Guidance

Avian Influenza (bird flu) vaccination

Vaccination policy, guidance and authorisation requests for avian influenza vaccination in zoo birds.

From:
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Animal and Plant Health Agency
Published
10 December 2020
Last updated
518 JuneMay 20232026 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

Avian influenza (bird flu) vaccination

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Vaccination of birds on licensed zoo premises as an additional preventative measure against avian influenza (AIV(Z)02)

Ref: AIV(Z)02

ODT, 41 KB

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Details

The vaccination of poultry and most captive birds against avian influenza is not currently permitted. Vaccination is not a routine control measure and is a practice restricted by legislation.

Vaccination of zoo birds is only permitted in England and Northern Ireland, subject to meeting eligibility criteria and receiving authorisation.

This sets out Defra’s policy on the use of avian influenza vaccines in poultry and other captive birds. It also provides sector-specific guidance for zoos and other collections with a current zoo licence with details of how to apply for authorisation to vaccinate against avian influenza.

Updates to this page

Published 10 December 2020
Last updated 518 JuneMay 2023 + show2026 href="#full-history">+ show all updates

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