A conventional, inactivated oil emulsion vaccine suppresses shedding and prevents viral meat colonisation in commercial (Pekin) ducks challenged with HPAI H5N1.

The ongoing H5N1 epidemic is currently affecting a number of avian species, including waterfowl. These birds appear to have an important role as reservoirs of infection and comprehensive data on the efficacy of vaccination is currently lacking. The present paper reports the effect of a two dose vaccination programme with a conventional inactivated product on infection, lateral spread, shedding and presence of virus in commodities such as meat and viscera of Pekin ducks. Vaccination of this species appears to be efficacious in suppressing viral shedding, and preventing viraemia and lateral spread of infection to unvaccinated and vaccinated Pekin ducks.