Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) has granted Zoetis a conditional license for its Avian Influenza Vaccine, H5N2 Subtype, Killed Virus, for use in chickens.
- The vaccine met USDA standards for safety, purity, and reasonable expectation of efficacy based on serology data.
- Decisions regarding the vaccination of commercial poultry flocks remain with national regulatory authorities in collaboration with the poultry industry.
- The USDA reports that more than 150 million birds in the U.S. have been affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) since February 2022.
- Zoetis has previously worked on avian influenza vaccines and continues to develop solutions for animal health challenges.
USDA Grants Zoetis Conditional License for Avian Influenza Vaccine
Zoetis has received a conditional license from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) for its Avian Influenza Vaccine, H5N2 Subtype, Killed Virus, which is labeled for use in chickens. The USDA granted this license after reviewing the vaccine’s safety, purity, and reasonable expectation of efficacy based on serology data.
A conditional license is issued in cases where there is an emergency need, limited market, or special circumstance and is valid for a specific period. The USDA may renew the license at its discretion.
HPAI’s Impact on Poultry and Industry Considerations
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has affected both backyard and commercial poultry flocks across the U.S. Since February 2022, more than 150 million birds have been impacted, according to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
The decision to implement vaccination programs for commercial poultry flocks remains under the authority of regulatory agencies and industry stakeholders.
Zoetis stated that it is working with poultry producers and relevant authorities to explore scientific solutions to manage HPAI outbreaks.
Zoetis’ Research and Vaccine Development Efforts
Zoetis has previously worked on avian influenza vaccines and continues to focus on vaccine development for emerging animal health concerns.
“When a new strain of HPAI was identified in the U.S. in early 2022, our scientists began work to update our previous avian influenza vaccine,” said Mahesh Kumar, Ph.D., senior vice president, global biologics research and development at Zoetis.
Zoetis first developed HPAI vaccines during outbreaks in Southeast Asia in 2001-02. The company states that this new vaccine builds on its past efforts to provide potential solutions for poultry producers.
