Effects of vaccine strains of infectious bronchitis virus on the oviduct of hens

Abstract

In Australia, currently, all pullets reared for egg production are vaccinated by live attenuated strains of infectious bronchitis virus. Various vaccines and protocols to control this viral disease have been developed, although the severity of the disease varies from place to place and flock to flock. In the present trial, effects of vaccine strains on the oviduct of laying hens were assessed by determining the presence and persistence of viral load following experimental infection. There was no drop in egg production in any of the groups. Both A3 and Vic S vaccine strains were detected in the oviduct of vaccinated and unvaccinated hens, mainly on the 12th day p.i. Both the vaccines appeared to be safe for the oviduct.