Guidance

Avian influenza (bird flu) vaccination

Updated 5 June 2023

Applies to England

• Publication for Northern Ireland

1. UK bird flu vaccination policy

The current UK policy on bird flu vaccination is not to permit the vaccination of birds (outside of zoos in England and Northern Ireland) either for disease prevention or as a disease control response.

Stamping out remains the most effective means of controlling an outbreak. Since October 2021 an unprecedented number of outbreaks have been reported throughout Europe and in several regions of the world, reaching new geographical areas and causing devastating impacts on animal health and welfare.

In the UK, concerns around the impact on traditional and free-range poultry systems, the number of birds that need to be culled, and the development of new vaccine technology mean that the development of effective DIVA (differentiating infected from vaccinated animals) vaccines for use as a preventive measure is now a key priority for government and industry.

The current available vaccines with UK marketing authorisations have disadvantages in that, although they are able to reduce mortality, it’s possible that some vaccinated birds would still be capable of transmitting the disease if they became infected whilst not displaying clinical signs.

Many trading partners currently prohibit trade from countries that vaccinate poultry for this reason. Without enhanced surveillance there are concerns that undisclosed disease could be circulating and this would increase the time taken to detect and eradicate the virus. Vaccination may also induce a false sense of security, resulting in a relaxation of biosecurity and vigilance.

This is why vaccines are only licensed for zoo birds.

Vaccination of zoo birds is permitted in England and Northern Ireland, subject to meeting eligibility criteria and receiving authorisation. Only zoos or collections holding a current zoo licence can apply for an authorisation to vaccinate. Vaccination of zoo birds against avian influenza is currently not permitted in Scotland or Wales.

Biosecurity, early reporting, rapid action, culling and surveillance remain the most effective ways of protecting against and controlling an avian influenza outbreak. More information can be found in the GB notifiable avian disease control strategy and Defra’s guidance. Find out how to:

• spot and report bird flu
• prevent bird flu and stop it spreading

A joint industry, cross-government avian influenza vaccination task force has been established to explore options and develop recommendations for the use of vaccination of poultry as a preventative measure against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the UK.

2. Emergency vaccination

Emergency vaccination in the UK is not recommended as a means of controlling an outbreak. Stamping out remains the most effective means of controlling an outbreak. You can find out more about this in the GB notifiable avian disease control strategy.

3. Vaccination of zoo birds

Due to the role of zoos in global conservation, vaccination of zoo birds is permitted in England and Northern Ireland, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

Vaccination of zoo birds against avian influenza is not currently permitted in Scotland or Wales on the basis of veterinary risk assessment.

England’s zoo bird vaccination plan for the use of Nobilis Influenza H5N2 vaccine has been approved by the European Commission.

Only zoos or collections in England holding a current zoo licence can apply for an authorisation to vaccinate.

In England permission must be sought from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) for vaccination to be carried out. For further information contact CSCOneHealthAISurvey@apha.gov.uk.

To request authorisation to vaccinate complete form AIV(Z)02 and email it to CSCOneHealthAISurvey@apha.gov.uk.

Further information on the avian influenza vaccines authorised by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) for use in the UK are available via the VMD Product Information Database search page by searching for ‘Avian Influenza’, in the Active substance tab.

These vaccines are unlikely to provide full protection for the current strains of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) circulating in Europe and in wild birds in the UK. Please consult your vet and manufacturer for further advice.

Vaccinated birds cannot be traded or moved within the UK unless permitted by Defra and the relevant destination administration and the movement is licensed.

Trade or movement to EU member states and third countries will only be allowed after specific authorisation from the destination country. The move will also need to be licensed.

Vaccinated zoo birds will not be eligible for release into the wild in Great Britain during their lifetimes.

The GB notifiable avian disease control strategy gives further information on current GB policy on vaccination.

4. Legislation on avian influenza vaccination

The legislation covering avian influenza in England includes:

• the Avian Influenza (Vaccination) (England) Regulations 2006
• the Avian Influenza (Preventive Measures) (England) Regulations 2006
• the Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (England) (No.2) Order 2006
• the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2005
• Animal Health Act 1981

5. Enforcement

Avian influenza vaccination controls are enforced by local authorities. Failure to comply can lead to prosecution under the Animal Health Act 1981, The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2005 or the Avian Influenza (Preventive Measure) Regulation 2006.

6. Penalties for offences

Breach of controls is an offence, with an unlimited fine on summary conviction and up to 3 months’ imprisonment per offence.