Malaysians consume an average of 39 kg of chicken per capita per year. Local production of poultry meat and eggs was estimated to be RM 16 billion for 2017. Amongst the potential threats to the poultry industry and more importantly to Malaysian food security is Newcastle disease (ND). ND results in high mortality rates (up to 100%) and lowered productivities amongst surviving birds. Therefore, ND outbreaks can lead to mass destruction of flocks resulting in significant economic losses.

In this study, a recombinant genotyped matched subunit vaccine against NDV was produced using an insect cell-baculovirus expression vector system. Using a newly-developed two-stage purification strategy, the recombinant antigen was then successfully purified and used as a reference standard for the development of a quantitative assay, which allowed for subsequent dose studies. Initial animal studies have shown that the vaccine was protective against mortality and morbidity. An optimal dose of the vaccine was also found to improve herd immunity and reduce virus shedding.