France confirms AI vaccination after favourable tests
According to Reuters the Ministry of Agriculture, France has confirmed its intention to initiate an avian influenza vaccination program in the autumn following successful tests on duck vaccination that demonstrated "satisfactory effectiveness."
Among European Union countries, France has been the hardest hit and is currently experiencing a significant resurgence of outbreaks, particularly among ducks, mainly in the southwestern region of the country. To address this situation, France had previously placed an order for 80 million vaccines, contingent upon the final tests conducted by the French health safety agency ANSES. The positive outcome of these tests has provided sufficient assurance to commence a vaccination campaign in the autumn of 2023. The test results indicated successful virus transmission control in vaccinated mule ducks, the ability to differentiate between infected and vaccinated animals (DIVA), and a decrease in virus excretion by vaccinated birds.
In collaboration with Ceva Animal Health from France and Boehringher Ingelheim from Germany, France has mandated the development of avian influenza vaccines specifically designed for ducks. Other European Union countries, such as the Netherlands (laying hens) and Italy (turkeys), have also conducted their own tests. The initial findings from the Netherlands have shown positive efficacy of the vaccines that were tested.
