Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has recently been detected in several species of mammals including domestic cats. Field reports reveal high levels of mortality in affected animals, thus a vaccine that would prevent HPAI infection or reduce mortality in cats is highly desirable. The goal of the present proposal is to evaluate the efficacy of a subunit HPAI H5N1 vaccine based on recombinant HA protein in domestic cats. The study will consist of two objectives:
1) To evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of a subunit HPAI H5N1 vaccine candidate in domestic cats.
2) To evaluate the protective efficacy of the subunit vaccine candidate against HPAI challenge infection.