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Hematological and biochemical parameters of ostriches after vaccination against Newcastle disease

Background and purpose: Although chickens are routinely vaccinated against Newcastle disease, vaccination of ostrich is less well understood. To assess the effect of vaccination on the health of ostriches, key biochemical parameters and differential blood count were monitored after vaccination by La Sota strain of the Newcastle disease virus, which is widely used in chickens. Materials and methods: The investigation was performed in 24 adult ostriches divided into three study groups and a control group each comprising six ostriches. In the study groups birds were vaccinated via different routes: drinking water, oculo-nasally or by spraying. Blood samples were collected immediately before the vaccination and on days 7, 14, 21 and 28. Total erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin concentrations, hematocrit values, as well as total and differential leukocyte counts were assessed. Total albumins and globulins in serum were quantitated spectrophotometrically. Results: Erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit values and total leukocyte count were not significantly changed in any group. Only leukocyte differentiation yielded a significant decrease in eosinophiles in all groups and a significant monocyte increase in groups vaccinated via drinking water and oculo-nasally. While the lower eosinophil count could be attributed to the experimental stress, increased monocyte percentage indicates successful immunological reaction against the vaccine virus. In all groups, total serum proteins were elevated within physiological boundaries, with albumin to globulin ratio suggesting stimulation of antibody production. Conclusion: The results did not indicate any adverse health effects. Therefore, the vaccine which is already routinely used for chickens can be safely applied in ostrich.

Newcastle disease; ostrich; vaccination

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