Mefluvac H5 Plus 8 Vaccine Tested in Chickens
A study confirmed high survival rates in chickens vaccinated against various strains of avian influenza.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Pet Health
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Researchers have evaluated the safety and efficacy of the trivalent inactivated Mefluvac H5 Plus 8 vaccine in a trial of 3,000 chickens. The vaccinated subjects demonstrated significant protection against multiple avian influenza clades.
Why it matters
Developing effective vaccines for poultry is essential for managing avian influenza outbreaks and protecting global agricultural food supplies. This study provides key evidence for the vaccine's ability to stimulate immune responses and prevent mortality.
The vaccine contains H5N1 subtype clades 2.2.1.1 and 2.2.1.2 alongside H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4b. In testing, chickens achieved average antibody titers of 7.18, 7.62, and 7.37 Log2 at 21, 28, and 60 days post-vaccination.
The details
The trial involved administering a 0.5 mL dose to 1,500 chickens before challenging them with 10^6 EID50 of various virus strains. A separate group of 1,000 chickens received 1.0 mL subcutaneous doses for safety testing, which resulted in no clinical signs or adverse reactions over 21 days.
Timeline
A challenge with virulent strains was performed 21 days post-vaccination.
Blood samples for HI testing were collected at 21, 28, and 60 days post-vaccination.
Culture Shift
This research reflects a broader global shift toward proactive immunization strategies to combat the ongoing H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b global panzootic. By testing multivalent vaccines, scientists aim to provide more robust coverage against rapidly evolving viral strains.
This study suggests that future vaccine availability could help stabilize poultry supply chains and reduce the risk of large-scale flock culling. These developments are important for commercial producers and small-scale poultry owners monitoring regional disease outbreaks.
The takeaway
Vaccination remains a critical tool for preventing mortality in poultry populations exposed to highly pathogenic avian influenza. Owners should continue to implement robust biosecurity measures alongside monitoring for new veterinary vaccine approvals.
Further reading
Learn more about advancements in animal immunity and disease prevention on our Pet Health page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Foodagribusiness.
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Should poultry farms prioritize universal vaccination programs to prevent widespread avian influenza outbreaks?
