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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » National Animal Disease Center » Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #155102
Title: INDUCTION OF NEUTRALIZING ANTIBODIES IN REINDEER (RANGIFER TARANDUS) AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF KILLED WEST NILE VIRUS VACCINE

Author
item Palmer, Mitchell
item Waters, Wade
item PEDERSEN, DOUGLAS - APHIS
item Stoffregen, William

Submitted to: Journal of Wildlife Diseases
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/3/2004
Publication Date: 10/1/2004
Citation: Palmer, M.V., Waters, W.R., Pedersen, D.D., Stoffregen, W.C. 2004. Induction of neutralizing antibodies in reindeer (rangifer tarandus) after administration of killed west nile virus vaccine. Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 40(4):759-62.

Interpretive Summary: In 2002, West Nile virus (WNV) infection with serious clinical disease was described in reindeer. The susceptibility of reindeer to WNV prompted questions concerning vaccination of reindeer to prevent WNV infection. Vaccination of reindeer with a killed WNV vaccine resulted in high levels of anti-WNV antibodies suggestive of protection. All vaccinated reindeer developed high levels of antibodies to WNV. Reindeer without previous natural exposure to WNV required a primary vaccination and 1 to 2 booster vaccinations for development of antibodies to WNV. This information will be useful to reindeer producers, veterinarians and animal health officials and result in improved protection of reindeer from WNV infection.

Technical Abstract: In 2002, West Nile virus (WNV) infection with clinical neurological disease and non-suppurative encephalomyelitis was described in reindeer. The susceptibility of reindeer to WNV prompted questions concerning vaccination of reindeer to prevent WNV infection. Vaccination of reindeer with a killed WNV vaccine resulted in high titers of virus neutralizing antibodies. All vaccinated reindeer developed high neutralizing antibody titers to WNV. Reindeer without antibody titers from previous natural exposure to WNV required a primary vaccination and 1 to 2 booster vaccinations for development of neutralizing antibody to WNV.