Antibody Responses in Ostriches after Vaccination with Razi Newcastle Disease Vaccine

Ostrich (Struthio camelus) is one of the Newcastle disease (ND) sensitive species, which, according to reports it can be one of the most problematic diseases for this industry in Iran. The first aim of this study was to evaluate the ostrich antibody response to the program and doses of ND oil-adjuvanted vaccine produced by Razi vaccine and serum research institute (RVSRI), Karaj, Iran. Thirty of African black neck ostrich chicks in five different treatments groups were included in this experiment. In three groups Razi vaccine was injected at 5, 10, and 15 dosages, one group received 5 doses of an oiladjuvanted vaccine produced by another company, and a non-vaccinated as the control group. All vaccinated groups received 2 injections at the ages of 28, and 48 days. Blood samples were taken three times including before each vaccination on 8 and 28 days of age and also 20 days after the second vaccination. The antibody titer was assayed using ELISA and HI. Results were suggestive of an increasing trend of serial antibody levels after first and second vaccination in all vaccinated groups. There was no significant difference between all four vaccinated groups in term of antibody titer. Comparison between non-vaccinated and all vaccinated groups showed significant difference. According to the results, and regarding the volume of the inoculums, the present study suggests the 5- dose in first vaccination at the age of 2-4 weeks and the 10-dose in repeating vaccinations thereafter in higher ages.