Some field observations on the antibody response to avian infectious bronchitis on Auckland layer farms

Authors: Findon G
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 35, Issue 12, pp 211-214, Dec 1987
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Avian, Poultry, Production animal
Subject Terms: Animal remedies/veterinary medicines, Immune system/immunology, Viral, Respiratory system, Disease/defect, Infectious disease, Vaccination
Article class: Scientific Article

---

Abstract: Layer flocks on four Auckland poultry farms were monitored monthly for Infectious Bronchitis (IB) antibody levels, using the haemagglutination inhibition test. The same birds were bled each month and antibody levels compared with egg production. The results showed that IB vaccination at 4% and 14% weeks using the live, attenuated, New Zealand A strain virus, protected layers from IB infection on a farm with good management techniques but vaccination on another commercial farm gave less then ideal protection due possibly to intercurrent disease. Also antibody levels in naturally infected layers responded more vigorously when exposed to the field strain, compared with the response in vaccinated birds.

---