Inactivated Tissue Culture Rabies Vaccine with Three Years Immunogenicity in Dogs and Cats

Abstract

Serologically negative dogs and cats were vaccinated intramuscularly with a single 1 ml dose of vaccine. Serological titres to rabies virus were determined for 3 years after vaccination. Vaccinated and non-vaccinated control dogs and cats were challenged with virulent NYC-Ga strain of street rabies virus 3 years after vaccination. At 90 days after challenge, 92% (23/25) of vaccinated dogs and 96% (24/25) of vaccinated cats survived a challenge that killed 80% (8/10) of the control dogs and 90% (9/10) of the control cats. One year after subcutaneous vaccination 100% (5/5) of vaccinated cats survived a challenge that killed 100% (4/4) of the control cats. A 1-year immunogenicity study was also conducted in cattle. At 90 days after challenge 100% (9/9) of intramuscularly vaccinated cattle survived a challenge that killed 60% (3/5) of control cattle. In addition, serological titres following vaccination were demonstrated in cattle, horses and raccoons.