Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) remains a significant economic challenge for the poultry industry due to its ability to cause immune suppression. With evolving strains and varying virulence, implementing a strategic vaccination program is crucial, says Kalen Cookson, DVM, MAM, DACPV, director of clinical research at Zoetis.
Understanding IBDV Challenges
Early infections (before two weeks of age) can cause severe and permanent damage. Between two and three weeks, outcomes vary based on stressors or immune suppressors, while infections after three weeks, though less severe, can exacerbate other diseases such as infectious bronchitis and E. coli.
Three Vaccination Options for IBDVDr. Cookson highlights three primary IBDV vaccination options:
- Recombinant Vaccines: Provide bursal “cushioning” and limit field IBDV replication but do not completely prevent it
- Immune Complex Vaccines: Most effective at reducing field IBDV replication, with a “take” effect that influences bursa size
- Live Vaccines: Bridge gaps in immunity, complementing maternal antibodies and recombinant vaccines
Optimizing Vaccine Combinations
- Recombinant and Live Vaccines: In high field-infection scenarios, live vaccines provide rapid immunity and block field virus replication in birds with low maternal antibodies, buying time for recombinant vaccine efficacy
- Recombinant and Immune Complex Vaccines: Recombinants limit cycles of infection and tissue damage, while immune complex vaccines reduce field virus spread, sustaining recombinant vaccine efficacy year-to-year
Surveillance as a Key Tool
Bursal surveillance helps producers identify circulating IBDV strains and the ages at which birds are challenged. This information enables a targeted vaccination strategy, leveraging recombinant, live, and immune complex vaccines to reduce IBDV challenges and immune suppression effectively.
Building a Resilient Poultry Industry
By integrating strategic vaccine use and surveillance, poultry producers and veterinarians can adapt to evolving IBDV challenges, ensuring robust protection and minimizing economic losses.
For more insights and updates on poultry health innovations, visit Zoetis.com.