Boehringer Ingelheim has developed a breakthrough trivalent vaccine that combines protection against three major poultry diseases in a single shot, marking a significant advancement in avian health management. The new vaccine, VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5, provides comprehensive protection against Marek's disease, Infectious Bursal Disease, and H5 avian influenza.
Advanced Protection Against Multiple Threats
The vaccine addresses critical challenges in poultry health, particularly focusing on H5 avian influenza, a highly contagious zoonotic disease that significantly impacts the global poultry industry and international trade. Using innovative COBRA (Computationally Optimised Broadly Reactive Antigen) technology, the vaccine offers unique cross-clade protection against prevalent H5 strains, surpassing traditional single-clade vaccines.
Strategic Implementation and Benefits
The vaccine's administration protocol is designed for maximum efficiency, with doses given directly at the hatchery to ensure early protection and eliminate immunity gaps. As a DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) vaccine, it allows producers to distinguish between vaccinated and naturally infected birds during disease outbreaks, a crucial feature for surveillance and control programs.
"The launch of VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 is another step forward in avian influenza prevention regarding both coverage and convenience," states Taoufik Rawi, Head of Franchise, Poultry, at Boehringer Ingelheim. "Our customers must keep their flocks thriving and protect their chickens from health threats. We help them through our new three-in-one vaccine which is quick and effective."
Regional Impact and Global Significance
The vaccine's initial launch is scheduled for February 2025 in Egypt, where avian influenza poses a significant threat to poultry production. While manufactured in the U.S., where it received licensing in 2023, current regulations do not permit avian influenza vaccination within U.S. territories.
Waleed El Mashak, Head of Animal Health India, Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (IMETA) at Boehringer Ingelheim, emphasizes the regional significance: "As a region heavily impacted by avian influenza, the launch of VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 represents a critical advancement for poultry farmers across IMETA. This innovative vaccine provides farmers with a comprehensive and efficient solution to safeguard their flocks and support sustainable poultry farming."
Disease Prevention and Economic Impact
The vaccine targets three devastating poultry diseases:
- Marek's disease, which causes tumors, paralysis, and mortality in chickens
- Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro disease), leading to significant productivity losses through symptoms like diarrhea and dehydration
- H5 avian influenza, a highly contagious virus affecting both domestic and wild birds, with potential zoonotic implications
The integration of protection against these diseases into a single vaccine represents a significant advancement in poultry health management, potentially reducing administration costs and improving overall flock health outcomes.
