VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 is a new trivalent poultry vaccine offering protection against Marek’s disease, infectious bursal disease and H5 avian influenza in a single injection. H5 avian influenza is a highly contagious, notifiable zoonotic disease that is currently having a major impact on the poultry industry, poultry farmers and poultry trade worldwide.
In-ovo or day-of-hatch administration at the hatchery ensures early protection of chicks.
With VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5, Boehringer Ingelheim is expanding its proven VAXXITEK range with a new vaccine that protects against three serious poultry diseases:
Marek’s disease,
infectious bursal disease and
H5 avian influenza.
Drawing on Boehringer Ingelheim’s extensive expertise in avian influenza protection, this innovative vaccine was launched for the first time in Egypt in February 2025. VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 is manufactured in the USA, where it has been licensed since 2023; however, vaccination against avian influenza is currently not permitted in the USA, although, given the current overwhelming avian influenza situation in the USA, animal health authorities and the poultry industry are debating the implementation of substantial changes to the existing avian influenza policy.
Marek’s disease is a viral disease in chickens that can cause tumours, paralysis and, frequently, death. It is widespread and can lead to significant losses on poultry farms. Infectious bursal disease, also known as Gumboro disease, is another viral disease in chickens that causes clinical signs such as diarrhoea and dehydration, resulting in significant productivity losses on poultry farms. Both diseases target the immune system, making birds more susceptible to other infections. Vaccination against Marek’s disease and Gumboro disease is standard practice on most poultry farms worldwide.
Avian influenza, more commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious disease affecting domestic and wild birds. It can also infect other species such as cattle, cats and even humans, although human infections are rare. H5 is one of the most prevalent avian influenza virus strains and is endemic in several countries where it circulates year-round. In these countries, vaccination is a necessary tool to further prevent the spread of the disease. Due to the continuous evolution of the virus and the emergence of many variants, innovative vaccine solutions for the control of avian influenza remain urgently needed.
Supporting poultry farmers through technology and ease of use
“The launch of VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 is a further step forward in avian influenza prevention, both in terms of coverage and convenience,” says Taoufik Rawi, Head of Poultry Franchise at Boehringer Ingelheim. “Our customers need to keep their flocks thriving and protect their birds from health threats. We support them through our new three-in-one vaccine, which is fast and effective: it combines broad protection against the most prevalent H5 avian influenza clades and two major poultry diseases in a single injection.”
A clade is a group of viral strains sharing a common ancestor. While traditional avian influenza vaccines often cover only one clade at a time, Boehringer Ingelheim leveraged a technology called COBRA (Computationally Optimised Broadly Reactive Antigen) to create a unique antigen sequence that provides protection against the most prevalent and infectious H5 clades.
Waleed El Mashak, Head of Animal Health for India, Middle East, Turkey and Africa (IMETA) at Boehringer Ingelheim, states: “As a region heavily affected by avian influenza, the launch of VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 represents a fundamental advance for poultry farmers in IMETA. By offering cross-clade protection against H5 avian influenza alongside immunity against other major diseases, this innovative vaccine provides poultry farmers with a comprehensive and efficient solution to safeguard their flocks and support sustainable poultry production.”
VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 is administered directly at the hatchery, providing early protection to chicks and preventing any immunity gap. This refers to the potential gap between the decline of maternal antibodies in chicks and the build-up of active immunity following vaccination. Like Boehringer’s other avian influenza vaccines, VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 is a DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) vaccine. This is crucial for distinguishing between vaccinated and naturally infected birds in the event of a disease outbreak.
“As leaders in animal health, it is our responsibility to support our customers in raising and caring for their poultry in a healthy, sustainable and financially viable way,” adds Rawi. “With VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5, we are not only protecting poultry, but also safeguarding livelihoods and contributing to global health security.”
For further information:
-. Boehringer Ingelheim launches new trivalent poultry vaccine, includes protection against H5 avian influenza
-. Advances in vectored vaccines for poultry