Background: One of the major diseases affecting ducks is Duck Virus Enteritis causing heavy mortality and high economic losses in duck farming.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: In this study, in ovo vaccination technology was adopted using a Duck Embryo Fibroblast passaged Duck Virus Enteritis vaccine virus. This would be the first reported use of in ovo vaccination in ducks against a viral disease. Virus Neutralisation Test was used to measure the immune response after standardisation of the technique using hyperimmunised Barred Plymouth Rock rooster. An optimised dose of the Duck Virus Enteritis vaccine virus was computed using Embryo Lethal Dose50 assessment of hatchability. In ovo vaccination was done in 2 groups of 40 embryos each, one group acting as negative control and the other group as virus treatment group. A booster dose was given to the treatment group on 14th day post hatch.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Virus Neutralisation test using a beta method was carried out to measure the immune response. The treatment group showed an immune response of 3.33&plusmn;0.21 Log2 Antibody titre. This opens up a plethora of options of application of in ovo vaccination in ducks against viral diseases which would be a boon to the duck farming industry.

In ovo Vaccination in Ducks against Duck Virus Enteritis

<div>Background: Many plants are used to cure snakebites in Indian traditional medicine and some of them have been examined for their ability to neutralize snake venom. The main aim of the present study is the screening of phytochemicals, in vitro assessment of venom toxicity and neutralization assays and its antimicrobial assay. 
 
Methods: The phytochemical screening and thin-layer chromatography was used to determine and separate the chemical constituents present in the Calotropis gigantea. The direct hemolysis using sheep RBCs was studied for Echis carinatus venoms. The proteolytic, neutralizing and antimicrobial activity of the extract was also studied.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The phytochemical investigation of root extract of Calotropis gigantean and the TLC was performed. The Protein concentration of the lyophilized snake venoms was found to be 0.692 mg/ml. Echis carinatus venoms showed 89% hemolysis. Echis carinatus venom produced a reduced zone of hydrolysis with the extract. The absence of clot formation showed the neutralizing ability of plant extracts in gelatin liquefaction assay. Thus the scientific confirmation of neutralization potential of Calotropis gigantea plant extract against Saw scaled viper (Echis carinatus) venom was performed.</div>

In ovo Vaccination in Ducks against Duck Virus Enteritis

Bioactive Potential of Aqueous Extract of Calotropis gigantea against Echis carinatus Venom