Newcastle disease vaccines

Abstract

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a devastating infection causing up to 100 % mortality in infected chickens. Due to its enzootic nature, prevention of the disease can be achieved effectively only through vaccination. While conventional vaccines incorporating live, attenuated virus or inactivated virus exist, recombinant vaccines are effective but more expensive. Attempts, therefore, have been made to produce recombinant oral vaccines in plants which would allow for more economical production as well as convenient administration through feed. Production of such inexpensive and effective vaccines at low cost is key to effective management of this disease for large-scale production of chickens, but also in countries where chickens are kept domestically and represent a source of family wealth and nutrition.