Immunogenicity and Safety of Queensland V4 and Ulster 2C Strains of Newcastle Disease Virus Given to Maternally Immune, Newly Hatched Chickens by Nebulization

Commercial chickens with a high level of maternal antibodies for Newcastle disease were vaccinated when newly hatched with Queensland V4 or Ulster 2C Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strains by nebulization. The exposure time to a fine aerosol of vaccine produced with an ultrasonic nebulizer was 60 sec. The chickens were challenged oculonasally with virulent NDV strain Texas GB in weekly intervals up to the 49th day of life. Although protected for several weeks by maternal antibody, they were sufficiently protected thereafter by active immune response to the vaccines. Vaccinal reactions were not observed. Queensland V4 produced higher titers than Ulster 2C and provided better protection to challenge.