The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has authorized the importation of Avian Metapneumovirus (AMPV) vaccines for emergency use from two animal health companies: Boehringer Ingelheim and Zoetis.
Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer will import two of the company’s live virus vaccines produced and registered in the European Union, one for chickens and one for turkeys.
“Prevention is at the core of poultry health, and our live virus vaccines offer U.S. poultry producers essential tools to help protect their flocks against avian metapneumovirus,” stated Boehringer Ingelheim U.S. Livestock business head Steve Boren. “Responding to emerging disease threats like avian metapneumovirus necessitates a collaborative approach between government and industry groups, like the National Turkey Federation, National Chicken Council and United Egg Producers, and the USDA’s authorization of importation of these vaccines underscores those efforts.”
Zoetis
Zoetis will import a modified live vaccine that helps control turkey rhinotracheitis (TRT), an upper respiratory tract disease caused by AMPV, from its facility in Spain. The vaccine is administered by coarse spray, eye drop or nose drop to turkeys at one day of age or older, but less than 10 days of age.
“Securing the import permit and bringing an effective intervention to the United States to help combat this infectious disease has been the utmost priority for our Zoetis team, given the critical impact it has on the industry,” said Zoetis U.S. Head of Livestock & Equine Senior Vice President Kristin Kasselman. “We are incredibly grateful for the collaboration with our customers, government agencies and the industry at large in ensuring this vaccine is made available during a time of need.”
Industry Support
The National Turkey Federation (NTF) supported the USDA’s approval of the vaccines.
The organization said: “The NTF applauds USDA’s approval for the importation of additional commercial modified live AMPV vaccines. This milestone further reflects our industry’s commitment to safeguarding the health and vitality of U.S. commercial turkey flocks. With these new authorizations, NTF members Vaxxinova, Boehringer Ingelheim and Zoetis Animal Health are ready to introduce the vaccine to the industry, further strengthening our efforts to protect turkey health. We urge USDA to continue its efforts to facilitate the importation and development of additional AMPV vaccines, including the advancement of a domestic vaccine.”
