- A new trivalent poultry vaccine, VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5, provides protection against Marek’s disease, Infectious Bursal Disease, and H5 avian influenza with a single dose.
- H5 avian influenza is a highly contagious zoonotic disease that must be reported and is significantly impacting the poultry industry, farmers, and global trade.
- Administering the vaccine at the hatchery ensures early protection for chicks.
Boehringer Ingelheim is expanding its established VAXXITEK® line with VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5, a new vaccine that provides protection against three severe poultry diseases: Marek’s disease, Infectious Bursal Disease, and H5 avian influenza. Leveraging extensive expertise in avian influenza protection, this innovative vaccine will launch first in Egypt in February 2025. VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 is manufactured in the U.S., where it has been licensed since 2023; however, avian influenza vaccination is not currently permitted in the U.S.
Marek’s disease, a viral disease in chickens, can result in tumors, paralysis, and death, causing significant losses in poultry farms. Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro disease) is another viral disease in chickens, leading to clinical signs like diarrhea and dehydration, which results in considerable productivity losses. Both diseases compromise the immune system, increasing the birds’ susceptibility to other infections. Vaccination against Marek’s disease and Gumboro disease is a standard practice in most poultry farms worldwide.
Avian influenza, commonly known as avian flu or bird flu, is a highly contagious disease affecting both domestic and wild birds. While rare, it can also infect other species, including cows, cats, and even humans. H5 is a prevalent avian influenza virus strain and is endemic in several countries, where it is present year-round. Vaccination is essential in these countries to further prevent the disease’s spread. The continuous evolution of the virus and the development of numerous variants highlight the ongoing need for innovative vaccine solutions to manage avian flu.
Supporting poultry producers through technology and ease of use
“The launch of VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 represents a significant advancement in avian influenza prevention, enhancing both coverage and convenience,” says Taoufik Rawi, Head of Franchise, Poultry, at Boehringer Ingelheim. “We are committed to helping our customers maintain thriving flocks and protect their chickens from health threats. Our new three-in-one vaccine achieves this by providing broad protection against the most prevalent H5 avian influenza clades and two major poultry diseases with a single injection.”
A clade is a group of viral strains sharing a common ancestor. While traditional bird flu vaccines often target only one clade, Boehringer Ingelheim utilized COBRA (Computationally Optimised Broadly Reactive Antigen) technology to develop a unique antigen sequence that protects against the most prevalent and infectious H5 clades.
Waleed El Mashak, Head of Animal Health India, Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (IMETA) at Boehringer Ingelheim, stated: “Given the significant impact of avian influenza in the IMETA region, the introduction of VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 is a crucial step forward for poultry farmers. This innovative vaccine provides farmers with a comprehensive and efficient solution to protect their flocks and promote sustainable poultry farming by offering cross-clade protection against H5 avian influenza, along with immunity against other major diseases.”
VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 is administered directly at the hatchery, ensuring early chick protection and preventing any immunity gap—the period between the decline of maternal antibodies in chicks and the development of active immunity from vaccination. Like Boehringer Ingelheim’s other avian influenza vaccines, VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 is a DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) vaccine, which is essential for distinguishing between vaccinated and naturally infected birds during a disease outbreak.
“As a leader in animal health, we are dedicated to supporting our customers in raising and caring for their poultry in a healthy, sustainable, and financially viable manner,” Rawi added. “With VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5, we are not only safeguarding poultry but also preserving livelihoods and contributing to global health security.”
Boehringer Ingelheim – Animal Health business
Boehringer Ingelheim delivers innovative solutions for preventing and treating animal diseases. It provides a diverse portfolio of vaccines, parasite control products, and medicines for pets, horses, and livestock to veterinarians, animal owners, farmers, and governments. As a leader in animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim recognizes the deep connection between human and animal health and strives to make a positive impact on people, animals, and society. More information is available at .
Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company involved in both human and animal health. The company is a major investor in Research and Development, focusing on creating innovative therapies for areas with significant unmet medical needs. Founded in 1885 and operating independently, Boehringer Ingelheim takes a long-term approach, integrating sustainability throughout its value chain. With over 53,500 employees, it serves more than 130 markets to build a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable future. Further details can be found at .
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