As part of its response to avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a permit for a modified live virus vaccine produced outside the United States. This marks the first time that APHIS has permitted a modified live virus for U.S. import.

This year, the poultry industry has highlighted the urgent need to address aMPV; specifically, requesting that APHIS explore opportunities to accelerate development and importation of aMPV vaccines. APHIS’ Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) has since authorized the use of an experimental autogenous vaccine to expedite product availability. They have also allowed the import of Master Seed and Master Cell Stock for domestic production of live products to speed manufacturing and allowed applications to import a killed vaccine.

Additionally, over the last several months, CVB has expedited safety and purity testing on aMPV modified live virus vaccines produced by foreign manufacturers. While not tested to the level of U.S. licensure, CVB has determined a vaccine is safe to import and use in the United States under Research and Evaluation permits. State Animal Health Officials must provide approval to ship the vaccine to each State, so the manufacturer will work with interested U.S. producers on any additional State or Federal requirements.

CVB is committed in their efforts to support industry and will continue to evaluate any additional, similar vaccines that manufacturers submit for review.