New Vaccines Introduced to Combat Avian Metapneumovirus in Poultry

Elanco Animal Health and HIPRA offer vital tools to poultry producers facing challenges from a highly contagious virus.

With the cold season fast approaching, poultry birds are increasingly susceptible to respiratory diseases. To aid poultry producers in overcoming these challenges, Elanco Animal Health and HIPRA have recently introduced two new avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) vaccines into the U.S. market.

Understanding Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV)

aMPV is a highly contagious respiratory virus primarily affecting turkeys, but it can also impact broiler chickens and breeding birds. The disease leads to substantial economic losses, characterized by lower egg production, higher mortality rates, and decreased flock performance. Reports estimate that up to 80% of commercial turkey flocks in the U.S. have been affected by this virus, underlining the need for effective control methods.

While certain management practices can help mitigate the impact of aMPV, vaccination remains essential for controlling its spread.

Expert Insights on Vaccination

“Avian metapneumovirus has caused devastating losses across the poultry industry,” stated Scott Gustin, U.S. poultry technical leader at Elanco Animal Health. “The emergence of subtypes A and B in the U.S. highlighted that biosecurity measures alone wouldn’t suffice. Introducing vaccines became critical to combat this highly contagious disease.”

Consequently, the vaccines RESPIVAC® aMPV and HIPRAVIAR® TRT, produced by HIPRA, were first available to select producers via an emergency import license following field trials earlier in 2025. The results from these trials indicate noteworthy health improvements among vaccinated birds.

Martina Dardi, poultry global technical manager at HIPRA, noted, “aMPV vaccination has been successfully used globally for many years, and we are replicating this success in our U.S. trials. HIPRA’s worldwide experience with the virus combined with our vaccine performance enhances vaccination strategies already established internationally.”

Details on the New Vaccines

Both RESPIVAC® aMPV and HIPRAVIAR® TRT are accessible to poultry producers through an emergency import license granted by the USDA. Here are the specifics:

• RESPIVAC® aMPV – Protects broilers, layers, and breeders against the virus. This modified live vaccine is based on subtype B, providing cross-protection against subtype A. Birds may be vaccinated at the hatchery, on the farm, or during lay using spray or drinking water, with a recommended interval of every 9 weeks for prolonged immunity.
• HIPRAVIAR® TRT – Offers protection for broilers, breeders, and turkeys against aMPV infections. This inactivated vaccine mirrors the conditions of the live vaccine, ensuring long-term protection due to its consistent subtype, origin, and strain.

Learn More

For further details on these vaccines and their application in poultry management, please visit Elanco’s Poultry Portal.