Elanco and Medgene Team Up to Combat Avian Influenza in Dairy Cattle

 Elanco Animal Health and Medgene have announced a strategic partnership to commercialize a groundbreaking vaccine targeting highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle. This development could significantly impact the dairy and poultry industries as they grapple with the disease’s cross-species transmission and its detrimental effects on production and consumer prices.

As Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza continues to plague the U.S., dairy farmers find themselves on the front lines of a rapidly evolving challenge. The disease, previously limited to poultry, has made its way into almost 1,000 dairy herds since March 2024. With limited tools for tackling HPAI in cattle, this collaborative vaccine effort between Elanco and Medgene promises to fill a crucial gap. Jeff Simmons, CEO of Elanco, highlights the dual benefit for dairy and poultry sectors, with a potential positive ripple effect for consumers through stabilized egg prices and increased milk production. Medgene, known for its innovative vaccine technology, is poised to expedite the rollout of the H5N1 vaccine, promising a timely intervention for the dairy industry.

This collaboration marks a significant advance in animal health management, reinforcing Elanco’s commitment to holistic disease solutions under its One Health platform. With Medgene’s promising vaccine on the horizon, the U.S. dairy industry soon might find itself better equipped to handle HPAI challenges, aiding both farmers and consumers in the ongoing fight against this persistent epidemic.

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