Avian titer development against West nile virus after extralabel use of an equine vaccine.
West Nile virus affects many animals, but the highest prevalence of morbidity and mortality is observed in birds, horses, and humans. The purpose of this study was to determine a protocol in birds of prey and corvids, using a vaccine developed for horses. The birds were assigned to five groups. Groups 1-4 received 0.25 ml, 0.5 ml, 0.75 ml, and 1.0 ml, respectively, and group 5 served as a control group. The greatest percentage of seroconversion (58.3%) was observed in the vaccine group that received a dose of 1.0 ml administered thrice, 3 wk apart. This report demonstrates that a vaccine developed for equines against West Nile virus can be administered to birds.
Johnson
Sharmie
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Wildlife World Zoo, 16501 West Northern Avenue, Litchfield Park, Arizona 85345, USA.
D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004306:Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic; D011897:Random Allocation; D020304:Raptors; D014901:West Nile Fever / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D053060:West Nile Virus Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*; D014902:West Nile virus / Q000276:immunology*
D053060:West Nile Virus Vaccines