HPAI management in domestic poultry: from reaction to prevention
A new article (Perspective) on the management of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in domestic poultry, published in Eurosurveillance, highlights the shift from reactive measures to proactive strategies. It emphasizes the need for policy changes in light of the recent emergence of HPAI viruses, particularly clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAI.
The authors advocate for poultry vaccination as a key intervention to effectively control the spread of HPAI, ensuring the health of both poultry and wildlife. According to the authors, traditional management strategies - focusing on early detection, reactive culling, and movement restrictions - are deemed insufficient to address the challenges posed by these new viral strains. The article emphasizes the urgent need for a paradigm shift in HPAI management policies, moving from reactive to preventive strategies. Vaccination is identified as a crucial intervention for controlling HPAI, particularly in the context of recent epidemics in France, where a nationwide vaccination campaign targeting domestic ducks has been initiated. The authors advocate for integrating regional biosecurity measures alongside vaccination to enhance the robustness of poultry production systems and reduce the risk of outbreaks. Vaccination can significantly reduce the incidence of HPAI outbreaks in poultry, thereby protecting the health of flocks and minimizing economic losses for farmers. By vaccinating poultry, the spread of the virus can be curtailed, which is particularly important in high-density farming areas where the risk of transmission is elevated. Vaccination in domestic poultry can help mitigate spillover events to wild birds and mammals, contributing to wildlife conservation efforts. With effective vaccination strategies, countries can maintain healthier poultry populations, which can help stabilize trade and reduce the economic impact of HPAI on the poultry industry. As the epidemiology of HPAI evolves, vaccination provides a proactive approach to managing the disease, adapting to the challenges posed by new viral strains.
In conclusion, vaccination and regional biosecurity measures are essential for effectively controlling the disease and safeguarding both poultry and wildlife.
The authors are affiliated with institutions such as the Université de Toulouse and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Montreal.
Read the full article: here
