Abstract:
Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) is a picornavirus with a worldwide distribution, capable of infecting
a wide range of species. Episodes of EMCV-associated mortality have been reported in zoos and national parks around
the world, including sporadic cases at Taronga Zoo, Sydney. An inactivated EMCV vaccine was evaluated by inoculating
Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lerviai. Indian antelope (Antilope cervicaprai, Eastern wallaroos t Macropus robustusi,
and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). A proportion of the vaccinated ungulates were administered a second vaccination
4 wk after the initial dose. Neutralizing antibody titers were monitored for a period of 12 mo. One month after
vaccination, all vaccinated groups had developed significant antibody titers that persisted for at least 6 mo. Animals
receiving two doses of vaccine had higher titers 3. 6. and 12 mo. after the initial vaccination compared with animals
receiving a single vaccine dose.
