Abstract

This study is aimed at evaluating the immunogenicity of two inactivated (mono- and polyvalent) vaccines containing bovine virus diarrhea virus (BVDV) reference and field strains. Three experimental groups were formed: 10 calves vaccinated twice (days 1 and 28) subcutaneously (s/c) with 2 ml of inactivated polyvalent vaccine per animal (Group 1); 10 calves vaccinated twice (days 1 and 28) subcutaneously (s/c) with 2 ml of inactivated monovalent vaccine per animal (Group 2) and 9 unvaccinated calves (Control, Group C). Blood sera were obtained from immunized animals (standard procedure: on days 0, 14, 28, 42 and 56 post-immunization). Geometric mean titer (GMT) values for BVDV neutralizing antibodies were substantially higher in blood sera of calves receiving the inactivated monovalent vaccine. The immune response developed more rapidly in calves immunized with the monovalent vaccine.

Key words: Bovine virus diarrhea virus, immunogenic properties, inactivated vaccines.