INTRADERMAL APPLICATION OF AUJESZKYS-DISEASE VIRUS-STRAIN BEGONIA WITH TOCOPHEROL-BASED ADJUVANT AND A NOVEL DESIGN INJECTION DEVICE

Initially the use of intradermal application of Aujeszky's disease vac cines was shown to be very effective. However, for thus far unknown re asons the gI-deleted vaccines were much less efficacious by using this route of vaccination as compared to gI-positive vaccines. By the use of a tocopherol-based adjuvant and an improved design of the intraderm al injection device it now appeared feasible to obtain the same effica cy both in specific pathogen free pigs and in pigs with material antib odies as found before when intramuscular administration was performed. With respect to safety we found a complete lack of skin lesions, no a dverse systemic reactions (e.g. body temperatures) and no effect on gr owth rates. Last but not least, the easiness of intradermal injections is of great advantage in large-scale vaccination programs.