US Poultry Vaccines News

Here's a summary of recent news concerning poultry vaccines in the US:

Focus on Avian Influenza (Bird Flu):

• USDA Intensifies Efforts Against HPAI, Explores Vaccination: The USDA is actively working on a five-pronged strategy to combat Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), including a $100 million investment in research and development of a vaccine. They are also allocating $500 million to enhance biosecurity measures on poultry farms.

As per MRFR analysis, the US Poultry Vaccines Market Size was estimated at 0.94 (USD Billion) in 2023. The US Poultry Vaccines Market Industry is expected to grow from 1.05(USD Billion) in 2024 to 1.75 (USD Billion) by 2035. The US Poultry Vaccines Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 4.753% during the forecast period (2025 - 2035).

Conditional License Granted for H5N2 Vaccine: Zoetis received a conditional license from the USDA for its Avian Influenza Vaccine, H5N2 Subtype, Killed Virus, for use in chickens. This license signifies the vaccine meets safety and reasonable efficacy expectations based on initial data. However, this does not equate to immediate approval for commercial use.

• Hesitation Remains on Widespread Vaccination: Despite rising concerns over bird flu outbreaks and increasing egg prices, the US remains hesitant to implement widespread poultry vaccination. Key concerns include potential trade restrictions from countries that do not accept imports from vaccinated poultry and the logistical challenges of vaccinating a vast number of birds.
• Concerns About "Silent Spread" and Virus Mutation: Experts have raised concerns that vaccinating poultry without sterilizing immunity (complete prevention of infection and spread) could lead to "silent spread" of the virus in vaccinated but still infected birds. This could potentially allow the virus to mutate, posing a greater threat to both poultry and potentially humans.
• Poultry Industry Divided on Vaccination: While egg and turkey producers, heavily impacted by bird flu, are more open to vaccination, chicken meat producers remain largely resistant due to concerns about harming valuable export markets.
• Potential Impact on Egg Prices: Some experts suggest that vaccination could be a key tool in suppressing bird flu and preventing the mass culling of chickens, which has been a significant factor in soaring egg prices. However, the USDA is proceeding cautiously, weighing the potential benefits against trade implications and other risks.
• Research into Vaccine Delivery Methods: Researchers are exploring more efficient ways to administer vaccines to large poultry flocks, such as through feed or water, as traditional injection methods are labor-intensive and impractical for millions of birds.
• Comparison to Other Countries: Countries like France, which implemented a bird flu vaccination campaign in ducks, have seen their poultry production recover. This has led the US to reconsider its strategy, with the USDA recently giving conditional approval for a bird flu vaccine, following France's lead.

Other Poultry Vaccine Developments:

• New Trivalent Vaccine Launched: Boehringer Ingelheim launched VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5, a new trivalent vaccine for poultry offering protection against Marek's disease, Infectious Bursal Disease, and H5 avian influenza in a single shot. This vaccine is currently launched outside the US, as avian influenza vaccination is not yet permitted in the US.
• Focus on Disease Prevention: The poultry medicine/pharmaceuticals market, including vaccines, is experiencing growth due to increasing poultry consumption and the need to prevent infectious diseases like Newcastle disease, Infectious Bronchitis, and Avian Influenza. Vaccines are becoming a preferred choice over antibiotics due to regulatory pressure to reduce antimicrobial resistance.
• Advancements in Vaccine Technology: Innovations like in-ovo vaccination (vaccinating embryos before hatching) and recombinant vaccines are enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of poultry immunization.

In summary, the US poultry industry is at a critical juncture regarding avian influenza, with active discussions and research underway concerning the potential use of vaccines. While a conditional license has been granted for one H5N2 vaccine, widespread implementation faces significant hurdles related to trade, potential risks of viral mutation, and logistical challenges. Meanwhile, the broader poultry vaccine market continues to evolve with new technologies and combination vaccines targeting various diseases.