Two decade wait set to end with the introduction of “VENGEM” LPAI (H9N2) vaccine by Ventri Biologicals Pvt. Ltd. for the first time in India.

Infections of low pathogenic avian influenza virus (H9N2 subtype) cause huge economic losses to the poultry farmers/industry in India due to reduced egg production (up to 50%), respiratory illness, and mortality. In India, infections with the H9N2 virus in poultry have been reported since 2003 and are widely prevalent and endemic. However, no vaccine has been available so far against the circulating H9N2 viruses in India, which belong to the G1-W lineage. Although commercial vaccines are available abroad, antigenic divergence between the vaccine strain and the currently circulating field strains in India may result in poor antigenic coverage leading to the vaccine’s failure. As protection provided by imported vaccines against the strains circulating in India is uncertain, there is a pressing need for an indigenously developed vaccine that can provide protection against the circulating H9N2 virus strains in India. This was followed by the Government of India’s new vaccine policy in August 2022. Based on the consultations with the experts and requests from the stakeholders, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying agreed to the policy for vaccination against LPAI (H9N2) in India.

The National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (ICAR-NIHSAD) in Bhopal, India, developed the first indigenous vaccine for the H9N2 avian influenza virus in chickens.  The vaccine is intended to prevent and control the spread of H9N2 in chickens. The vaccine protects against all antigenically divergent strains of H9N2 low pathogenic avian influenza virus in India. The vaccine can help reduce economic losses for poultry farmers and the poultry industry to increase the income of poultry farmers.

According to the policy on technology transfer of the “inactivated low pathogenic avian influenza (H9N2) vaccine for chickens” developed by ICAR-NIHSAD, Bhopal, it happened to M/s Venkateshwara Hatcheries Pvt. Ltd., Pune, facilitated by M/s. Agrinnovate India Ltd. (AgIn) at NASC, New Delhi. As part of technology transfer, hands-on training on “Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H9N2) Vaccine Inactivated” for Ventri’s production team at NIHSAD, Bhopal, India.

Ventri Biologicals built a first-of-its-kind Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) vaccine production facility for the poultry industry in India, dedicated to LPAI vaccine production with process automation with a semi-auto chick embryo inoculator, automated allantoic fluid harvest machines, closed containers inactivation, and product formulation followed by auto product filling and labeling stations.

Ventri Biologicals branded the product as “VENGEM.”. Also, Ventri Biologicals is coming over with a series of products, including the concentrated form and the combination with other viral vaccines.

Telangana: Engaging Poultry Farmers and Experts

The first launch events took place on the 6th, 7th, and 8th of January at Hyderabad, Siddipet, and Karimnagar, respectively. Mr. K.G. Anand, General Manager, inaugurated the seminars with insightful opening remarks, emphasizing the vaccine’s critical role in protecting poultry health. Dr. Prakash Reddy (DGM) delivered a comprehensive approach for disease control in poultry with special emphasis on how Vengem strengthens flock immunity and minimizes economic losses caused by LPAI. Additionally, Dr. N. Baburaj (DGM) provided updates on other vaccines in Ventri’s portfolio. The events concluded with gratitude from Mr. Suneel Sharma (AGM), who acknowledged the contributions of the attendees and the Venworld team, which played a vital role in ensuring the success of these events.

Maharashtra: Expanding Awareness in Key Poultry Hubs:

On the 15th, 16th, 22nd, and 28th of January 2025, the vaccine launch continued in Nashik, Pune, Sangli, and Amravati, respectively. These events highlighted the importance of Vengem for improving poultry health and productivity in Maharashtra. Mr. Deepak Khosla, General Manager, opened the sessions with remarks on the vaccine’s transformative potential. Dr. Sanjay Gavkare, General Manager, explained the approach towards the implementation of the H9N2 vaccine policy in India, with the Ventri Biologicals infrastructure development and standardization of the Vengem vaccine boosting flock immunity and mitigating the economic losses. This was followed by an open session with Dr. M.M. Chawak and Dr. Prakash Reddy to address the queries over the strategies of disease control in poultry. In Amravati, the presentation was led by Dr.NamdeoBulbule, who provided valuable insights. Dr. H. G. Murade concluded the events with warm words of appreciation for the attendees and organizers.

Bihar and Uttar Pradesh: Reaching New Frontiers:

Vengem launch meetings in Uttar Pradesh took place on the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of January 2025 at Gorakhpur, Kanpur, and Lucknow, respectively, covering the key poultry belts of Uttar Pradesh. The events began with inspiring remarks from Mr. H.S. Padda, followed by an in-depth presentation from Dr. Prakash Reddy on the efficacy of Vengem in preventing economic losses due to LPAI, along with a comprehensive approach for disease control in poultry. In Patna, the meeting took place on 8th Jan 2025, and the presentation was delivered by Dr. Shashikant Shiwarkar and Dr.Jaypal Kumar Singh. The Venworld team once again proved instrumental in executing these successful seminars. Mr. Shashibushan and Mr. Chitaranjan Sahoo concluded the events at Uttar Pradesh and Patna, respectively, with warm words of appreciation for the attendees and organizers.