The Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration has approved the country’s first vaccine against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) produced by Boehringer Ingelheim.
Boehringer Ingelheim will roll out the vaccine, Volvac B.E.S.T. AI + ND to poultry farms, according to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. The government views the vaccine as a critical tool to safeguard the nation’s food supply and public health.
HPAI, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease that affects domestic and wild birds. It is a notifiable disease with zoonotic potential, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans, and has a significant impact on global trade.
The vaccine can be administered to healthy chickens as young as 10 days old to protect against both avian influenza and Newcastle disease. Vaccinated flocks are expected to develop immunity within 10-14 days.
“The rollout of this vaccine strengthens the country’s programs on the fight against avian influenza, giving farmers the means to better protect their flocks,” said Dr. Michael Banawa, head of animal health at Boehringer Ingelheim in the Philippines.
Avian influenza poses a persistent threat to the local poultry sector, often leading to widespread culling of birds, transport restrictions, and market disruptions. In 2025, the Department of Agriculture confirmed outbreaks of the H5N1 and H5N9 strains in several provinces.
The Bureau of Animal Industry continues to list nine provinces and 53 localities as affected by the virus.
Boehringer Ingelheim said vaccination is a key layer of defense, citing global examples of its effectiveness in reducing outbreaks.
