Iron Restriction (IRP) Technology – Empowered Antibodies

Iron is an essential requirement for bacteria such as Salmonella and E. Coli to grow and multiply. Merck Animal Health’s inactivated poultry Salmonella vaccines are manufactured using iron restriction technology. This induces a stronger immune response in the chicken.

“IRP technology vaccines: a strong immune response by the chicken, against a natural field challenge.”

In the chicken intestine iron is bound to proteins, reducing its availability. To compensate for this, bacteria form Iron Regulated Proteins or IRP’s on their surfaces to enable an active intake of iron.

The IRP’s are recognized as antigens by the bird’s immune system, resulting in maximum IRP antibody expression. This results in a vaccine that induces a strong chicken immune response against a natural field challenge.