Effective post-vaccination surveillance is essential for detecting avian influenza outbreaks promptly and ensuring the safety of bird movements. The latest scientific opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) evaluates risk mitigation options following emergency and preventive vaccination.
EFSA was tasked with reviewing surveillance options and risk reduction measures for avian influenza. Scientists assessed these measures to determine if they could demonstrate disease freedom, allowing for the safe movement of poultry and related products.
In emergency vaccination scenarios for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), surveillance schemes need to consider the type of poultry and flock size for early outbreak detection. For preventive vaccination, monthly virological testing of up to 15 dead birds is recommended to confirm the absence of disease and facilitate movement. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated flocks should undergo passive surveillance.
Experts from the EU reference laboratory and EFSA collaborated to recommend appropriate diagnostic tests for surveillance based on vaccine type, vaccination strategy, and surveillance scope. More sensitive methods should be used when virus levels in the blood are expected to be low due to vaccination.
Frank Verdonck, head of EFSA’s Biological Hazards and Animal Health and Welfare Unit, emphasized that vaccination is crucial in fighting avian influenza but must be followed by strategic surveillance and measures to reduce virus transmission. Maintaining high biosecurity levels is essential, and raising awareness among farm owners and practitioners can ensure timely reporting and action in case of changes in poultry production or increased mortality.
