Evaluation of antibody titers from vaccination against influenza virus subtype H9N2 in Japanese quails using dual Newcastle-Influenza vaccine

Avian Influenza (AI) is one of the most destructive viral diseases of poultry flocks, and vaccination can be one of the most important ways to control the disease. The aim of this research was to evaluate the antibody titer obtained from vaccination against H9N2 influenza virus in Japanese quails using Newcastle-influenza dual vaccine. For this purpose, 108 one-day-old Japanese quails were tested in 3 groups with 3 replicates. From day one to the end of the rearing period, the conditions were the same for all quails and the only difference was in the influenza disease vaccination program. The first group received killed ND/AI vaccine (CEVAC-NEW FLU H9 K) on day 7, the second group received the same type of vaccine on day 10 and the third group received no vaccination as the control group. The HI (Haemagglutination Inhibition) test was performed after two separate blood collection from the wing vein on days 25 and 35, following vaccination. Statistical analysis by Tukey's test showed that the mean titer of anti-influenza virus antibody in the serum of vaccinated birds was significantly different from the control group (p<0.05), so that in these groups, its amount was higher than its amount in the serum of birds of the control group. Also, the mean antibody titer in the serum of birds that received the vaccine at 7 days old was higher. Based on the findings of the present research and the low age of slaughter in broiler quail flocks, it seems necessary to carry out rapid vaccination against the influenza disease agent in the first week of rearing, to achieve the desired level of protective antibodies.