Source: Lisa M. Keefe, MEATINGPLACE, 11/26/14

Researchers from four universities in The Netherlands have introduced a powdered form of vaccine for poultry against avian influenza, which is suitable for vaccinating poultry on a large scale and is safe for humans.

The vaccine contains only dead virus particles, rendering the powder safe for humans to handle, and the powder form keeps the vaccine compound chemically stable, according to a release posted on the website of the University of Groningen, where lead researcher Prof. Erik Frijlink works.

The aerosolized fine powder particles can be inhaled by the chickens, whereas classic flu vaccines must be injected into each individual animal.

The researchers’ work and conclusions were published in November in the scientific journal, Vaccine.

For more stories, go to www.meatingplace.com.