Comparative efficacy of BAU-Fowl cholera and DLS-Fowl cholera vaccines in indigenous ducks

Abstract

Background: Duck cholera is an acute, fatal, septicemic disease of domestic ducks which is responsible for significant loss in duck population. The present study was conducted to compare the immunogenicity of two formalin killed fowl cholera vaccines (BAU-FCV and DLS-FCV) in indigenous ducks. Methods: The experimental ducks were divided into three groups (A=15, B=15 and C =10 ducks) of which birds of Group A and Group B were inoculated with 0.5 ml of BAU-FCV and DLS-FCV, respectively through subcutaneous route at the age of 10 weeks whereas ducks of group C were kept as unvaccinated control. Booster vaccination was done with same dose and route at 14 weeks of age. Challenge infection was conducted after 2 weeks of booster vaccination. Results: The mean PHA antibody titres on 15 days post vaccination (DPPV), 28 DPPV, 15 days postsecondary vaccination (DPSV), 28 DPSV and 15 days post challenge were 25.60 ± 3.92, 51.20 ± 7.84, 89.60 ± 15.68, 166.40 ± 38.40 and 204.80 ± 31.35, respectively in ducks of Group A whereas, the mean antibody titres in ducks of Group B were 25.60 ± 3.92, 44.80 ± 7.84, 64.00 ± 7.53,102.40 ± 15.68 and 179.20 ± 31.35 at 15 DPPV, 28 DPPV, 15 DPSV, 28 DPSV and 15 days after challenge, respectively. In this investigation, slightly higher immune responses were observed in ducks of Group A vaccinated with BAU-FCV compare to ducks of Group B vaccinated with DLS-FCV. Birds of both vaccinated groups conferred 100% protection against challenge infection with virulent Pasteurella multocida whereas, 100% mortality was observed in control ducks after challenge. Conclusion: Both vaccines were found to be safe and effective for the vaccination of indigenous ducks against duck cholera.