Boehringer Ingelheim Launches Trivalent Poultry Vaccine to Combat Major Diseases in Egypt

Boehringer Ingelheim will launch its trivalent vaccine VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 in February 2025, providing crucial protection against Marek’s disease, Infectious Bursal Disease, and H5 avian influenza. The vaccine is designed for hatchery administration to bridge immunity gaps in young chicks and utilizes advanced COBRA technology. This development represents a significant step in enhancing poultry health management in Egypt.

Boehringer Ingelheim has announced the launch of its new trivalent vaccine, VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5, set to be introduced in February 2025. This vaccine offers vital protection against Marek’s disease, Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro), and H5 avian influenza, which are significant threats to poultry health and production. The launch is a major advancement that supports the sustainability of Egypt’s poultry industry.

Targeted mainly for administration at hatcheries, the trivalent vaccine is designed to shield chicks at an early age, addressing the gap in immunity due to declining maternal antibodies. This innovative approach ensures that young birds receive prompt protection from the onset of active immunity, which is crucial given the infectious nature of H5 avian influenza, a notable zoonotic disease that affects poultry production worldwide.

Marek’s disease and Infectious Bursal Disease remain persistent challenges for poultry producers. While current vaccination practices combat these diseases effectively, the integration of H5 avian influenza protection into a single vaccination protocol, through VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5, is a pioneering development. This vaccine combines critical protections into one administration, enhancing efficiency for poultry healthcare.

The vaccine leverages Boehringer Ingelheim’s advanced COBRA (Computationally Optimised Broadly Reactive Antigen) technology. This innovative approach has allowed for the creation of a unique antigen sequence that covers various H5 avian influenza clades, significantly improving the vaccine’s efficacy and adaptability in the face of evolving viral strains.

Taoufik Rawi, Head of Franchise, Poultry at Boehringer Ingelheim, stated, “The launch of VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 is another step forward in avian influenza prevention regarding both coverage and convenience.” The new vaccine provides poultry farmers with an effective tool to maintain flock health and bolster their defenses against prevalent diseases.

A critical feature of this vaccine is its DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) capability, allowing authorities to distinguish between vaccinated and naturally infected birds. This feature is essential in managing outbreaks of avian influenza and enhancing biosecurity measures across poultry production systems.

Industry leaders, including Waleed El Mashak from Boehringer Ingelheim, emphasized the vaccine’s importance in regions severely affected by avian influenza, underscoring its potential to significantly improve poultry farming practices across IMETA. The launch in Egypt signifies a commitment to sustainable poultry farming and offers much-needed support to local farmers.

Magdy Hassan, President of the Egyptian Veterinary Syndicate, characterized the vaccine’s introduction as a landmark moment, providing farmers with a robust solution to enhance flock immunity against severe diseases. Furthermore, Mahmoud El Mahdy remarked on the vaccine’s role in stabilizing market conditions and promoting international trade within the poultry sector.

Given that Egypt’s poultry industry is pivotal to national food security and the economy, the introduction of VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 is poised to benefit producers and consumers alike. This development indicates a new phase of improved disease management and sustainable practices within the poultry sector.

The introduction of VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 by Boehringer Ingelheim represents a significant advancement in poultry health management. This trivalent vaccine offers comprehensive protection against Marek’s disease, Infectious Bursal Disease, and H5 avian influenza, addressing critical disease challenges for poultry farmers. The innovation supports disease prevention strategies and reinforces Egypt’s commitment to sustainable poultry practices, enhancing both producer resilience and food security.

Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com