An in vivo comparison of the efficacy of the heartwater blood and ground-up tick suspension vaccines in calves.

Two groups of calves were respectively immunized with heartwater blood (BV) and ground-up tick suspension (GUTS) vaccine. A third group was left unimmunized as controls. No difference in the immune status conferred could be demonstrated between the 2 vaccines at 6 months and 12 months challenge after vaccination. An index, based on the rectal temperature before and during the reaction, was calculated as an aid in evaluating the data. In practice, the evaluation of heartwater vaccination by challenge is more effective at 12 months than at 6 months after vaccination. No effective difference was demonstrated between the 2 vaccines in their immunizing efficacy.