According to the Avian Influenza Vaccination Task Force, current avian influenza vaccines do not meet the full standard of deployment to tackle the UK’s ongoing outbreak.
Currently, chicken and birds are not allowed to use the avian flu vaccine.
As the UK enters its fourth season of regular outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, there is an increasing number of calls for control measures that extend beyond “robust biosecurity” among farmers.
Avian flu vaccines as a precaution
The AI Task Force, a joint industry and cross-party government group, was established to explore these options and develop recommendations for the use of vaccinations in poultry as a precaution against HPAI.
Given the UK’s disease situation and worsening global development, the task force provided updates detailing its activities, current policies, vaccine development and approval processes, trade implications, and next steps.
The joint statement is approved by four delegated administrations, the Veterinary Department, the Animal Plant and Health Organization, and all major trade associations in the poultry sector.
Effective protective measures to control illness
Currently, vaccinations for chicken and breeding birds are not permitted, except at some licensed zoos.
Vaccines can reduce mortality and clinical signs, but do not eliminate the risk of infection or transmission, and can complicate detection, increasing the risk of spreading the virus.
The development of differentiation infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA) strategies that monitor vaccinated herds and distinguish between fields and vaccine strains is a central focus of the task force and is the subject of ongoing research.
There is also discussion about how to integrate the gaming bird industry into bird flu vaccines and surveillance programs.
Implementing such a strategy is central to the UK’s ability to exchange poultry products internationally. This is because the country must ensure that effective security measures are in place.
H5 subtype vaccine under review
Vaccination is not a barrier to safe international trade, but according to the World Animal Health Organization (WOAH) guidelines, many countries impose restrictions on products when vaccinations are in use, and this practice may continue.
Currently, there are two approved avian flu vaccines in the UK, but neither of them contain subtype H5N1 as an active component.
Several applications of H5 subtype vaccines have been evaluated by the Veterinary Drug Administration (VMD), the authorities authorizing the marketing of these drugs.
Several HPAI vaccines have already received international approval, including one of the European Unions claiming effectiveness against H5.
The task force says it will analyze these vaccines, but the preliminary statement highlights that a complete solution is not approaching.
The statement said: “Choosing the right vaccine is a critical step when considering vaccination and depends on a variety of criteria relevant to local circumstances. Current vaccines and vaccine technologies do not fully meet all of these standards.”
More understanding of the avian flu vaccine is needed
Gary Ford, the Strategic Director of the UK’s Freedom and John Egg Producers Association (BFREPA), said he raised the recognition that vaccinations are not yet the perfect solution at this point.
“We have seen more than 40 HPAI cases this winter, resulting in significant economic impact, pain for the affected businesses and disruption throughout the poultry sector,” he said.
“This situation has attracted great interest in avian flu vaccines from industries where vaccines are routinely used to protect flocks from endemic diseases.
“As a cross-government AI vaccination task force, we welcome this timely statement as an opportunity to highlight the opportunities and challenges associated with vaccination.”
He concluded: “In spite of these challenges, BFREPA, along with strict biosecurity measures, strongly supports vaccination as an important tool to protect herds from this insidious disease.”
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