Avian Influenza Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Avian Influenza, including details on bird flu, h5n1, risks, vaccines, prevention.

Serological response to vaccination against avian influenza in zoo-birds using an inactivated H5N9 vaccine.

Bertelsen MF, Klausen J, Holm E, Grøndahl C, Jørgensen PH

Centre for Zoo and Wild Animal Health, Copenhagen Zoo, Roskildevej 38, DK-2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark. mfb@zoo.dk

Five hundred and forty birds in three zoos were vaccinated twice against avian influenza with a 6-week interval using an inactivated H5N9 vaccine. Serological response was evaluated by hemagglutination inhibition test 4-6 weeks following the second vaccine administration. 84% of the birds seroconverted, and 76% developed a titre > or =32. The geometric mean titre after vaccination was 137. A significant species variation in response was noted; penguins, pelicans, ducks, geese, herons, Guinea fowl, cranes, cockatiels, lovebirds, and barbets showed very poor response to vaccination, while very high titres and seroconversion rates were seen in flamingos, ibis, rheas, Congo peafowl, black-winged stilts, amazon parrots, and kookaburras.

Published 8 May 2007 in Vaccine, 25(22): 4345-9.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Avian Influenza Research Today. All Rights Reserved.