioning of the poultry in the restraining element and then, in a second time, not to trigger injection only if the body of the poultry is actually properly positioned in the restraining element.

This correct positioning of the poultry, whether in relation to the target zone to be injected or the injection depth, is verified by the actuation of the two sensors between which the orifice extends through which the needle injection is moved.

Indeed, because of the anatomical shape of the restraining element, the two sensors on either side of the orifice can be triggered simultaneously by one and the same poultry positioned correctly in the restraining element. However, the injection is controlled by the simultaneous actuation of the two sensors (or three sensors in the embodiment which will be described later).

This thus fundamentally distinguishes the device according to the invention from certain devices of the prior art using a cradle of rudimentary form, intended to receive the chest of a poultry and inside which is placed a sensor against which the chest poultry is intended to be put in support.

Indeed, in such cradles, the triggering of the sensor can be obtained by presenting the poultry in several positions. In any case, these devices of the prior art do not guarantee to constantly proceed to an injection in a specific target area of the body of the poultry.

In addition, it is noted that the sensors are directly actuated by the poultry itself, as opposed to a loading sensor of a mobile restraining element under the weight of a poultry as is the case in the device described by the patent document FR-2 276 839 .

In the configuration of the device according to which the latter has two through-holes for injection needles, the sensors 41, 42, 43 are thus arranged in V, the sensor 41 placed in the wedging means 22 occupying a corresponding position. at the base of the V, each orifice 3 extending (at least in part) on a branch of V.

Of course, the sensors 41, 42 and 43 are presented as extra thickness with respect to the surface on which they are placed, respectively the surface of the wedging means 22 and the bearing surface 23. However, this extra thickness is minimal so that that the sensors are flush with the surface of the restraining element so as to be triggered only when the corresponding part of the body of the poultry is perfectly pressed against the surface of the restraining element.

It is noted that, as it is clear from the figures 2 and 3 , the orifices 3 have an oblong shape, so that the position of the needle can be adjusted over the length of the corresponding orifice.

The figures 4 and 5 illustrate a device according to the invention as a whole.

As illustrated by these figures, the device comprises a casing 3 including in particular drive means 4 for translating each needle 5.

According to a feature of the device, the contention means 2 are removably mounted on the casing 3, the retaining element having for that fastening holes 26 to be traversed by fastening means, such as screws for example .

Thus, depending on the morphology of the target poultry (or the target bird), it is possible to easily replace the restraining element of the device, for example to pass a restraining element such as that illustrated by the figure 2 which corresponds to the average anatomy of a breeding hen of a certain age, to a restraining element such as that illustrated by the figure 3 which corresponds to the average anatomy of a laying hen (generally less corpulent than the breeding hens) of a given age (a vaccination campaign usually occurs when the hens are between 10 and 20 weeks old).

In addition, it is also possible to quickly and easily dismantle the restraining element in order to proceed with its cleaning.

Furthermore, the housing has a rear hatch 6 giving access to the components mounted inside the housing, and in particular the drive means 4. As illustrated, the housing 3 carries support means 30 for receiving containers containing the veterinary products to be distributed.

The drive means 4 are mounted on a plate 41 removably fixed in the housing 3, the plate 41 to be moved (retracted) to access the syringes.

In addition, the drive means 4 are fixed on the plate 41 by means of a support 42 whose position can be adjusted on the plate 41 so as to modify the position of the needle relative to the orifices of form oblong.

To carry out the injection, the operator seizes an animal by taking it by the wings and the legs, so that the poultry can be presented on the device by bringing his chest into the compression element, by being kept lying down. After a correct positioning in the mold, the operator presses the poultry against the restraining element so as to put the shoulder support against the end 220 of the wedging means 22 on the one hand, and to actuate the sensors of on the other hand, which triggers the movement of the syringes and then the injection of the veterinary product or products.

The device includes a LED 31 provided to light up when the poultry is correctly positioned in the compression element (that is to say when the sensors are actuated). At the end of the injection, a second indicator 32 is provided to turn on.

