IMMUNIZATION OF CHICKENS AND TURKEYS AGAINST AVIAN INFLUENZA WITH MONO-VALENT AND POLYVALENT OIL EMULSION VACCINES

Abstract

Chickens and turkeys vaccinated with inactivated virus oil-emulsion vaccines containing different concentrations of 1 (monovalent) or 4 (polyvalent) strains of avian influenza virus (AIV) were challenged-exposed with virulent AIV A/chicken/Scotland/59 or A/turkey/Ontario/7732/66. Of 6 vaccines, 4 protected completely against post-exposure mortality. Vaccine valency did not alter the serologic and challenge-exposure responses of chickens vaccinated with AIV A/turkey/Wisconsin/68, which was the virus component common to monovalent and polyvalent vaccines. The magnitude of the serologic responses and protection against challenge-exposure were dependent on the concentration of virus in the vaccines. Control of virulent AIV in chickens and turkeys by vaccination with inactivated vaccines may be feasible.