Journal Article

Safety and Immunogenicity of Poultry Vaccine for Protecting Critically Endangered Avian Species against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus, United States

Specht, Aaron J., Root, J. Jeffrey, Keller, Dominique, Blackford, Ashleigh V., Rocke, Tonie E., Jones, Michael P., Martin, Michael, Sanchez, Carlos, Lenoch, Julianna, Grier, Thomas, Purcell, Maureen, Dunlap, Brett, Nitzel, Gregory, Styles, Darrel, Patrick, Erin, Suarez, David L., Dean, Kristin, Katzner, Todd E., Dvornicky-Raymond, Zachary, Donahue, Mary, Gibbs, Samantha E.J., Cooper, Sunny

2025

Overview

In 2023, an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza occurred among critically endangered California condors (Gymnogyps californianus), and >21 died. We evaluated safety, immunogenicity, vaccination strategies, and correlates of antibody response of an influenza vaccine for poultry in black vultures (Coragyps atratus) and then California condors. We noted differences in antibody titers between vaccinated and unvaccinated birds (vultures p<0.004; condors p-<0.02) but no adverse effects of vaccination. All vaccinated vultures and 80% of vaccinated condors showed maximum measured antibody response within the published range associated with survival of vaccinated and virally challenged chickens. We noted weak evidence of higher antibody responses for birds given two 0.5-mL vaccines versus those given one 1-mL vaccine but no correlation between antibody titers and sex for either species or between antibody titers and bone lead concentrations in vultures. Our results prompted initiation of a vaccination program for condors that could reduce spread of this disease among highly threatened species.

• Publisher: U.S. National Center for Infectious Diseases,Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Subject: Animals / Antibodies / Antibodies, Viral - blood / Antibodies, Viral - immunology / Avian flu / Avian influenza / Birds / Black vulture / California condor / Care and treatment / Coragyps atratus / Diagnosis / Diseases / Endangered & extinct species / Endangered Species / Expedited / Female / Females / Health aspects / highly pathogenic avian influenza virus / Immune response / Immunogenicity / Immunogenicity, Vaccine / Influenza / Influenza A virus - immunology / Influenza in Birds - epidemiology / Influenza in Birds - immunology / Influenza in Birds - prevention & control / Influenza in Birds - virology / Influenza Vaccines - administration & dosage / Influenza Vaccines - adverse effects / Influenza Vaccines - immunology / Laboratories / Male / Poultry / Safety and Immunogenicity of Poultry Vaccine for Protecting Critically Endangered Avian Species against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus, United States / Threatened species / United States - epidemiology / Vaccination / Vaccines / Viral antibodies / Viruses / Wildlife conservation