Lohmann launches vaccine to fight Gumboro disease

Lohmann Animal Health has launched a new vaccine against Gumboro disease (Infectious Bursal Disease) for use with broilers, layers and breeders.

Classified as an intermediate plus “hot” strain, AviPro IBD Xtreme is highly effective against the very virulent IBD virus, says Lohmann.

Chicks are most susceptible between one and six weeks of age. Early in their lives, chicks are protected by maternally-derived antibodies (MDAs) and these antibodies neutralise any live IBD vaccines when given too early. However, the new vaccine is able to overcome these MDAs, so can be given earlier to provide greater protection from an early age.

“When compared with four of its main competitors in a trial, AviPro IBD Xtreme outperformed them. It had the highest number of sero-positive birds, the highest mean antibody titre seven days after vaccination and the best protection against clinical symptoms and mortality after a challenge with the very virulent IBD virus,” said Brigitte Othmar, regulatory affairs manager at Lohmann Animal Health.

The vaccine can be applied via the drinking water or as eye drops and is available in vials of 1000 and 2500 doses.