Bird flu control requires strict monitoring post-vaccination

Post-vaccination monitoring is crucial for the timely detection of bird flu outbreaks and ensuring the safe movement of birds. This is according to a recent scientific opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). EFSA has examined risk reduction following both emergency and preventive vaccinations.

Strategies and methods

EFSA evaluated effective surveillance options and risk reduction measures for avian influenza. The experts defined specific strategies for monitoring following emergency and preventive vaccinations, focusing on the species to be tested, such as laying chickens, turkeys, and ducks, the number of animals to be tested, the diagnostic method, and the sampling period. For emergency vaccination against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the advice is to consider the type of poultry and the size of the flock for effective early detection of new outbreaks.

The role of vaccination

According to Frank Verdonck, head of the Biological Hazards and Animal Health and Welfare Unit at EFSA, vaccination plays a significant role in combating bird flu and is recommended as part of an integrated disease control strategy. "However, it is essential to follow a strategic surveillance schedule and implement measures to reduce the risk of virus transmission," he added. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining a high level of biosecurity, even when vaccination is used, and the significance of raising awareness among farmers and practitioners to ensure any changes in poultry production or increases in mortality are quickly reported and addressed.

In October 2023, EFSA published a prior opinion on available HPAI vaccines for poultry and suitable vaccination programs. These recommendations will aid decisions by risk managers at the European and national levels regarding effective surveillance strategies to be implemented in vaccinated areas and on farms, both for the early detection of HPAI outbreaks and to demonstrate freedom from the disease.

Efsa.europa.eu