On Jun. 25, 2024, Merck Animal Health announced U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approval of NOBIVAC^® NXT Canine Flu H3N2, a next-level solution to help safeguard dogs against the ongoing threat of canine influenza. The product was expected to be available at veterinary clinics and hospitals nationwide by late summer.

Merck Animal Health has a long-standing commitment to discovering and developing innovative preventive medicines that support veterinary healthcare teams and improve the lives of pets. NOBIVAC NXT is a revolutionary, first-of-its-kind vaccine technology for companion animals that leverages RNA-particle technology, allowing for a precise immune response to protect against a wide range of viral and bacterial pathogens.

NOBIVAC NXT Canine Flu H3N2 is the first and only canine influenza vaccine built on Merck Animal Health’s RNA-particle technology platform to deliver optimized protection against the most prevalent canine influenza virus circulating in the United States. NOBIVAC NXT Canine Flu H3N2 is a nonadjuvanted, low volume 0.5 mL dose vaccine that harnesses the natural ability of the immune system to generate a robust response without compromising comfort or safety. The product is indicated for the vaccination of healthy dogs eight weeks of age or older against canine influenza H3N2.

Canine influenza, or dog flu, is a serious respiratory illness that is easily transmitted from dog to dog. Canines are social creatures by nature and are at risk for infection when exposed to the virus. Moreover, unlike human flu, canine influenza is not seasonal; dogs are susceptible to it year-round, which is why it’s important to vaccinate every year.

Merck Animal Health has been leading canine influenza protection since launching the first canine influenza vaccine – NOBIVAC^® Canine Flu H3N8 – in 2009. When canine influenza H3N2 emerged as an epidemic in the U.S. in 2015, Merck Animal Health made its monovalent H3N2 vaccine available to protect dogs against the disease; and in 2016, the company was first to receive a fully licensed bivalent and monovalent H3N2 vaccine. In addition, the company has been advancing canine respiratory protection for decades with its intranasal, canine flu and oral respiratory vaccines that prevent the spread of pathogens and protect the respiratory health of dogs.