MEFLUVAC™ H9+ND7 0.3

Concurrent infections of H9N2 and NDV in commercial poultry production

Infections resulting from the low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) subtype H9N2 continue to pose a substantial threat to poultry populations in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.⁵

The implications of H9N2 virus infections are far-reaching, leading to economic losses across various poultry sectors, including layers, breeders, and broilers. The impact includes a significant decline in egg production, up to 20%, which can be increased by potential co-infections with pathogens like Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and bacterial agents like E. coli and Mycoplasma.

These concurrent infections have the potential to amplify overall losses.^6,7,8 Furthermore, the H9N2 virus induces profound immunosuppression and damage to immune organs in chickens, thereby interfering with the production of antibodies against specific vaccines such as NDV. This viral strain is also linked to performance deterioration, evident through reduced feed conversion rates (FCR) and body weight. The cumulative effects underscore the widespread and adverse consequences associated with H9N2 infections within the poultry industry.^9,10

Dosage

The vaccine dose (0.3 mL/bird) should be administered subcutaneously in the lower part of the neck or intramuscularly in the thigh or breast muscles.

The vaccine may occasionally separate into two layers on storage. This in no way affects its potency, but the vaccine should be shaken vigorously before and during use to ensure good emulsification. Do not use MEFLUVAC™ H9+ND7 0.3 if you notice critical irreversible separation of the emulsion.

Administration

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

• Subcutaneous injection: applied 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: when applied in the breast muscles the needle must be inserted with a 45° angle to avoid intraperitoneal injection.

For optimal booster effects, the birds should be primed with live NDV vaccines.

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™ H9+ND7 0.3 is packed and presented in 300 mL (1000 doses) polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.

References

1. Abolnik C, Horner RF, Bisschop SP, Parker ME, Romito M, Viljoen GJ. A phylogenetic study of South African  Newcastle disease virus strains isolated between 1990 and 2002 suggests epidemiological origins in the Far East. Arch Virol. 2004;149:603–619.

2. Herczeg J, Wehmann E, Bragg R, Travassos Dias PM, Hadjiev G, Werner O, Lomniczi B. Two novel genetic groups (VIIb and VIII) responsible for recent Newcastle disease outbreaks in Southern Africa, one (VIIb) of which reached Southern Europe. Arch Virol. 1999;144:2087–2099.

3. Ke GM, Liu HJ, Lin MY, Chen JH, Tsai SS, Chang PC. Molecular characterization of Newcastle disease viruses isolated from recent outbreaks in Taiwan. J Virol Methods. 2001;97:1–11.

4. Liu H, Wang Z, Wu Y, Zheng D, Sun C, Bi D, Zuo Y, Xu T. Molecular epidemiological analysis of Newcastle disease virus isolated in China in 2005. J Virol Methods. 2007;140:206–211.

5. Guan Y, et.al . (2000) H9N2 influenza viruses possessing H5N1-like internal genomes continue to circulate in poultry in southeastern China.

6. Ayoub, et. al. Evaluation of some vaccination programs in protection of experimentally challenged broiler chicken against Newcastle disease virus. Am. J. Anim. Vet. Sci. 2019.

7. Sultan, H.A.et. al. Protective Efficacy of Different Live Attenuated Infectious Bronchitis Virus Vaccination Regimes against Challenge with IBV Variant-2 Circulating in the Middle East. Front. Vet. Sci. 2019.

8. Monne et. al. H9N2 influenza A virus circulates in H5N1 endemically infected poultry population in Egypt. Influenza Other Respir. Viruses 2013.

9. Qiang F, Youxiang D. The effects of H9N2 influenza A on the immune system of broiler chickens in the Shandong Province. Transbound Emerg Dis. 2011 Apr;58(2):145-51. doi: 10.1111/j.1865-1682.2010.01192.x. Epub 2011 Jan 4. PMID: 21205254.

10. Ellakany, H.F., Gado, A.R., Elbestawy, A.R. et al. Interaction between avian influenza subtype H9N2 and Newcastle disease virus vaccine strain (LaSota) in chickens. BMC Vet Res 14, 358 (2018).

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