F02 - Safety and Immunogenicity of Two Bovine Coronavirus Vaccines in Goats

Abstract: Background:

A novel coronavirus, closely related to bovine/bovine-like coronaviruses, was identified in 2017, associated with an outbreak of gastrointestinal disease in goats. A bovine coronavirus ELISA adapted to detect anti-bovine coronavirus antibodies in goats has shown coronavirus is an important pathogen in California goat populations.

Objectives:

To determine the safety and immunogenicity of bovine coronavirus vaccines, a modified live intranasal (MLV) and an intramuscular killed (KV) in goats.

Animals:

Twenty 18-month-old seronegative does randomized into two groups: MLV and KV, 7 vaccinates and 3 placebo controls per group.

Methods:

Vaccines were administered per manufacturer’s instructions for cattle; a single intranasal dose for the MLV and a 2-dose series for the KV. Serum samples, nasal and rectal swabs, injection site monitoring and physical exams were done regularly. PCR for coronavirus was done on swabs. ELISA was performed on serum, results analyzed using a 2-way ANOVA.

Results:

Coronavirus PCR: One positive nasal swab 2 days post vaccination in an MLV vaccinate, all other swabs were PCR negative. ELISA: All KV vaccinates seroconverted, none of the MLV or control animals did. Titers in KV vaccinates were significantly higher than controls at booster (p=0.029), increased following booster, with peak titers occuring 2 weeks post-booster (p< 0.0001). No reactions were seen post MLV or first dose KV dose; second KV dose resulted in local reactions in 5/7 goats.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:

While seroconversion occurred with the KV, clinical efficacy of both vaccines remains unknown, however both seem to be safe to use in goats.