Improving immunoprophylaxis: potential and limitations of biotechnological solutions in Newcastle disease control

Introduction. Newcastle disease continues to inflict significant economic damage on the global poultry industry, dictating the need to revise traditional vaccina tion strategies. Classical live vaccines, despite their widespread use, have a number of limitations, including interference with maternal antibodies and inability to completely prevent the field virus shedding due mismatch with current genotypes. This paper constitutes an analytical review of the current landscape of genetically engineered vaccines against Newcastle disease. It systematizes the data on key technological platforms: recombinant vector vaccines, reverse genetics-based prod ucts, as well as subunit, VLP-, and DNA-vaccines. A comparative analysis of the immunogenicity, safety, and ease of use of these platforms is conducted; particular attention is paid to the possibilities of implementing the DIVA strategy. It is demonstrated that, although vector vaccines have become the industry standard, reverse genetics technologies offer unique potential for controlling viral variability and reducing virus circulation in flocks. The conclusion substantiates the need to integrate various technological approaches to create effective disease eradication programs.

Objective. Formation of an objective picture of the current state of the problem, which is necessary for determining further avenues for improving biosecurity strategies in commercial poultry farming.

Materials and methods. The analytical study was conducted on the basis of domestic and foreign scientific publications on Newcastle disease immunoprophylaxis

Results. The existing vaccines against Newcastle disease virus have been analyzed and reviewed. Their immunogenicity, ability to overcome maternal antibodies, compatibility with the DIVA strategy, virus shedding control, safety and ease of use have been described. Historical background is also provided. The necessity of transitioning from traditional vaccines to genetically engineered prophylactic products is substantiated.

Conclusion. The development and implementation of subunit and nucleic acid vaccines are the most important evolutionary steps in the field of Newcastle disease immunoprophylaxis, thus enabling the implementation of the virus eradication strategy in poultry flocks.

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