A new tool for the laying poultry sector: fourth dose of Elanco’s bivalent Salmonella vaccine approved.
nnnnThe animal health company has obtained approval to extend the AviPro Salmonella Duo vaccination programme, allowing a fourth dose that shields birds throughout the entire laying period.
nnnnElanco Animal Health has taken a significant step forward in poultry biosecurity by announcing, in late January 2026, the approval of a new vaccination schedule for its flagship product, AviPro Salmonella Duo. This regulatory update allows the administration of a fourth vaccine dose during the production phase — a measure designed to adapt to the new realities of the laying sector, where the productive life cycles of laying hens are becoming increasingly extended.
nnnnnnnnn“The new protocol provides specific protection against Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium through to the last day of the bird’s productive life cycle.”
n
Adapting to the emerging trend of longer laying cycles
nnnnThe laying poultry sector has been moving towards keeping flocks of laying hens for longer periods, often exceeding 70 or 80 weeks. However, traditional vaccination protocols often left an “immunity gap” in the final third of the bird’s life, a period during which natural defences and initial vaccine protection tend to wane.
nnnnWith the new authorisation, Elanco offers a technical solution to this challenge. The fourth dose of AviPro Salmonella Duo is indicated to reinforce immunity precisely when the risk of Salmonella reactivation or infection increases due to the animal’s physiological decline.
nnnnAdministration via drinking water
nnnnAviPro Salmonella Duo is a live bivalent vaccine that simultaneously protects against Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium. One of the key competitive advantages introduced by this new programme is its ease of handling: the booster dose is administered via drinking water.
nnnnThis method not only simplifies on-farm logistics, reducing handling stress in adult laying hens, but has also been shown to be safe for use during the laying period. The studies submitted in support of the approval confirm that revaccination does not negatively interfere with egg production and maintains an optimal safety profile.
nnnnFull protection through to the end of lay
nnnnThe central objective of this new protocol is food safety. By maintaining high levels of antibody and cell-mediated immunity through to the end of the productive cycle, bacterial shedding into the environment is dramatically reduced, and consequently so is the risk of contamination of eggs intended for human consumption.
nnnnWith this move, Elanco strengthens its position in the avian vaccine market, providing veterinarians and poultry producers with a flexible and effective tool to ensure the health of their flocks from the very first day through to the end of the production cycle.
nnnnFor further information:
-. Elanco Animal Health
-. Salmonella in poultry production
nnnn
Want to stay one step ahead in poultry production?
Subscribe free to our eNewsletter and receive a weekly selection
of the best information to anticipate trends, stay up to date and grow as a poultry industry professional.
NeXusAvicultura: Vision, Insight, Quality and Context.