Background

Breakouts of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in vaccinated chickens continue to cause millions in losses each year for the poultry industry despite worldwide vaccination efforts. Emergence of new Arkansas (Ark) IBV strains has been attributed in part to increased vaccine subpopulation diversity in currently available commercial Ark vaccines. A method has been developed that removes these subpopulations, producing a uniform and protective vaccine that will help reduce the emergence of Ark-type viruses as well as the number of IBV outbreaks in commercially vaccinated chickens.