UK: DEFRA reaffirmed their current policy on HPAI vaccines
DEFRA, the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, reaffirmed their current policy on HPAI vaccines, acknowledging the possibility of future changes. As of now, the UK's stance is against the use of HPAI vaccines, except in the case of zoos. The prevailing policy in the UK regarding Avian Influenza vaccination prohibits the vaccination of birds, except those in zoos located in England and Northern Ireland. This restriction applies to both disease prevention and disease control responses. Stamping out, continues to be the most effective approach for managing outbreaks. Consequently, the government and industry have made the development of effective DIVA (differentiating infected from vaccinated animals) vaccines a top priority as a preventive measure.
Currently authorized vaccines in the UK have certain drawbacks. Although they can reduce mortality, there is a possibility that vaccinated birds could still transmit the disease if they become infected without showing clinical signs. Additionally, vaccination may create a false sense of security, potentially leading to a relaxation of biosecurity measures and vigilance. Hence, the authorization for poultry vaccination is currently limited to zoo birds.
In England and Northern Ireland, vaccination of zoo birds is permitted, subject to meeting specific eligibility criteria and receiving proper authorization. However, in Scotland and Wales, vaccination of zoo birds against avian influenza is presently not allowed.
The European Commission has approved England's zoo bird vaccination plan, which involves the use of the Nobilis Influenza H5N2 vaccine.
