The poultry industry worldwide has experienced significant growth in recent years. Likewise, the Colombian poultry sector has become a dynamic and promising industry with high yields and a significant share of the gross domestic product (GDP). However, this development has not been exempt of threats and challenges. Two of the biggest challenges faced by the industry are the prevention and control of infectious diseases and the safety of poultry products. In recent years, major efforts have focused on the control of infectious agents that cause economic losses by implementing prophylactic plans with safe, effective and practical vaccines. These immunizing inocula have changed with genetic engineering developments resulting in the design of recombinant DNA vaccines. This article provides an update on the design of recombinant vaccines and their use for controlling Gumboro, Newcastle and avian infectious laryngotracheitis. It addresses issues such as poultry vaccination principles, description and application of immunogens, and the advantages and disadvantages of this group of vaccines