France has confirmed that it will proceed with vaccination of commercial waterfowl to prevent a recurrence of seasonal outbreaks of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.  The decision was based on “favorable results based on final tests carried out by the French Health Safety Agency-(ANSES)”.

The limited field evaluation showed “good control of virus transmission in vaccinated ducks” using DIVA vaccines.  The test demonstrated a reduction in virus shedding by vaccinated birds.  Commercial vector-vaccines will be supplied by both Ceva Animal Health and Boehringer Ingelheim.

In addition to the intended vaccination program focusing on ducks in the southwest quadrant of France producing foie gras, the Netherlands is evaluating vaccines in egg-producing flocks and Italy has initiated a program for turkeys.

EGG-NEWS reported last week on a number of incident cases among commercial flocks in France increasing the need for vaccination. This is in recognition of the expense involved in conventional depopulation and quarantine that has been carried out in this nation almost annually for four years without achieving effective suppression and with no prospect of eradication, given wild bird reservoirs and disseminators.