In ovo Vaccination in Ducks against Duck Virus Enteritis

Background: One of the major diseases affecting ducks is Duck Virus Enteritis causing heavy mortality and high economic losses in duck farming. Methods: In this study, in ovo vaccination technology was adopted using a Duck Embryo Fibroblast passaged Duck Virus Enteritis vaccine virus. This would be the first reported use of in ovo vaccination in ducks against a viral disease. Virus Neutralisation Test was used to measure the immune response after standardisation of the technique using hyperimmunised Barred Plymouth Rock rooster. An optimised dose of the Duck Virus Enteritis vaccine virus was computed using Embryo Lethal Dose50 assessment of hatchability. In ovo vaccination was done in 2 groups of 40 embryos each, one group acting as negative control and the other group as virus treatment group. A booster dose was given to the treatment group on 14th day post hatch. Result: Virus Neutralisation test using a beta method was carried out to measure the immune response. The treatment group showed an immune response of 3.33±0.21 Log2 Antibody titre. This opens up a plethora of options of application of in ovo vaccination in ducks against viral diseases which would be a boon to the duck farming industry.