Development and assay of inactivated pasteurella vaccine for rabbits

Abstract

The aim of the study was to select strains for inactivated pasteurella vaccine and to develop effective measures for active immunization of rabbits. Eleven strains (14.6%) of Pasteurella multocida from 75 clinical samples were isolated. Five strains (45%) of isolated pasteurella belonged to capsular type A, three strains (27%) to capsular type D, and three strains (27%) were acapsulated. One strain of capsular type A and one strain of capsular type D of P. multocida were used for vaccine development. The oil-in-water adjuvant “Emulsigen” (MVP laboratories, Inc., USA) was used. A laboratory trial of the vaccine against rabbit pasteurellosis, using rabbits as experimental and at the same time as target animals, revealed that the percentage of survivals was 100% to Pasteurella multocida infection when animals were vaccinated by not less than 4 x 109 bacterial cells injected subcutaneously. The ratio of both pasteurella capsular types in the vaccine was 1:1 and it appeared suitable for vaccine production. The vaccine was safe and had no side effects on rabbits, except slight swelling at the site of injection. The results obtained after immunization of rabbits in pasteurella-affected rabbit farms were also satisfactory. After immunization, signs of respiratory disorders in rabbits significantly decreased. Keywords: Pasteurella multocida, rabbits, vaccine, immunization