A new paper examining the considerations and components required for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) vaccination and surveillance in layer hens was launched by global membership organization the International Egg Commission (IEC) in April 2023.
The paper, titled ‘High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in Layers: Considerations and Essential Components for Vaccination and Surveillance,’ was developed by the IEC’s Avian Influenza Global Expert Group.
The new resource defines how to achieve a successful HPAI vaccination program, explains the advantages of vaccination against the disease and recommends solutions to potential barriers that may arise during the process.
Additionally, the paper reveals how a producer should properly conduct surveillance for an avian influenza infection within vaccinated flocks to allow for continuous trade of poultry and poultry products, as required by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
Commenting on the resource, Ben Dellaert, Chair of the IEC’s Expert Group, stated, “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.”
“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.”
Formed in 2015, the IEC’s Avian Influenza Global Expert Group’s goal is to deliver and facilitate integrated, practical solutions that will prevent and combat avian influenza in the future, as well as find practical ways to change the global egg industry to better manage the disease.
“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,” he said.
