Guidance

Avian Influenza (bird flu) vaccination

Vaccination policy, guidance and authorisation requests for avian influenza vaccination in zoo birds.

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Animal and Plant Health Agency
• Published: 10 December 2020
• Last updated: 6 July 2026
  Show all updates

  1. 6 July 2026

     Added the Welsh version of the (AIV(Z)02) form.

  2. 18 May 2026

     Updated section 3 of 'Avian influenza (bird flu) vaccination'. The link to England’s zoo bird vaccination plan for the use of Nobilis Influenza H5N2 vaccine is now working.

  3. 5 June 2023

     Updated the section about vaccination policy and future plans. The policy and guidance have not changed - only zoo birds in England and Northern Ireland can be vaccinated.

  4. 27 January 2021

     Updated avian influenza vaccine (AIV(Z)02) application form.

  5. 11 December 2020

     Added avian influenza vaccine application form for zoos or collections in England that hold a current zoo licence.

  6. 10 December 2020

     First published.

Applies to England

• Publication for Northern Ireland

Documents

Avian influenza (bird flu) vaccination

HTML

Vaccination of birds on licensed zoo premises as an additional preventative measure against avian influenza (AIV(Z)02)

Ref: AIV(Z)02

ODT, 41 KB

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Details

The vaccination of poultry and most captive birds against avian influenza is not currently permitted. Vaccination is not a routine control measure and is a practice restricted by legislation.

Vaccination of zoo birds is only permitted in England and Northern Ireland, subject to meeting eligibility criteria and receiving authorisation.

This sets out Defra’s policy on the use of avian influenza vaccines in poultry and other captive birds. It also provides sector-specific guidance for zoos and other collections with a current zoo licence with details of how to apply for authorisation to vaccinate against avian influenza.