Boehringer Ingelheim Launches Trivalent Vaccine for H5 Avian Influenza

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Boehringer Ingelheim is expanding its Vaxxitek vaccine portfolio with the launch of Vaxitek HVT+IBD+H5, a trivalent poultry vaccine providing protection against H5 avian influenza, also known as bird flu, and for Marek disease and infectious bursal disease. According to the company, the vaccine implements COBRA technology to offer broad protection against the most prevalent H5 clades, addressing the ongoing challenge of viral evolution.¹

“The launch of Vaxxitek HVT+IBD+H5 is another step forward in avian influenza prevention regarding both coverage and convenience,” said Taoufik Rawi, head of franchise, poultry, Boehringer Ingelheim, in a press release. “Our customers must keep their flocks thriving and protect their chickens from health threats. We help them through our new three-in-one vaccine which is quick and effective: It combines broad protection against the most prevalent H5 avian influenza clades and two major poultry diseases in just one shot.”

According to Boehringer Ingelheim, HVT+IBD+H5 can be administered directly to the hatchery. As a result, it has the ability to protect chicks early and account for immunity gaps.¹

According to the Associated Press, the recent bird flu outbreak has been the main reason behind soaring egg prices in the United States. Due to the outbreak, an estimated 158 million birds have been slaughtered to prevent the virus from spreading further, effectively decreasing the national egg, chicken, and turkey supply. While most were egg-laying chicken, a high number were also chickens and turkey raised for meat. Additionally, it takes months to dispose of the remains, clean the barns, and raise additional livestock to the appropriate age.²

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bird flu can be transmitted to humans when the virus is airborne and gets into the eyes, nose, or mouth, or is inhaled. Additionally, it can be transmitted through the consumption of raw poultry.³

According to the CDC, there have been 70 confirmed cases of bird flu in humans in the United States this year, including 38 in California and 11 in Washington. In January, the CDC also reported one death in Louisiana. However, the risk of human transmission remains low, as no person-to-person transmission spread has been identified. Currently, farmers, backyard bird flock owners, animal care workers, and animal public health responders are at increased risk for getting bird flu.^4-6

In March 2024, the FDA announced it was beginning research efforts with industry, federal, and state partners amid the detection of bird flu in dairy cattle. In September 2024, the FDA and the US Department of Agriculture reached out to the dairy processing industry and dairy retailers, stating that upon review of numerous studies, pasteurization of milk will inactivate bird flu and protect public health.

Last month, the federal agency released a statement determining that manufacturers of cat and dog food who were previously using uncooked or unpasteurized materials derived from poultry or cattle will be required to re-evaluate food safety plans moving forward. As part of the re-evaluation, all manufacturers covered by the FDA must include bird flu as a health hazard.⁷

Despite being licensed in the United States since 2023, Vaxxitek is not currently permitted for treating bird flu. It will first launch in Egypt this month.¹

“As a region heavily impacted by avian influenza, the launch of Vaxxitek HVT+IBD+H5 represents a critical advancement for poultry farmers across IMETA. By offering cross-clade protection against H5 avian influenza alongside immunity against other major diseases, this innovative vaccine provides farmers with a comprehensive and efficient solution to safeguard their flocks and support sustainable poultry farming,” said Waleed El Mashak, head of animal health, India, Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, Boehringer Ingelheim, in the press release.

References

1. Boehringer Ingelheim launches new trivalent poultry vaccine, includes protection against H5 avian influenza. Boehringer Ingelheim. February 24, 2025. Accessed February 24, 2025. https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health/livestock/poultry/launch-new-trivalent-poultry-vaccine-protection-against-h5-avian-influenza

2. US egg prices hit a record high of $4.95 and are likely to keep climbing. AP. February 13, 2025. Accessed February 24, 2025. https://apnews.com/article/egg-prices-record-bird-flu-a2394bdefc7bd0514d4f003cc5e8a908

3. What Causes Bird Flu Virus Infections in Humans? CDC. May 3, 2024. Accessed February 24, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/virus-transmission/avian-in-humans.html#:~:text=This%20can%20happen%20when%20virus,source%20of%20infection%20was%20unknown.

4. H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation. CDC. Accessed February 24, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html

5. First H5 Bird Flu Death Reported in United States. CDC. January 6, 2025. Accessed February 24, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2025/m0106-h5-birdflu-death.html

6. H5 Bird Flu Response: Focus Areas for Ongoing Public Health Risk Assessment. CDC. Accessed February 24, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/spotlights/h5n1-response-01142025.html#:~:text=drugs%20and%20vaccines?-,Virus%20transmission,to%20humans%20and%20other%20mammals.

7. Investigation of Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus in Dairy Cattle. FDA. Accessed February 24, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/investigation-avian-influenza-h5n1-virus-dairy-cattle