AI vaccine reduces damage to Mexican egg production

Avian Influenza has emerged as a significant restraint to egg productivity and in some cases even jeopardises the survival of industries in nations with endemic AI.

Sporadic outbreaks such as the 2012 episode in Jalisco State in Mexico resulted in the depletion or death of over 20 million laying hens and cost hundreds of millions of euros to control.

Scientists from the USDA- Southeastern Poultry Research Laboratory in Athens Georgia in conjunction with colleagues affiliated to SENASICA in Mexico reported on the efficacy of a US H7 strain vaccine against the pathogenic strain of AI.

Three of four H7 vaccines provided 100% protection with a fourth preventing mortality in 90% of challenged birds. A Mexican-lineage H7N3 isolate from wild birds was evaluated as an inactivated vaccine. All vaccines were protected. Both the US and Mexican vaccines reduced shed rate of viruses, an important consideration in control of outbreaks.