Bird flu vaccine approved for commercial use

THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the commercial use of a vaccine against avian influenza, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“With the FDA’s approval of Volvac B.E.S.T. AI plus ND, the poultry sector now has a strong line of defense against a virus that threatens both food security and human health,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said.

The vaccine protects against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N1 and stimulates the bird’s immune system to defend against velogenic Newcastle disease, the DA said.

H5N1 is the most aggressive subtype of the bird flu virus, causing high mortality rates in chickens. It is also zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted to humans and other animals.

Velogenic Newcastle disease is the most severe form of Newcastle disease. Highly contagious and often fatal, it affects a wide range of bird species, especially domestic poultry.

Volvac B.E.S.T. is administered by injection, either into the bird’s chest muscle or into subcutaneous fat.

It is given when the bird is at least 10 days old. As with most first-time vaccinations, it takes 10 to 14 days for full immunity to develop.

The value of production of the poultry sector in 2024, including eggs, stood at P362 billion, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza