Prime Highlights:
Boehringer Ingelheim introduces Vaxitek HVT+IBD+H5, a trivalent vaccine offering protection against H5 avian influenza, Marek disease, and infectious bursal disease (IBD).
The vaccine uses COBRA technology to provide broad protection against the most prevalent H5 avian influenza clades, addressing viral evolution challenges.
Key Background:
Boehringer Ingelheim has introduced a new trivalent vaccine, Vaxitek HVT+IBD+H5, designed to provide comprehensive protection for poultry against H5 avian influenza (bird flu), Marek disease, and infectious bursal disease (IBD). This launch marks a significant advancement in the company’s Vaxxitek vaccine portfolio and underscores the growing need for effective solutions to combat evolving viral threats in poultry.
The new vaccine incorporates COBRA technology, which is specifically engineered to address the challenges posed by viral evolution, particularly the rapidly changing H5 avian influenza strains. By offering broad protection against the most prevalent H5 clades, Vaxitek HVT+IBD+H5 provides a timely solution for poultry farmers. According to Taoufik Rawi, Head of the Poultry Franchise at Boehringer Ingelheim, this vaccine offers enhanced coverage and convenience, combining protection against avian influenza and two major poultry diseases in a single dose. This approach is expected to improve overall flock health and reduce the burden on poultry farmers.
One of the key advantages of Vaxitek HVT+IBD+H5 is its ability to be administered directly at hatcheries, allowing for early protection of chicks and addressing immunity gaps that may arise during the early stages of life. This feature enables farmers to safeguard their flocks from the outset, ensuring greater protection against viral infections.
The urgency of controlling avian influenza has been highlighted by the ongoing outbreaks that have led to the culling of millions of birds and significant disruptions in the poultry industry. The United States, for example, has seen a marked increase in egg prices as a result of the bird flu outbreak. In addition to its economic impact, avian influenza has raised public health concerns, with human cases of bird flu reported in the U.S. this year, although the risk of person-to-person transmission remains low. Vaxitek HVT+IBD+H5 will first be launched in Egypt in February 2025, a region heavily impacted by avian influenza, before expanding to other markets. This innovative vaccine represents a critical step forward in safeguarding poultry health, supporting sustainable farming, and mitigating the challenges of avian influenza.
