A recent article in the peer-reviewed journal Vaccines evaluated immunogenicity and efficacy of commercially available vaccines against highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, strain H5N1 in commercial geese raised for slaughter.  In general, an immune response was elicited by all vaccines evaluated, but durability of immunity was dependent on the type of the initial vaccination and the sequence of subsequent booster doses. Challenge under controlled conditions showed protection from clinical disease. Vaccination did not establish sterile immunity, although viral shedding was significantly lower compared to unvaccinated controls.

• Subunit vaccines containing H5 hemagglutinin antigen elicited seroconversion after a single dose and provided clinical protection. 
• A viral vector vaccine delivering genes encoding for H5 antigen resulted in a protective level of antibodies but required a booster for complete protection, and with some viral shedding following challenge.
• An RNA vaccine delivering nucleic acid sequences to stimulate antibody offered full clinical protection following initial vaccination with a booster.
• An inactivated oil emulsion vaccine containing native viral proteins stimulated seroconversion after a single dose but a booster enhanced antibody titer and protection.

The authors concluded that vaccination of geese, irrespective of the type of vaccine administered provided clinical protection and reduced viral excretion.  The results confirmed that vaccines could be incorporated into a program of HPAI prevention for geese that are highly susceptible and represent a significant industry in eastern Europe. 

The need for surveillance of vaccinated flocks was stressed to confirm attainment of protective levels of circulating antibody. Sequencing viral isolates is necessary to detect possible mutations associated with application of vaccination, recommOended as an adjunct to biosecurity measure to protect growing geese and presumably other commercial poultry species.