IEC Launches Paper on the Considerations and Essential Components for HPAI Vaccination and Surveillance

28 April 2023

In the face of the continuous threat that high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) poses to the global egg industry and wider food supply chain, the IEC has launched a new paper examining the considerations and essential components required for HPAI vaccination and surveillance in laying hens.

Developed by the IEC’s Avian Influenza Global Expert Group, the paper explains very clearly the advantages of vaccination against the disease, as well as ways to overcome potential barriers to vaccination.

Discussing the development of the paper, Ben Dellaert, Chair of the Expert Group said: “The potential for vaccination to play a role in HPAI prevention and emergency management in layer hens has been discussed widely in recent months, as the global poultry industry continues to face unprecedented levels of avian influenza.”

“The development of this new paper will support countries considering vaccination, as an additional tool for prevention and emergency management of HPAI in layer hens, to establish and implement a successful vaccination and surveillance strategy.”

In addition to defining the essential components of an effective HPAI vaccination programme, the new paper also explores how to conduct appropriate surveillance for infection within vaccinated flocks, to allow for continued trade of poultry and poultry products as stipulated by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Terrestrial Animal Health Code.

“Alongside robust biosecurity, vaccination can be an important additional tool for preventing and managing HPAI. I would like to thank the members of the Avian Influenza Global Expert Group for developing this important paper which will support countries to implement effective vaccination strategies to protect our industry from the devastating consequences of HPAI.”

Download ‘High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in Layers: Considerations and Essential Components for Vaccination and Surveillance’ now.