The Netherlands, recognized as one of the leading egg exporters globally, has initiated a pilot program at a laying-hen farm to vaccinate poultry against avian influenza, aiming for widespread vaccination, as announced by the government on Monday.
The highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly referred to as bird flu, has resulted in the deaths or culling of hundreds of millions of poultry worldwide in recent years, predominantly affecting laying hens, which has caused a significant increase in egg prices. This virus can also transmit to humans and other animals, raising concerns about a potential new pandemic.
This Dutch pilot program follows successful field tests conducted last year that confirmed the efficacy of two vaccines. Initially, the program will take place at a single farm, with the possibility of expansion to additional farms, according to the government statement.
“The objective is to assess market reactions to the sale of products derived from vaccinated poultry and to gather insights on the implementation of the surveillance program,” the statement noted.
The Netherlands has chosen a phased approach for implementation, as large-scale vaccination necessitates modifications in veterinary infrastructure and may have implications for trade, although specific details were not disclosed.
Vaccination programs for bird flu can sometimes lead to export restrictions due to concerns that vaccinated birds, which may not exhibit signs of infection, could pose risks to healthy birds in importing countries. For instance, France’s nationwide vaccination initiative for ducks in 2023 resulted in several countries imposing bans on French poultry due to such concerns.
Chicks will receive vaccinations at Dutch hatcheries before being transferred to laying farms, with eggs being sold exclusively within the Netherlands. The program is set to continue until early 2027.
“I am delighted that the poultry sector is willing to take this step alongside me. Vaccination presents a significant opportunity to enhance control over bird flu,” stated Agriculture Minister Femke Wiersma.
