ABSTRACT
An Experimental hatch of an inactivated RHDV oil emulsified vaccine was prepared as water-in-oil emulsion with aqueous to oil ratio 1:2. The efficacy of the prepared vaccine was studied in vaccinated rabbits for one year post vaccination. The efficacy was based on HI antibody response and the resistance to challenge with virulent RHDV. The vaccine induced specific RHDV-antibody titers detected from the 1st week post vaccination in a zigzag like manner through out the year. RHDV-antibody titers measured by HI test in vaccinated rabbits increased and reached the highest level in 6th week post vaccination while the maximum level was attained at 7th month post vaccination. The high level of specific RHDV-antibody titers in the vaccinated rabbits reflected on the challenge test where they could resist the challenge against virulent RHDV up to 12 months post vaccination with 100% protection compared to unvaccinated group [0% protection]. This study concluded the need to produce this vaccine locally in a massive production aiming to save the hard currency lost in importing this vaccine