[Inactivated vaccines against rhinopneumonitis in horses].

This research is about a successful attempt to create an inactivated vaccine for horse herpes virus 1, showing significant potential for preventing the associated abortions and respiratory diseases in horses, including newborn colts, if mares are re-vaccinated during pregnancy.

Objective of the Research

• The primary objective of this research was to create inactivated vaccines to combat horse Herpes virus 1, also known as rhinopneumonitis in horses.

Methodology Used

• The researchers experimented with various inactivating agents and adjuvants in their attempts to produce an effective vaccine.
• Of various vaccines developed, the third one, comprising glutaraldehide as the inactivator and “CTC” as the adjuvant, proved to be the most effective.
• The researchers utilized two strains of the virus, St. Karaja and Varna, which were isolated in their own country using cell cultures from a sucking pig kidney.

Results and Findings

• Vaccine No.3 displayed favorable immunogenic properties.
• The application of this vaccine resulted in a complete halt of abortions and respiratory diseases associated with horse Herpes virus 1.
• The research also established that reimmunization of pregnant mares in the 6th-7th month of pregnancy offers protection to newborn colts from rhinopneumonitis.

Significance of the Research

• This research is significant in that it contributes a possible solution to prevent the spread of horse Herpes virus 1, thereby reducing associated morbidity and mortality rates in the equine population.
• The discovery that re-vaccination of mares during pregnancy can protect newborn colts is a crucial finding for breeding programs and the overall health of the horse population.