Prevent Economic Losses from IBH: the Hidden Enemy Within

Inclusion Body Hepatitis (IBH) has emerged as more than just a disease, it’s an economic “thief” that causes sudden mortality and poor growth rates in our livestock. Caused by Fowl Adenovirus (FAdV), IBH directly attacks and compromises the liver’s function. This disease is particularly dangerous due to its dual transmission routes, both horizontal and vertical, along with frequent occurrence of sub-clinical cases. The mortality rate for this disease ranges from 1% to 10%, climbing to 30% during outbreaks. Beyond direct losses, the virus exerts an immunosuppressive effect that weakens the bird’s overall defense, leading to the occurrence of secondary infections, such as Newcastle Disease (ND) or Gumboro Disease. The economic damage is further compounded by a reduction in feed intake, preventing birds from reaching body weight standards and significantly increasing the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). Therefore, strive early and precise protection become a critical priority for sustainable farming.

Recognizing the need for an effective and reliable approach to these challenges, Medion develops Medivac IBH Emulsion (Figure 1)  and Medivac ND T-IBH Emulsion (Figure 2) as a high-potency solution, specifically formulated with Fowl Adenovirus serotypes 8b and 11 which are highly homologous with the most prevalent field viruses, including those in Asia, Middle East, and Africa. By delivering a precise antigenic match, it ensures that the defense system is powerful to protect the specific threats circulating.

A controlled trial in broiler breeders vaccinated with Medivac IBH Emulsion at 8, 12, and 18 weeks (observed from 3 to 10 weeks post-third vaccination), show that Medivac IBH Emulsion induces a rapid and massive immune response (Figure 3).

At 21 weeks of age, the antibody titer of the SN Test reached 6,656 for FadV 8b and 7,168 for FadV 11, peaked at 24 weeks of age with a titer of 8,192 for both serotype, and remained stable until week 28, significantly above the standard protective benchmark of 512. This long-lasting immunity is supported by an optimally designed inactivated emulsion vaccine formulation, to ensure the breeder flock remains a “fortress” throughout their entire productive life without causing any abnormal clinical symptoms. Consequently, this superior protection ensures that production yields remain optimal and the flock’s health stays protected.

However, the benefits of this high-titer immunity extend far beyond the breeder flock itself, as it plays a crucial role in controlling IBH at its source. The foundation of effective IBH control must begin in the breeder house, as preventing vertical transmission to the progeny is the most critical step in breaking the cycle of infection. In this regard, Medivac IBH Emulsion designed to provide a solution that secures the future by ensuring that every chick hatched is equipped with a defense system from day one. A controlled trial on progenies produced from 28 week old broiler breeders (10 weeks post-third vaccination) confirms that chicks inherit maternal antibody titers as high as 4,096, remain well above protective standards (Figure 4). This early-life protection is crucial for broilers, as it shields them during their most vulnerable first weeks, minimizing the risk of sudden mortality and reduced feed intake. By securing this critical phase of development, optimal growth can be achieved and the flock reaches its full genetic potential by harvest time.

Medivac ND T-IBH Emulsion provides the ideal solution by protecting young chickens during the critical 0 to 5 weeks. A controlled trial was conducted on change to Commercial Broilers hatched from vaccinated breeders which was subsequently vaccinated with Medivac ND T-IBH Emulsion at 7 days of age. Antibody titers at 1 day of age were high due to maternal antibodies inherited and gradually degraded. Furthermore, the immune response to the vaccine initiated at 2 weeks post-vaccination, providing full protection starting from 3 weeks post-vaccination (Figure 5). Beyond providing protection against IBH, this vaccine also provide protection against Newcastle Disease (ND) (Figure 6), delivering dual protection in a single shot.

Vaccination plays a critical role in disease prevention. However, optimal protection against IBH is also supported by environmental management and biosecurity, which acts as the first line of defense to minimize viral load and prevent pathogens from infiltrating and infecting the flock. By implementing vaccination, environmental control, and strict biosecurity, the threat of viral transmission is significantly minimized. This integrated approach ensures comprehensive protection, preventing losses, as well as maximizing farm productivity.

Don’t let Inclusion Body Hepatitis (IBH) steal your flock’s potential. Medivac IBH Emulsion and Medivac ND T-IBH Emulsion are securing your farm through effective protection and building a resilient foundation for optimal performance.