The Netherlands: Initial chicken vaccination trials targeting avian influenza
In a recent field trial, 1800 day-old chicks were vaccinated against the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. This marks a significant milestone as the Netherlands undertakes its first field trial involving avian influenza vaccines. It represents a crucial stride towards implementing large-scale poultry vaccination against the bird flu virus. Wageningen University & Research is spearheading this trial, set to span until the third quarter of 2025, with initial results anticipated in the second quarter of 2024.
In conjunction with the field trial, plans are underway for a pilot program, aiming to vaccinate a more extensive array of poultry farms in the Netherlands. This pilot is slated to occur across multiple poultry farms in the second quarter of 2024, contingent upon the vaccine receiving European approval by that time and the revelation of initial laboratory test findings.
Additionally, the pilot program will place particular emphasis on evaluating the impact of vaccination on poultry trade and the establishment of a surveillance program. The purpose of this surveillance program is to promptly identify any infections within vaccinated farms, a potential occurrence despite vaccination, thereby minimizing the risk of ongoing virus circulation.
