The Agriculture Ministers of the 27 EU countries have unanimously agreed on a strategy to make vaccination of chickens against bird flu possible. Currently, two trials are underway in France, and the Netherlands has also announced a trial by the end of this year.
In recent years, most European countries, as well as other parts of the world, have been affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) epizootics, with the current epizootic in Europe being the most severe in recent history. Part of the strategy involves a 'regional approach' whereby vaccination can be mandated in densely populated animal areas, but not across the entire EU.
As part of its veterinary priorities, the French Presidency of the Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers initiated a strategic debate based on a questionnaire. An initial summary of the results was presented to the Animal and Veterinary Issues working group (Chief Veterinary Officers) at the end of March, after which the ministers have now given their approval.
Most ministers emphasize that they are not giving permanent approval anywhere yet because they first want to understand how exporting countries will respond. The World Trade Organization (WTO) poses significant challenges regarding animal vaccination or the addition of chemical agents to animal feed. Concerns about human health play a major role in this.
Many ministers also stressed that support for vaccination must be sought not only among trade partners but also among domestic poultry farmers. An important argument cited is the 'animal suffering' because entire flocks on affected farms must be culled when infections occur.
Vaccinations against animal diseases have historically led to restrictions on European exports. Therefore, this must be investigated first. Additionally, the EU's food safety authority EFSA must provide an opinion on the matter.
Regarding the situation in the Netherlands, Agriculture Minister Henk Staghouwer reported to the House of Representatives last week that the current bird flu outbreak is much larger than those experienced by the Netherlands in the past twenty years. Previously, the Netherlands dealt with 'seasonal' outbreaks at a few farms, and sometimes went several years without outbreaks.
Since the fall of 2020, however, HPAI has not been absent from the Netherlands. In addition, outbreaks have occurred in densely poultry-populated areas, leading to many poultry farms being culled preventively. The financial settlement for these cullings is still ongoing.
A trial will start in the Netherlands this year to test the effectiveness of several vaccines. Minister Staghouwer said he expects the first results to be known in the fourth quarter. Based in part on the outcomes of various studies currently being conducted in Hungary and France, the Netherlands can develop a strategy to deploy vaccination as an additional preventive measure.