MEFLUVAC™ H5N8

Immunization against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is an extremely contagious, multi-organ systemic disease leading to high mortality in poultry.¹  The disease is caused by some H5 and H7 subtypes of type A influenza virus, family Orthomyxoviridae.¹ These HPAI viruses can develop from certain LPAI viruses, usually while they are circulating in poultry flocks.² HPAI viruses can cause mortality in 90-100% of the flock and trigger epidemics that may spread rapidly, devastate the poultry industry, and result in severe trade restrictions.²

Between March 2 and April 28, 2023, there were outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5Nx) virus, clade 2.3.4.4b, in 24 European countries, affecting both domestic and wild birds. Wild birds, especially black-headed gulls, were heavily affected, and other threatened species like the peregrine falcon experienced increased mortality. HPAI A(H5N1) virus also expanded in the Americas, including in mammalian species, and is expected to reach the Antarctic soon.³

The current HPAI clade 2.3.4.4b epidemic continues with about 290 outbreaks in poultry and 140 in non-poultry birds over five weeks, primarily in Europe but also in the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Several countries are seeing more outbreaks compared to the previous year. Notably, HPAI has appeared in Panama, Honduras, Venezuela, and Chile after a 20-year absence. Over 10 million birds worldwide died or were culled during this period, mainly due to subtype H5N1. Human transmission of avian influenza was reported in Ecuador.⁴

Field results indicate that movement control, systematic surveillance for wild birds, serological monitoring in commercial poultry, complemented with biosecurity measures and vaccination, are crucial to mitigate the impact caused by HPAI strains.³

Product Details

Dosage

The vaccine dose (0.5 mL/bird) should be administered subcutaneously in the lower part of the neck or intramuscularly in the thigh or breast muscles.

Administration

Before use, the vaccine should be shaken well to ensure proper mixing. Sterile injection equipment should be used to avoid contamination.

• Subcutaneous injection: in the lower part of the neck. The needle should be inserted just under the skin in a direction away from the head and in a straight line with the neck.
• Intramuscular injection: in the breast muscles by inserting the needle with a 45° angle to avoid intraperitoneal injection. 

Storage Precautions

• Store and transport refrigerated (+2°C to +8°C). 
• Do not freeze.
• Store in a dry place protected from direct sunlight.
• Do not use this product after the expiry date.
• Shelf life after first opening the bottle: 3 hours.

Presentation

MEFLUVAC™ H5N8 is packed and presented in 500 mL (1000 doses) polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.

References

1. Swayne DE, Suarez DL. Highly pathogenic avian influenza. Rev Sci Tech. 2000 Aug;19(2):463-82. doi: 10.20506/rst.19.2.1230. PMID:10935274.

2. The Center for Food Security and Public Health, November 2015, Avian Influenza Fowl Plague, Grippe Aviaire.

3. EFSA and ECDC, along with other experts, published a report on avian influenza in March-April 2023 [EFSA J. 2023;21(6):e08039].

4. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) – Situation Report 06/01/2023.

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