EN
The purpose of the work was to determine the protective properties of a vaccine, called Felisvac Me, developed according to the authors’ own technology. Examinations were carried out on 33 domestic, shorthaired cats 1-6 months of age. The degree of specific immunity was evaluated by a challenge trial, contact infection (simulation of natural contagion), delayed type of hypersensitivity test and the migration inhibition test of leukocytes. It was found that the vaccine without an adjuvant in a dose of 2 ml did not fully protect one-month old cats from being infected with a virulent strain of M. canis. Cats, which were given a higher dose of the vaccine (3 ml per animal) adsorbed on aluminium hydroxide, turned out to be immune to both methods of infection by challenge trials. The vaccine elicited a delayed type of hypersensitivity that persisted on almost a similar level (0.8--1.1 mm) throughout the observation period, i.e. 5 months. Positive values (25.2-32.4%) of the leukocyte migration inhibition test - the consecutive determinant of cellular type of immunity, were found between 22 and 41 days after vaccination. The above vaccine is characterised by a high protective value; it is also safe for both animals and environment. No side effects have been observed.