Efficacy of an inactivated vaccine for equine herpesvirus type 1 in a novel hamster model.

A vaccine designated F.EHV1(S(-))BHK, which was prepared by formaldehyde treatment of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV1)-infected baby hamster kidney cells, stimulated neutralising antibodies in hamsters and rabbits and protected new-born hamsters against a lethal challenge with EHV1 by vaccination of their pregnant mothers. The preparative method was then modified to eliminate virus particles and intraparticulate DNA, producing a vaccine designated Bg.F.EHV1(S(-))BHK. this modification stimulated neutralising antibodies with evidence of in vivo inactivation of the virus above non-specific levels in a mouse model. There were no adverse effects from these vaccines in rodent or rabbit species.