USDA Expanded Vaccine Approval for Poultry Flocks
Backyard flock owners can now use a vaccine approved to protect chickens against the prevalent DMV/1639 bronchitis strain.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Pet Health
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture has granted an expanded label for the Zoetis Poulvac Bron GA08 vaccine. This update allows the vaccine to provide protection against the DMV/1639 infectious bronchitis strain, which has been a primary concern for poultry health since 2020.
Why it matters
The approval addresses the widespread clinical impact of the DMV/1639 strain on U.S. poultry flocks. Expanding the vaccine coverage helps owners manage respiratory health and potential losses more effectively in their home flocks.
The USDA granted approval on October 8, 2026, for a vaccine now covering both Georgia 2008 and DMV/1639 types of infectious bronchitis. The vaccine is labeled for use in healthy chickens one day of age and older.
The players
Zoetis
A global animal health company that develops vaccines and medications for livestock and companion animals.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Center for Veterinary Biologics
The federal agency responsible for ensuring that animal biologics are pure, safe, potent, and effective.
The details
The Poulvac Bron GA08 vaccine works by stimulating the bird's immune system to recognize and respond to multiple infectious bronchitis variants. Owners can administer the vaccine through coarse spray or oral droplet methods. This mechanism provides targeted immunity that the poultry industry has required to combat the DMV/1639 strain that has persisted since 2020.
Timeline
2020: DMV/1639 began impacting poultry flocks across the United States.
October 8, 2026: Zoetis received official expanded label approval from the USDA.
Immediately: The updated vaccine is currently available for use.
Spring: Potential utilization is expected for seasonal vaccination programming.
The Home Front
The vaccine update follows the 2020 emergence of the DMV/1639 strain, which changed how owners manage long-term respiratory risks in their flocks. This approval represents a proactive shift in addressing established viral threats within the domestic poultry industry.
If you keep poultry, talk with your veterinarian about whether your current spring vaccination program should incorporate the updated vaccine. Keep records of all vaccinations administered to your flock to help track health history and respiratory protection.
The takeaway
The expanded label for Poulvac Bron GA08 provides a new option for owners looking to safeguard flocks against the widespread DMV/1639 strain. Contact your local veterinarian to discuss the appropriate administration schedule for your birds' age and health status.
Further reading
Learn more about keeping your backyard animals safe in our Pet Health section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Feedstuffs.
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