A new report from a UK joint industry, cross-government taskforce has recommended a targeted on-farm vaccination trial in turkeys – one of the most susceptible poultry species to bird flu.
The taskforce, which was set up to examine the UK’s position on bird flu vaccinations and make recommendations, in general supports the principles of vaccination but has warned that “significant uncertainties remain”.
Its report highlights during the 2022 to 2023 season, turkeys had the highest proportion of infected to uninfected premises of any species.
“Economic modelling suggests that turkeys offer a favourable value for money profile due to their higher per-bird value and shorter production cycles.
“A targeted trial in this sector would generate UK-specific evidence on vaccine efficacy, duration of immunity, and surveillance feasibility,” the taskforce outlined.
Current UK policy does not permit the vaccination of birds against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) – except in zoos in England and Northern Ireland.
Bird flu
According to the UK taskforce “stringent biosecurity on farms is the best way to prevent infection of poultry flocks”.
But it also recommended a series of actions – including an on-farm vaccination trial in turkeys – and exploring laboratory capacity for surveillance purposes, in order for the UK to find an effective way to protect poultry flocks from the disease.
In its opinion there are three main vaccination strategies which could be implemented in the UK including:
- Allowing preventative vaccination either nationwide or within targeted geographic regions or species group;
- Maintaining the UK’s current policy and only allowing vaccination in zoo birds;
- Use of emergency vaccination based on risk assessment and agreed trigger points.
According to the taskforce “significant uncertainties remain and the taskforce cannot make a final recommendation without more evidence”.
“No single product fulfils all of the criteria agreed by the taskforce as being an ideal vaccine, due to diversity in the dosing regime and species for licensed use,” it stated.
There are currently three vaccinations authorised for use in GB and NI including nobilis Influenza H5N2 Emulsion for Injection for Chickens, Vectormune HVT-AIV Concentrate and Solvent for Suspension for Injection for Chickens and Innovax-ND-H5 Concentrate and Solvent for Suspension for Injection for Chickens.
In its report the taskforce detailed that its analysis found that “overall vaccination of all poultry in the UK would likely offer poor value for money”.
“Given vaccines are not fully effective at preventing outbreaks, it is unlikely the full cost savings from intervention would be realised.
“Similarly, there is the possibility that uptake is lower than estimated, reducing effectiveness,” it outlined.
