The European Medicines Agency's Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products (CVMP) has issued positive opinions for two groundbreaking poultry vaccines developed by Boehringer Ingelheim, targeting the highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza virus. This significant regulatory milestone, announced on November 20, 2024, represents a major advancement in the fight against a disease that has caused devastating outbreaks across Europe and globally.
A New Era in Poultry Vaccination
The first vaccine, VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5, is a revolutionary trivalent vaccine. It is the first of its kind to offer combined protection against three major poultry diseases—Marek’s disease, Infectious Bursal Disease, and H5 avian influenza—in both chickens and turkeys, all administered in a single shot. This simplifies vaccination protocols and enhances flock protection efficiently.
The second vaccine, VAXXINACT® H5, is an inactivated vaccine designed to protect a broader range of poultry, including chickens, turkeys, and ducks, specifically against the H5 virus subtype of avian influenza.
Combating a Global Threat
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious disease that severely impacts both wild birds and commercial flocks. The H5 strain has been particularly destructive, leading to massive culling of birds to contain outbreaks. This has resulted in substantial economic losses for poultry producers and disruptions to international trade.
Since 2021, highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 has caused unprecedented global outbreaks, spreading to new regions like Latin America and even Antarctica. The economic impact has been severe, causing tremendous financial damage and affecting the availability of eggs and poultry meat.
Strengthening Outbreak Preparedness
As the virus continues to evolve, innovative vaccines are becoming a critical tool for prevention and control. International bodies like the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) recommend integrating vaccination into comprehensive avian flu control strategies.
"Transboundary Animal Diseases like avian influenza will continue to be a threat, so new approaches to control these infectious diseases in animals, especially livestock, are increasingly important," stated Armin Wiesler, Head of the Animal Health Business Unit and Member of the Board of Managing Directors at Boehringer Ingelheim. "We are committed to investing in research and innovation, and we are ready to support governments, health authorities and producers with our vaccines and expertise."
The positive opinions from the CVMP recommend granting marketing authorisations under exceptional circumstances, paving the way for national authorities in EU member states to make decisions on implementing vaccination programs. The use of such vaccines, including those compatible with DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) strategies, plays a vital role in ongoing surveillance and biosecurity efforts, allowing for continued monitoring of the virus while protecting animal health.
