Comparison of Newcastle disease vaccination programs: Influence of vaccine type, delivery method, and timing on immune response in broilers

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Asaad Vaziry

Keyvan Sobhani

Amjad Farzinpour

Arsalan Jamshidi

Departmet of Animal science, University of kurdistan, Sanandaj, Kurdistan, IRAN

10.22067/ijvst.2026.97754.1651

Abstract

Newcastle disease (ND) remains one of the most critical viral threats to poultry health and productivity worldwide, affecting multiple organ systems and causing severe economic losses. Although vaccination is a cornerstone of ND prevention, inconsistencies in vaccine type, administration method, and timing often result in variable protective outcomes. This study explored different vaccination strategies in broiler chickens to identify the most effective approach for inducing strong and lasting immunity. By comparing programs that varied in initiation age, dosage, and delivery route—including spray, injection, and eye-drop methods—the research provided practical insight into optimizing ND vaccination. The findings demonstrated that early vaccination, particularly when initiated on the first day of life, plays a decisive role in priming the immune system for enhanced antibody production. Spray vaccination proved especially effective, offering both robust immune responses and operational ease for large-scale poultry farms. While combined vaccination schedules produced extended antibody persistence, their advantages were limited by higher cost and management complexity. The results highlight that single, well-timed vaccination programs—particularly early spray or inactivated injectable immunization—can achieve reliable and efficient protection. Overall, this study contributes to improving disease control strategies in commercial poultry by refining ND vaccination protocols and emphasizing the importance of early-life immunization in shaping long-term flock health and productivity.

Keywords

Newcastle disease virus

Antibody response

Immunization strategy

Vaccination route

Poultry health

Subjects

• Immunology

---