RESUMO
Binary ethyleneimine [BEI] was used to inactivate the local Egyptian strain of sheep pox virus. The inactivation process was applied using final concentrations of BEI at 0.5, 1, 2 and 3% for different incubation periods at 37 dgree C. The virus was completely inactivated after 7 hours incubation with by 2% BEI final concentration; the inactivated virus was adsorbed on aluminium hydroxide gel when incubated for 6 hours in a concentration 1:1. The antibody levels were estimated by virus neutralization test and ELISA. Specific antibodies appeared from the 1[st] week post vaccination and remained until the 4[th] week post challenge. The prepared vaccine was evaluated for safety, sterility and potency. The vaccine proved to be safe, sterile and inducing protection for the vaccinated lambs when challenged by the virulent sheep pox virus up to 6 months post vaccination