The movement of the needles can be driven by pneumatic cylinders. The displacement of the cylinders and the needles can be controlled by any system with automatic, electronic, programmable or any other type of operation well known to those skilled in the art, in order to ensure a predetermined injection amplitude and adjust the penetration distance of the needles in the muscles according to the size of the muscles to be injected and target birds. The needles can be connected to a pump or Precision hydraulic syringe that can deliver a precise volume in each needle and is able to reboot and eject any bubbles. This device is controlled by an automaton powered by batteries. The controller manages the injection cycles. Thus, each injection is counted, and after each injection the syringes are filled automatically with a dose of product. The automaton is configurable so that the device is used to perform two injections (one on each side of the locatable bone such as for example the keel bone) or a single injection. Each needle can have a disinfection system that can be implemented after one or more intramuscular injections. For example, a disinfecting liquid can be released on the dirty needle and then removed before the next injection.

Claims (15)

1. Device for injecting veterinary products to a fowl by intramuscular injection, wherein said injection(s) can be carried out in the area of at least one muscle in the vicinity of a bone having a detectable shape in the body of said fowl, said device comprising:

   - a contention member (2) with means for bracing (22) said detectable bone, at least one hole (3) formed in said contention member (2),

   - at least one injection needle, said needle(s) being movable across said hole (3),

   characterised in that said contention member (2) has:

   - an anatomic shape (21) that conforms to said body of said fowl, and inside which said means for bracing (22) said detectable bone are provided, said anatomic shape (21) comprising a bearing surface (23) for said body at said muscle,

   - said anatomic shape (21) comprising at least two contact sensors (41, 42), to be actuated by said fowl, with at least one on said bearing surface (23), said hole(s) (3) being provided between said sensors (41, 42).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that it has two holes (3) each forming a passage across which an injection needle is movable, said bracing means (22) extending between said holes (3).
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that one of said sensors (41) is positioned in said bracing means (22).
4. Device according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that said anatomic shape (21) corresponds to the breast (10) of said fowl, said bracing means (22) forming a space for receiving and abutting the breast-bone (1) of the fowl.
5. Device according to claim 4, characterised in that said anatomic shape (21) extends from said space for receiving and abutting the breast-bone (1) of the fowl to a complementary bracing protuberance (24) against which a cavity between the clavicles (12) of said fowl is to be pressed.
6. Device according to any of claims 4 and 5, characterised in that said anatomic shape (21) extends from said space for receiving and abutting the breast-bone (1) of the fowl to a complementary bearing surface (25) corresponding to the shape of at least one thigh of said fowl.
7. Device according to any of the above claims, characterised in that it comprises three contact sensors (41, 42, 43) to be actuated by said fowl, said three sensors (41, 42, 43) being arranged in a V shape, the base of said V shape being occupied by said sensor positioned in said bracing means (22).
8. Device according to claim 7, characterised in that each of said holes (3) extends at least partially on one arm of said V.
9. Device according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that said contention member (2) is removably mounted on a casing (3) including means for driving (4) said needle(s).
10. Device according to claim 9, characterised in that said casing (3) has a rear hatch (6) for accessing said drive means (4).
11. Device according to any of claims 1 to 10 for the vaccination, treatment and/or prevention of avian diseases, and/or for welfare.
12. Device according to claim 11, characterised in that the avian diseases are avian influenza, SARS, avian malaria, Newcastle disease, mycoplasmosis, cholera, Gumboro disease, chicken pox, candidiasis, aspergillosis, salmonellosis, enteritis, bronchitis, pancreatitis, Marek disease, diseases caused by reovirus and/or astrovirus infections, leucosis, or infectious anaemia.
13. Device according to claim 11 or 12 for preventing and/or treating infections and contaminations in poultry farms.
14. Avian injection and/or vaccination kit comprising a device according to any of claims 1 to 10 and a series of removable contention members having varied anatomic shapes suitable for the different parts of the body and detectable bones of said fowl.
15. Avian injection and/or vaccination kit according to claim 14, characterised in that it comprises a set of syringes, vials, bags or suitable packaging for veterinary products and/or vaccines, and optionally a technical data sheet and instructions.

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