22 May 2025: Approval of France’s HPAI vaccination programme for commercial ducks
Updated 23 May 2025
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-veterinary-surgeon-ovs-notes/22-may-2025-approval-of-frances-hpai-vaccination-programme-for-commercial-ducks
OVS note number: 2025/37
Date: 22 May 2025
Purpose
To inform you that Defra has recognised France’s highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) vaccination programme for commercial ducks and that France is now able to export meat and meat products obtained from commercial ducks vaccinated against avian influenza and kept in establishments complying with the specific testing requirements agreed between Great Britain and France.
Background
In July 2023, the French Chief Veterinary Officer notified the UK of a mandatory preventative HPAI vaccination programme targeting commercial ducks (excluding breeding ducks and other avian species).
The UK SPS Office undertook an in-country audit in December 2024 to assess the level of effectiveness with which animal health controls, surveillance systems and laboratory procedures supporting the HPAI vaccination programme are implemented in France. Based on the findings of audit, and subsequent follow-up with the French competent authority, the UK has approved France’s vaccination programme on commercial duck farms.
The list of EU and EFTA countries approved to export poultry and poultry products to Great Britain was updated on 22 May 2025 to reflect approval of France’s vaccination programme. A footnote (j) has been attached to this approval stipulating that poultry meat and meat products can only be certified for export to GB if they are obtained from vaccinated commercial ducks originating from establishments that comply with the specific testing requirements agreed between the UK and France.
The amendment to France’s listings means that, from 22 May 2025, France is able to export meat and meat products obtained from commercial ducks vaccinated against avian influenza and kept in establishments complying with the specific testing requirements agreed with France.
Products from vaccinated commercial ducks produced before 22 May 2025 may be exported to Great Britain provided that they can be certified to comply with the requirements of the export health certificate, which includes the additional testing requirements. Heat-treated duck meat products remain within the scope of the agreed surveillance protocol until Great Britain introduces legislation that would exempt such products. This legislative change is planned and will be communicated via an updated OVS note in the next months as soon as it has been implemented.
France continues to be unable to export meat and meat products obtained from birds, other than commercial ducks, vaccinated against avian influenza.
Contact point for enquiries
Email: imports@apha.gov.uk
Imports and EU Trade Team