Infectious Diseases 2024

A new scientific opinion on the vaccination of poultry against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was recently published by EFSA. This scientific opinion, authored by experts in the field, focuses on surveillance and mitigation measures to combat this disease in poultry populations.
The article discusses poultry vaccination against HPAI and emphasizes surveillance and mitigation measures. Overall, it provides insights into the complexities of implementing vaccination programs and surveillance measures to combat HPAI in poultry, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches and continuous monitoring to prevent and control disease outbreaks.
The main conclusions drawn from the article on the vaccination of poultry against HPAI include:
1. Selecting appropriate diagnostic methods tailored to the type of vaccine used is crucial for effective surveillance of AI virus circulation in vaccinated flocks.
2. Molecular methods with high sensitivity are recommended for surveillance when viral levels expected to be detected are low due to vaccination.
3. Serological methods may increase confidence in virological surveillance results, but their utility can be compromised with non-DIVA compatible vaccines.
4. Surveillance strategies should include virological testing of dead birds, live bird testing in vaccinated establishments, and passive surveillance in both vaccinated and unvaccinated flocks.
5. Repeated sampling over time, testing of birds found dead within 48 hours, and monitoring of clinical signs are essential for maximizing surveillance effectiveness.
6. Risk mitigation measures, such as movement restrictions and laboratory examinations before poultry movement, are important for preventing disease spread.
These conclusions highlight the importance of tailored surveillance strategies, diagnostic methods, and risk mitigation measures in effectively monitoring and controlling the spread of avian influenza in poultry populations following vaccination.