- The Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products (CVMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued favorable opinions for two Boehringer poultry vaccines designed to combat the highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza virus1.
- VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 represents the inaugural trivalent vaccine, providing unified protection against Marek’s disease, Infectious Bursal Disease, and H5 avian influenza in both chickens and turkeys through a single dose.
- VAXXINACT® H5 is an inactivated vaccine formulated to safeguard chickens, turkeys, and ducks from avian influenza (H5 virus subtype).
Boehringer Ingelheim, a worldwide innovator in livestock preventive medicines, has received positive endorsements from the European Medicines Agency (EMA). These recommendations advocate for the approval of marketing authorizations under specific exceptional conditions2 for its avian influenza vaccines, VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 and VAXXINACT® H5. Both vaccines are designed to confer immunity to birds against the H5 avian influenza virus, which is presently responsible for widespread outbreaks throughout Europe.
Enhancing outbreak readiness within the European Union
Avian influenza, frequently called avian or bird flu, is a highly infectious illness impacting both domesticated and wild avian populations. The H5 strain stands as a predominant avian influenza virus variant instigating outbreaks in both wild animals and commercial poultry operations. Given its status as a highly regulated and reportable disease, continuous surveillance is critical. Controlling avian influenza outbreaks often necessitates the culling of substantial numbers of birds, resulting in considerable financial setbacks for poultry farmers and potential limitations on global trade.
With the ongoing evolution of the virus, novel vaccine technologies offer an efficacious approach to assist in the prevention and management of avian flu epidemics. The authority for decisions concerning avian influenza vaccination lies with the respective national bodies of each nation. Global organizations such as WOAH (World Organization for Animal Health) endorse incorporating vaccination into comprehensive bird flu mitigation plans3.
“Transboundary Animal Diseases, including avian influenza, will persist as a menace, making novel methods for managing these contagious animal illnesses, particularly in livestock, progressively vital. Boehringer Ingelheim is dedicated to investing in scientific exploration and advancements, and we stand prepared to assist governments, health agencies, and producers with our vaccine offerings and specialized knowledge in surveillance and the establishment of resilient disease management frameworks,” stated Armin Wiesler, Head of the Animal Health Business Unit and Member of the Board of Managing Directors.
Worldwide ramifications of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5
Since 2021, highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 has triggered unparalleled outbreaks, dispersing across the majority of continents worldwide and resulting in extensive poultry fatalities. These outbreaks have extended into previously unaffected areas like Latin America and even Antarctica. The economic fallout has been grave, inflicting enormous financial harm upon the poultry sector, causing interruptions in the supply of eggs and poultry meat, and leading to commercial limitations.
Controlling bird flu: The function of DIVA vaccines in biosecurity and oversight
VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 and VAXXINACT® H5 are categorized as DIVA (Differentiate Infected from Vaccinated Animals) vaccines, capable of serving a significant purpose in tracking disease outbreaks. These vaccines incorporate a unique biomarker that helps differentiate the immune reaction to vaccination from antibodies generated by actual infection. When utilized alongside surveillance initiatives, DIVA vaccines become crucial for mitigating the potential for trade barriers, given that they allow both exporters and importers to discern between vaccinated and infected animals, thereby fostering assurance in the safety of animal products exchanged commercially.
“Through continuous oversight of our vaccines’ effectiveness and the progression of our technological solutions, we guarantee appropriate defense against the adapting avian influenza virus. The DIVA capability empowers our clients to execute their surveillance protocols and facilitate secure trade concurrently with vaccination,” stated Taoufik Rawi, Head of Franchise, Poultry. “The favorable assessments for VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD+H5 and VAXXINACT® H5 are vital for elevating readiness against avian influenza outbreaks across Europe.”
Subsequent to the CVMP’s favorable recommendations, the European Commission is anticipated to make a determination regarding marketing authorizations under special conditions in the forthcoming months.
References
1CVMP summary of positive opinion for Vaxxitek HVT+IBD+H5, October 9, 2025,
CVMP summary of positive opinion for Vaxxinact H5, October 6, 2025,
2 Article 25 et seq. Regulation (EU) 2019/6
3 World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) avian influenza overview page (Last accessed November 17th, 2025)
Boehringer Ingelheim – Animal Health Division
Boehringer Ingelheim delivers innovative solutions for the prophylaxis and therapy of animal diseases. The firm supplies a comprehensive array of vaccines, parasite management items, and pharmaceuticals for companion animals, equines, and livestock, catering to veterinarians, pet owners, agricultural producers, and governmental bodies. As a frontrunner in animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim recognizes the profound link between human and animal well-being and endeavors to create a positive impact for individuals, animals, and the global community. Discover more at .
Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim functions as a biopharmaceutical enterprise operating within both the human and animal health sectors. As one of the leading industry contributors to research and development, the corporation prioritizes the creation of groundbreaking treatments capable of enhancing and prolonging lives in medical fields with significant unaddressed requirements. Operating independently since its establishment in 1885, Boehringer adopts a foresightful approach, integrating sustainability across its complete value chain. Our team of approximately 54,500 professionals caters to more than 130 markets, working towards a healthier and more enduring future. Find out more at .
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