Immune Responses to Goatpox Vaccine in Mithun: A 12-Month Field Study
Overview
This longitudinal field study evaluated the safety and immune response of a heterologous goatpox vaccine in seronegative Mithun (Bos frontalis) over 12 months. The vaccine was safe, induced significant humoral and cytokine responses peaking at 30 days post-vaccination, and no viral shedding was detected.
Background
Mithun, a semi-domesticated bovine species native to Northeast India, is socio-economically important but vulnerable. Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), caused by LSD virus (LSDV), has caused severe outbreaks in cattle and related species including Mithun. Despite evidence of LSDV exposure in Mithun, vaccine responses in this species remain poorly understood. This study aimed to assess the safety and immunogenicity of a heterologous goatpox vaccine in Mithun under field conditions.
Data Highlights
Parameter
Observation
Number of vaccinated Mithun
26
Vaccine dose
1 mL containing 10³ TCID50
Monitoring period
12 months
Peak antibody and cytokine response
30 days post-vaccination
Viral shedding in nasal swabs
None detected
Systemic cytokines measured
IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10
Key Findings
Goatpox vaccine was safe in Mithun with no adverse clinical reactions or injection site lesions observed.
No viral shedding was detected in sequential nasal swabs up to one year post-vaccination.
Seroconversion was confirmed by indirect ELISA and virus neutralization test, with antibody levels peaking at 30 days post-vaccination.
Systemic cytokine markers (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10) showed upregulation post-vaccination, peaking at 30 days, indicating activation of humoral and cytokine immune responses.
Spatial mapping confirmed ongoing LSDV activity in Mithun populations in Northeast India.
Antigen-specific cell-mediated immunity was not assessed and remains a subject for future research.
Clinical Implications
The heterologous goatpox vaccine appears safe and immunogenic in Mithun, supporting its potential use for LSD prevention in this vulnerable species. Monitoring antibody and cytokine responses can guide vaccination timing and efficacy assessments. Further studies are needed to evaluate cell-mediated immunity and long-term protection.
Conclusion
This study provides the first field-based evidence that heterologous goatpox vaccination induces robust humoral and cytokine immune responses in Mithun without adverse effects, laying groundwork for LSD control strategies in this species.
References
ICAR-NIVEDI/2023 -- Longitudinal Field Study of Goatpox Vaccine in Mithun
WOAH/2023 -- Lumpy Skin Disease Global Status and Control
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