A pharmaceutical company based in New Jersey has secured a conditional license from the USDA for its H5N2 avian influenza vaccine. The vaccine aims to protect chickens from the highly contagious bird flu virus, which has caused significant outbreaks in poultry flocks across the US. Developed by Zoetis, the company behind the vaccine, it was updated after the emergence of a new strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in 2022.
The H5N2 strain is known to lead to severe illness and death in birds, severely impacting the poultry industry and food supply. The vaccine was approved based on safety, purity, and efficacy data, marking a key step in combating the virus. With over 150 million birds impacted by avian influenza since 2022, the USDA’s Center for Veterinary Biologics granted the conditional license.
Zoetis has been working on avian flu vaccines since the early 2000s and has previously developed vaccines for other avian influenza strains globally. The company’s commitment to advancing animal health and solving global challenges is reflected in its ongoing efforts to combat the spread of avian influenza. While the vaccine is not yet commercially available, it offers hope for farmers and animal health professionals seeking to contain the virus and prevent further economic losses.
Source: https://thedigestonline.com/news/nj-based-company-secures-conditional-license-for-bird-flu-vaccine