The theme of the seminar was to introduce newly launched VENGEM 9 – low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) vaccine to Layer farmers.
Mr. Shashi bhushushan kumar (AGM) welcome the entire guest and introduce Dr. Namdeo Bulbule Asst. General Manager, PDRC Pune .
Dr. Namdeo Bulbule spoke on topic “Introducing Vengem- Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) H9N2 in activated Vaccine: An Indian and Global Perspective”
Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI), particularly the H9N2 subtype, has emerged as a major concern for poultry health and production worldwide. Despite being classified as low pathogenic, H9N2 leads to substantial economic losses due to respiratory illness, drop in egg production, and increased mortality when combined with secondary infections. The virus is endemic across Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa, with increasing sporadic zoonotic cases in humans, including in India.
First identified in the U.S. in 1966 and later confirmed in Indian ducks in the 1970s–80s, clinical H9N2 outbreaks in poultry have been reported since 2003 in India. The virus spreads via secretions, contaminated feed, water, and fomites, and is further complicated by poor biosecurity and the presence of migratory birds acting as natural reservoirs.
India’s poultry sector has taken proactive steps to manage H9N2. The government approved a national LPAI vaccination policy in 2022. ICAR-NIHSAD developed the first indigenous vaccine strain, leading to licensed commercial products such as VENGEM by Ventri Biologicals Pvt. Ltd. These vaccines have been instrumental in reducing virus load, improving productivity, and minimizing zoonotic risk.
On a global scale, countries like China, Egypt, and Pakistan have adopted routine vaccination, with WHO, FAO, and WOAH endorsing it as part of a comprehensive control strategy that includes surveillance and farm-level biosecurity.
This report highlights the importance of One Health collaboration, continuous surveillance, and sustainable vaccination strategies. India’s efforts—spanning policy, research, and public-private partnerships—serve as a model for controlling LPAI H9N2 and safeguarding both animal and public health.
All seminars received positive response from the poultry farmers. In all the seminars queries from the participants were discussed in details. Mr Sandeep Saini RSM gave vote of thanks at Jind & Karnal. Dr. Kailash Mithia TM gave vote of thanks at Panipat . Mr Sahil (ASM) , Mr. Manoj Kadyan(ASM) & Mr. Sukhvinder Banwala ( KCE) had well organized the seminar at Jind , Panipat & Karnal respectively .
