AN ASSESSMENT OF THE AUSTRALIAN V4 STRAIN OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS AS A VACCINE BY SPRAY, AEROSOL AND DRINKING WATER ADMINISTRATION

Abstract
An Australian strain of Newcastle disease virus was evaluated for use as a vaccine following its administration by drinking water, aerosol and spray to chickens at 1 and 21 days of age. Hemagglutination inhibition antibody was produced and persisted for 11 wk. Aerosol vaccination induced higher levels of hemagglutination inhibition antibody than the other methods of vaccination. No respiratory disease was observed following vaccination. Chickens vaccinated by aerosol and spray were fully protected when challenged at 5, 7 and 11 wk of age with virulent Newcastle disease virus. Mortality of 10-30% was observed in chickens vaccinated by drinking water and intranasally following challenge.