Boehringer Ingelheim unveils new avian flu vaccine for Egypt

EGYPT – Boehringer Ingelheim has unveiled its groundbreaking trivalent poultry vaccine, VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5, in Egypt, marking a major milestone for the country’s poultry industry. 

Set for release in February 2025, this innovative vaccine provides comprehensive protection against three critical poultry diseases: Marek’s disease, Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro), and H5 avian influenza. 

Its introduction aims to enhance poultry health and boost productivity in a sector vital to Egypt’s food security and economy.

H5 avian influenza poses a significant challenge to poultry production due to its high contagion rate and potential trade disruptions. 

Boehringer Ingelheim’s new vaccine tackles this issue by combining protection against the H5 strain with immunity to Marek’s and Infectious Bursal diseases. 

Administered at the hatchery, the vaccine provides early protection for chicks, bridging the immunity gap between maternal antibodies and active immunity development.

Marek’s disease can cause tumors, paralysis, and high mortality rates, while Infectious Bursal Disease leads to dehydration and productivity losses. These threats have long necessitated vaccination in poultry farming. 

However, VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 is the first single-dose solution to incorporate H5 avian influenza protection alongside these essential vaccines.

The vaccine leverages COBRA (Computationally Optimized Broadly Reactive Antigen) technology, enabling the development of a unique antigen sequence.

This innovation ensures broader coverage against multiple H5 avian influenza clades, enhancing effectiveness and reliability.

“Our goal is to help farmers protect their flocks efficiently. This three-in-one vaccine delivers a rapid, effective solution against prevalent H5 clades and two major poultry diseases,” said Taoufik Rawi, Head of Franchise, Poultry at Boehringer Ingelheim. 

Enhanced disease control and trade benefits

A key advantage of VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 is its DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) capabilities, allowing authorities to distinguish between vaccinated and naturally infected birds. This feature is crucial for managing disease outbreaks and ensuring effective infection control.

Dr. David Swayne, former Laboratory Director at the USDA and Adjunct Professor at the University of Georgia, USA, noted, “The evolution of H5 avian influenza remains a significant challenge for poultry health worldwide. Advances in disease control, such as immunisation, are essential for safeguarding poultry flocks.”

Egypt has been heavily affected by avian influenza outbreaks, making this vaccine’s launch particularly significant for the region. 

Egyptian industry leaders have welcomed the innovation. Magdy Hassan, President of the Egyptian Veterinary Syndicate, called it “a landmark development, equipping poultry farmers with a powerful tool to enhance flock immunity and combat 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 vaccine is a game-changer for disease control, reinforcing market stability and expanding international trade opportunities. It demonstrates our ongoing commitment to advancing sustainable food production in Egypt.”

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.