USDA Approves Merck's INNOVAX ND-IBD-ILT Vaccine for Poultry Producers

Merck's Animal Health division has secured approval from the US Department of Agriculture for INNOVAX ND-IBD-ILT, a recombinant vaccine that protects against four major poultry diseases: Newcastle disease, infectious bursal disease, infectious laryngotracheitis, and Marek's disease.

The vaccine is designed to provide broad immunity early on in the production cycle, helping poultry veterinarians streamline vaccination programs and simplify flock health management. INNOVAX ND-IBD-ILT will be commercially available in the fourth quarter of 2026.

'Poultry producers and veterinarians need disease protection that is both comprehensive and practical,' said Charles Broussard, D.V.M., senior account manager for poultry sales at Merck Animal Health. 'By helping protect against four major diseases in a single hatchery vaccination, INNOVAX ND-IBD-ILT reduces complexity and provides veterinarians with greater convenience throughout the production cycle.'

The vaccine incorporates dual glycoprotein inserts designed to provide strong and consistent infectious laryngotracheitis protection while simplifying vaccination strategies. By concentrating vaccination efforts at the hatchery, INNOVAX ND-IBD-ILT can reduce bird handling, optimize labor, and minimize operational complexity.