If we think humans and animals are not connected, we are highly mistaken. All living organism on the Earth are interconnected. The planet features a close-knit eco-system. If something wrong happens to one species, the other species will get affected some way or the other. That’s why it is important to take care of our eco-system, of the living beings around us.
In this context, Boehringer Ingelheim, the globally-recognized company working towards animal health sciences, announced the launch of its poultry vaccine VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD on May 26. It is designed to promote flock health and performance. And when the flock is healthy and happy, we are too.
In conversation with Krishi Jagran’s Shipra Singh (SS), the Country Managing Director of Beohringer Ingelheim, Vani Manja (VM) tells us in detail about the vaccine and shares with us her vision in this regard.
SS. How does Vaxxitek suit the Indian market and why the vaccine is launched now & not before?
VM: VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD is a vectored vaccine against two major immunosuppressive diseases - IBD (Infectious Bursal Disease) and Marek’s Disease, both of which are known to cause significant losses to Indian poultry businesses. The vaccines that are currently available, especially for IBD require replication in Bursa of Fabricius causing immunosuppression and increased susceptibility of secondary infections and at times, need to be administered multiple times on poultry farms.
Our innovative VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD offers a simplified and effective solution to the Indian poultry market, providing producers flexibility and ensuring life-long protection in a single dose. Moreover, it is suitable for all types of production chicken - broiler, layer, and breeder.
VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD is being launched in the Indian market now, following market authorisation from Indian regulatory authorities. This is the first recombinant vaccine against Gumboro Disease (IBD) to be launched in the market.
SS: India has a huge poultry market, with innumerous poultry farmers thriving in the remote areas of India. How to do you plan to reach them?
VM: Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health services its customers through a local distribution set-up which is spread across poultry markets in India. We ensure stringent quality control measures across the cold supply chain to deliver vaccines to poultry farmers. Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health offers a full-service model to its customers – Innovative vaccines, Vaccination Technology and Services (VTS), and strong Veterinary support.
SS: Where will this vaccine be available? Do you intend to do any poultry vaccination drive in India?
VM: We have a strong, nation-wide distribution channel, and VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD is now available with our stockists across major poultry markets in the country. We collaborate with poultry producers to help improve the health and productivity of their flock and business through expert advice, training, equipment, and support.
Since VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD is a frozen cell associated vaccine, it requires special care during mixing and handling. To train the hatchery vaccination crew, we have also designed and put in place a specialised training and instruction program. Our network of veterinarians and vaccination technologies and service (VTS) managers across India will help poultry producers not only in training their staff but also offering vaccination audits and other vaccine related services.
In addition, vaccination equipment is an integral part of our value proposition. Boehringer Ingelheim offers hatchery vaccination equipment which not only helps in precise vaccine dose administration, but also increases efficiency of the hatchery staff.
SS: Please share us your vision about your globally acclaimed vaccine entering the Indian market.
VM: The launch of VAXXITEK® HVT+IBD is an important milestone for the Animal Health Business in India. This presents us with an opportunity to become a leading player in the hatchery vaccination segment for Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro Disease).
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