Boehringer Ingelheim has introduced its groundbreaking trivalent poultry vaccine, VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5, in Egypt, marking a major milestone for the country’s poultry industry. Scheduled for release in February 2025, this revolutionary vaccine provides comprehensive protection against three significant poultry diseases: Marek’s disease, Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro), and H5 avian influenza. The launch aims to strengthen poultry health and productivity, a crucial factor for Egypt’s food security and economy.
Addressing a Major Poultry Health Challenge
H5 avian influenza has been a persistent threat to poultry production due to its highly contagious nature and potential impact on global trade. Boehringer Ingelheim’s new vaccine addresses this challenge by combining H5 avian influenza protection with immunity against Marek’s disease and Infectious Bursal Disease in a single dose. Administered at the hatchery, VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 ensures early immunity, bridging the gap between maternal antibodies and active immune development in chicks.
Marek’s disease is a severe viral infection causing tumors, paralysis, and high mortality rates, while Infectious Bursal Disease leads to dehydration and reduced productivity. These diseases have long been major concerns for poultry farmers worldwide, making vaccination a standard preventive measure. However, this marks the first time a single vaccine provides protection against H5 avian influenza alongside these two other critical poultry diseases.
Advanced Vaccine Technology for Broader Protection
The VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 vaccine is developed using Boehringer Ingelheim’s COBRA (Computationally Optimised Broadly Reactive Antigen) technology, allowing for a unique antigen sequence that provides broad coverage against multiple H5 avian influenza clades. This enhances the vaccine’s effectiveness and reliability, offering poultry farmers a stronger defense against evolving disease threats.
“The launch of VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 is a major step forward in avian influenza prevention, improving both coverage and convenience,” said Taoufik Rawi, Head of Franchise, Poultry at Boehringer Ingelheim. “With this three-in-one vaccine, we provide a fast and effective solution against the most prevalent H5 clades and two other major poultry diseases, helping farmers keep their flocks healthy and productive.”
A Game-Changer for Poultry Health Management
One of the key advantages of this vaccine is its DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) capability, which allows authorities to distinguish between vaccinated and naturally infected birds. This feature is crucial for disease outbreak management and infection control, supporting better surveillance and trade compliance.
Dr. David Swayne, former Laboratory Director at the USDA and Adjunct Professor at the University of Georgia, USA, emphasized the importance of such advancements in disease control:
“The ongoing evolution of H5 avian influenza presents a significant challenge to poultry health worldwide. Innovations like this vaccine play a critical role in protecting poultry flocks and ensuring industry stability.”
Egypt Leads the Way in Global Poultry Innovation
The launch of VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 in Egypt highlights the country’s strategic importance in the fight against avian influenza. Waleed El Mashak, Head of Animal Health IMETA at Boehringer Ingelheim, stressed the significance of this regional introduction:
“As a region heavily impacted by avian influenza, the launch of VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 marks a transformative advancement for poultry farmers across IMETA. Bringing this vaccine to Egypt first is a testament to our commitment to sustainable poultry farming and disease control.”
Egyptian industry leaders have also welcomed the vaccine’s arrival. Magdy Hassan, President of the Egyptian Veterinary Syndicate, described it as “a significant milestone offering poultry farmers a powerful tool to enhance flock immunity and combat major diseases, including H5 avian influenza.”
Meanwhile, Mahmoud El Mahdy, Country Head of Animal Health for North, East, and West Africa at Boehringer Ingelheim, highlighted its potential economic impact:
“This innovative vaccine is a game-changer for disease control, reinforcing market stability and securing international trade opportunities. It reflects our dedication to advancing sustainable food production in Egypt.”
A New Era for Poultry Health and Food Security
With poultry playing a vital role in Egypt’s food supply and economy, the introduction of VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 is expected to bring significant benefits to farmers, industry stakeholders, and consumers. By providing enhanced disease control, improved productivity, and sustainable poultry farming, this vaccine marks a new era in poultry health management.
This milestone reinforces Egypt’s position as a leader in global poultry health innovation, paving the way for a more resilient and productive poultry industry.
