WOAH: HPAI Poultry Vaccination: Moving Beyond Trade Barriers

Authors: A. Bouma, H.A. Lim, T.J.D. van Riet, H.I.J. Roest

Since 2021, high pathogenicity of avian influenza virus H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) has spread worldwide.  It is present in many countries, causing widespread infections in poultry that are often controlled through large-scale culling. The virus is also established in wild bird populations and has led to infections in several mammal species. While human infections remain rare, the risk of a broader public health event, such as a pandemic, cannot be ignored. Reducing virus spread is therefore a priority for both animal and human health. Vaccination could be one of the tools to support this goal and should not be hampered by unjustified trade barriers.

Global situation of HPAI

HPAI H5N1 continues to cause recurring outbreaks in poultry and mammals, with often devastating impacts on the poultry sector and wild animal populations. Control measures rely largely on culling infected flocks, leading to the loss of millions of birds. This approach warrants reconsideration, particularly given the sustained circulation of the virus in wild bird populations. More sustainable, long-term strategies are needed, and vaccination could serve as a valuable additional tool to achieve this goal.

Vaccination, animal health and safe trade

In 2023, the WOAH World Assembly of Delegates adopted Resolution No. 28, recognising vaccination as a complementary disease control tool. WOAH international standards stipulate that vaccination use does not affect a country’s HPAI-free status, provided surveillance demonstrates the absence of infection.

Despite this progress, several challenges remain. Vaccination programmes are currently applied in only a limited number of at-risk countries. Although more countries are considering vaccination, concerns about vaccination and surveillance costs, product value and potential impacts on international trade continue to limit uptake, especially in exporting countries. While some trade barriers are justified, others appear disproportionate and need further discussion.

To address these challenges, the Netherlands set up an international working group on HPAI vaccination and trade. Together with Canada, the European Commission, France, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and WOAH, the Netherlands organised a meeting of this working group last January. Participants agreed to work together to make HPAI vaccination feasible in the near future, providing necessary assurances to allow safe trade.  

Key issues to be addressed

The working group underlined the need to develop and recognise minimum requirements that would facilitate international trade in products from vaccinated poultry and eliminate unjustified trade barriers. The group also noted that agreements with respect to vaccination and trade should be aligned with existing international standards, such as zoning, and should include appropriate surveillance and control measures that support virus control while maintaining trade confidence.

Next steps

A side event will be organised during the WOAH General Session in May. The international working group will present progress to date and outline planned activities. The focus will be on improving understanding of vaccination performance and exploring the development of minimum, widely supported surveillance programme requirements to demonstrate the absence of infection and facilitate trade in products from vaccinated poultry.

In addition, WOAH will develop guidelines for surveillance of HPAI in vaccinated poultry population, with the aim of supporting disease status recognition and safe trade.

Members interested in supporting future vaccination efforts are encouraged to express their interest.

Looking ahead

The goal is to move towards a more sustainable poultry sector that prioritises animal health and welfare, while also protecting public health and the environment.