Vaccination of African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) against high-pathogenicity avian influenza

Background: High-pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) has become a conservation threat to wild birds. Therefore, suitable vaccine technology and practical application methods require investigation. 

Methods: Twenty-four African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) were vaccinated with either a conventional inactivated clade 2.3.4.4b H5N8 HPAI whole virus or a tobacco leaf-produced H5 haemagglutinin-based virus-like particle (VLP). Six birds received a second dose of the inactivated vaccine. Antibody responses were assessed and compared by employing haemagglutination inhibition tests. 

Results: A second dose of inactivated vaccine was required to induce antibody titres above the level required to suppress virus shedding, while a single dose of VLP vaccine produced these levels by day 14, and one bird still had antibodies on day 430. 

Limitations: Bacterial contamination of the VLP vaccine limited the monitoring period and sample size in that treatment group, and it was not possible to perform a challenge study with field virus. 

Conclusion: VLP vaccines offer a more practical option than inactivated whole viruses, especially in logistically challenging situations involving wild birds.