Boehringer Ingelheim has announced the launch of its groundbreaking trivalent poultry vaccine, VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5, in Egypt, marking a significant milestone for the country’s poultry industry. The vaccine, set for release in February 2025, offers comprehensive protection against three major poultry diseases: Marek’s disease, Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro), and H5 avian influenza. This innovative development aims to enhance poultry health and boost productivity in a sector crucial to Egypt’s food security and economy.
H5 avian influenza has long been a source of concern in poultry production, owing to its highly contagious nature and possible impact on global trade. Boehringer Ingelheim’s new vaccine solves this issue by combining protection against the H5 strain with immunity to Marek’s illness and Infectious Bursal illness. The vaccine, given at the hatchery, provides early protection for chicks by bridging the immunity gap between maternal antibodies and the onset of active immunity.
Marek’s disease is a severe viral infection that can cause tumors, paralysis, and significant mortality rates among poultry, while Infectious Bursal Disease leads to dehydration and reduced productivity. These diseases have long posed a threat to poultry farmers worldwide, making vaccination a standard practice in the industry. However, the launch of VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 represents the first time that protection against H5 avian influenza has been combined with these two other critical vaccines in a single dose.
This breakthrough vaccine is based on Boehringer Ingelheim’s COBRA (Computationally Optimised Broadly Reactive Antigen) technology, which allows for the development of a unique antigen sequence. This innovation ensures broader coverage against multiple H5 avian influenza clades, enhancing the vaccine’s effectiveness and reliability.
“The launch of VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 is another step forward in avian influenza prevention regarding both coverage and convenience,” stated Taoufik Rawi, Head of Franchise, Poultry at Boehringer Ingelheim. “Our customers need to keep their flocks thriving and protect their chickens from health threats. With this three-in-one vaccine, we offer a quick and effective solution against the most prevalent H5 clades and two major poultry diseases.”
One significant advantage of the vaccine is its DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) capabilities. This characteristic allows authorities to distinguish between vaccinated and naturally infected birds, which is crucial for disease outbreak management and infection control. Dr. David Swayne, former Laboratory Director at the USDA and Adjunct Professor at the University of Georgia, USA, stated that “the evolution of H5 avian influenza continues to pose a significant challenge for poultry health worldwide.” Advances in disease control measures, such as immunization, are critical to protecting poultry flocks from its damage.
The vaccine’s launch in Egypt highlights its regional importance, as the country has been significantly affected by avian influenza outbreaks. Waleed El Mashak, Head of Animal Health IMETA at Boehringer Ingelheim, emphasized the significance of this introduction, stating, “As a region heavily impacted by avian influenza, the launch of VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 represents a critical advancement for poultry farmers across IMETA. Launching this vaccine in Egypt for the first time globally is a testament to our commitment to supporting sustainable poultry farming.”
Egyptian industry leaders have also welcomed the new vaccine. Magdy Hassan, President of the Egyptian Veterinary Syndicate, described it as “a significant milestone, offering poultry farmers a powerful solution to enhance flock immunity and protect against major diseases, including H5 avian influenza.” Mahmoud El Mahdy, Country Head of Animal Health for North, East, and West Africa at Boehringer Ingelheim, added, “This innovative vaccine is a game-changing approach to disease control, bolstering market stability and securing international trade opportunities. It underscores our ongoing commitment to advancing sustainable food production in Egypt.”
With the poultry sector playing a vital role in Egypt’s food supply and economy, the introduction of VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 is expected to provide significant benefits for farmers, industry stakeholders, and consumers alike. By offering enhanced disease control and sustainable poultry production, this development marks a new era in poultry health management, reinforcing Egypt’s standing as a key player in the global poultry market.
