Immunogenicity and Protective Efficacy Against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus H5N1, Clade 2.3.4.4b, in Fattening Geese

Background/Objectives: The risk of introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) in geese breeding and fattening flocks is heightened due to the necessity of free-range access to grazing grounds. This study aimed to evaluate the safety, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy of five commercial vaccines against HPAIV subtype H5N1 (clade 2.3.4.4b) in subadult fattening geese. Methods: A prime-boost vaccination trial was conducted using five commercial vaccines, including H5 expressing vaccines of novel technology (subunit, vector, RNA) and whole inactivated virus (WIV) vaccines. Based on serological results, one RNA and one WIV vaccine were selected for a homologous challenge experiment. Results: Two vaccines of novel technology (vector, RNA) required a booster dose to raise specific antibodies titers above a threshold of 4 log2 by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay, whereas a subunit vaccine and two WIV vaccines induced seroconversion after primary vaccination. In the challenge experiment, all non-vaccinated control geese succumbed to infection by day 4. In contrast, all vaccinated geese that had seroconverted exhibited full clinical protection. Although sterile immunity was not achieved, viral excretion was significantly reduced in the vaccinated groups compared to controls. Conclusions: Vaccination substantially mitigated the impact of HPAIV H5N1, clade 2.3.4.4b infection in geese, greatly improving animal welfare by preventing severe disease. Additionally, there was a significant reduction in viral burden. Further studies are necessary to verify the potential of these vaccines to reduce susceptibility to infection and virus excretion in order to achieve suppression of the between-flock reproduction number to below 1 in geese flocks at high risk of infection.