Vaccination Strategies Against Newcastle Disease – Field Perspectives

Vaccination remains the cornerstone of Newcastle Disease control in poultry production systems. However, field failures continue to occur, often due to a combination of biological and management-related factors. 

Conventional Vaccination Practices 

Live attenuated vaccines such as LaSota and B1 strains, along with inactivated vaccines, are widely used across poultry operations. These vaccines have historically provided good protection when properly administered and supported by an effective vaccination schedule². 

Limitations Observed in the Field 

Despite vaccination, outbreaks can still occur. One important limitation is that vaccination does not always prevent viral shedding, meaning birds may still become infected and transmit the virus without showing severe clinical signs. In addition, maternal antibody interference in young chicks and errors in vaccine handling or administration can reduce vaccine efficacy¹. 

Improving Vaccination Outcomes 

Field success depends on multiple factors, including correct timing of vaccination, maintenance of cold chain, and adaptation of vaccination programs to local disease pressure. The review also highlights emerging strategies such as genotype-matched vaccines, which are designed to better align with circulating field strains and improve protection¹. 

Field Implications 

Veterinarians must view vaccination not as a standalone solution but as part of an integrated disease control strategy involving management, biosecurity, and surveillance. 

References  

1. Bello MB, Yusoff K, Ideris A, Hair-Bejo M, Peeters BP, Omar AR. Diagnostic and vaccination approaches for Newcastle disease virus in poultry: The current and emerging perspectives. BioMed research international. 2018;2018(1):7278459. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/7278459   

2. Apada AM, Alifha AR, Rell F, Syahid TP. Administration of Live-Attenuated Newcastle Disease (ND) Vaccines Derived from B1 and LaSota Strain and Their Effect on Broiler Antibody Titers. Jurnal Riset Veteriner Indonesia (Journal of The Indonesian Veterinary Research). 2022 Jan 12. http://journal.unhas.ac.id/index.php/jrvi/article/download/19400/7759