ORAL VACCINATION OF RABBITS - PRELIMINARY ASSAYS WITH VACCINIA-RABIESRECOMBINANT

In order to develop an oral vaccine of rabbit against myxomatosis and RVHD, preliminary trials have been set up with the recombinant vaccine vaccinia-rabies (Raboral VRG) administrated either in direct buccal d rop at different concentrations or by feeding with granules impregnate d with recombinant virus;the serological conversion was obtained at do ses higher or equal to 10(8,5) TCID50. In the experimental conditions used, the tolerance of the rabbit to repeated contacts with high doses was goad, the antirabies neutralizing antibodies persisted to higher values than the minimal protective norm, a year after administration. We conclued Vaccinia virus may be an adequate vector for oral vaccinat ion of rabbits with baits.