Elanco and HIPRA Partner to Bring Two Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) Vaccines to U.S. Poultry Producers
Poultry producers gain new tools to combat avian metapneumovirus, a highly contagious and costly virus impacting turkeys, broiler chickens, and laying and breeding birds
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – With cold weather approaching around the nation and birds more susceptible to viruses during these colder months, Elanco Animal Health and HIPRA are introducing two avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) vaccines to the U.S. poultry market to help poultry producers manage this costly respiratory disease.
aMPV is a highly contagious respiratory disease affecting turkeys and chickens. It causes significant economic losses due to reduced egg production, increased mortality rates, and decreased performance in infected flocks. The virus primarily affects turkeys, with an estimated 60-80% of commercial turkey flocks nationwide impacted by aMPV; yet broilers, and laying and breeding birds are also susceptible to the virus. Certain husbandry and ventilation tactics can help the outcome; however, vaccination is a critical tool to effectively control the virus.
“Avian metapneumovirus has led to devastating losses for many producers,” said Scott Gustin, U.S. poultry technical leader, Elanco Animal Health. “The aMPV subtypes A and B were foreign to the U.S., and after seeing this virus spread now from coast to coast, it became clear that biosecurity was not going to be sufficient on its own to combat the virus. Vaccines became the clear solution to reduce the impact of this highly contagious respiratory disease.”
As a result, the vaccines, RESPIVAC® aMPV and HIPRAVIAR® TRT, manufactured by HIPRA, were introduced to select producers via an emergency import license earlier in 2025 through field trials. The field trials show significant improvement among vaccinated birds compared to the previous year.
“aMPV vaccination has been used successfully for many years outside the U.S., and we’re seeing those same successful results in our U.S. field trials,” said Martina Dardi, poultry global technical manager, HIPRA. “The combination of HIPRA’s worldwide experience on this virus and the proven performance for both vaccines can spare a lot of time in the fine tuning of vaccination plans and practices that are successfully in place globally.”
Both RESPIVAC® aMPV and HIPRAVIAR® TRT remain available to producers via an emergency import license issued by USDA. Vaccine details include:
- RESPIVAC® aMPV - Protects broilers, layers and breeders from the highly contagious virus. The modified live vaccine is based upon subtype B, offering cross-protection against subtype A. Birds can be vaccinated at the hatchery, on the farm or during lay, via spray or drinking water. For prolonged immunity, chickens can be vaccinated every 9 weeks.
- HIPRAVIAR® TRT - Protect broilers, breeders and turkeys against aMPV infections. The vaccine is based upon subtype B, offering cross-protection against subtype A. HIPRAVIAR® TRT is the only inactivated vaccine with the same subtype, origin (chicken) and strain as the live vaccine, offering greater long-term protection.
For more information, please visit https://farmanimal.elanco.com/us/poultry-signup
ABOUT ELANCO
Elanco Animal Health Incorporated is a global leader in animal health dedicated to innovating and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets, creating value for farmers, pet owners, veterinarians, stakeholders and society as a whole. With 70 years of animal health heritage, we are committed to breaking boundaries and going beyond to help our customers improve the health of animals in their care, while also making a meaningful impact on our local and global communities. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People. Learn more at www.elanco.com.
About HIPRA
HIPRA is a biotechnology pharmaceutical company focused on prevention for animal and human health (one health), with a wide range of highly innovative vaccines and an advanced diagnostic service. With its claim "Building immunity for a healthier world,” HIPRA affirms its commitment to contributing solutions that improve global health. It has a strong international presence with 40 subsidiaries, 3 R&D centers, and 6 manufacturing sites strategically located in Europe (Spain) and America (Brazil). Furthermore, its extensive international distribution network maintains sales channels with nearly 100 other countries, covering 5 continents.
Research and development are at the core of its expertise. HIPRA dedicates more than 15% of its annual turnover to R&D activities focused on the creation and application of the latest scientific advances to develop innovative vaccines of the highest quality.
HIPRA has a portfolio of vaccines based on various technological platforms. Its R&D teams work with a wide range of technologies and biological modalities.
To add value to its vaccination expertise, the company also develops medical devices and traceability services for animal health.
Elanco US Inc. has been issued an import permit for the importation of HIPRAVIAR® TRT and RESPIVAC® aMPV for vaccination of US flocks.
HIPRAVIAR® and RESPIVAC® are registered trademarks of Laboratorios Hipra, S.A. in Spain.
Elanco and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates. © 2026 Elanco or its affiliates.
