2023-07-27 17:56:44
Vaccination Trial Holds Potential to Save Poultry Farmers from Bird Flu
In a potential breakthrough for poultry farmers, a trial to vaccinate chickens against bird flu is set to take place in September. The success of this trial could be a godsend for numerous farmers who constantly grapple with the threat of avian influenza. Poultry farmer Chiel Gielen from Biddinghuizen expressed optimism, stating, “That would be very positive. Then the chickens will no longer get sick and they will no longer have to be culled.”
The trial will be conducted on two farms, one of which is located in Flevoland. However, the exact location of this farm has not been disclosed for security reasons.
Just recently, a poultry farm in Biddinghuizen had to cull 11,000 chickens due to the outbreak of bird flu. This contamination occurred only three weeks after the long confinement light was lifted. As a result, a transport ban has been imposed within a ten-kilometer radius. However, egg vending machines in the area can continue operating. The implications of this outbreak on egg consumption and supermarket shelves are being closely monitored.
Expressing concern over the recent contamination, Gielen said, “It is always a shocking moment when that happens in the area. What will happen, what does this mean for your company?” Unfortunately, this incident has also impacted Gielen’s plans to replace the older laying hens with new ones, as they are currently not allowed to be transported for the next 30 days. However, if there are no new outbreaks within this timeframe, they can be moved thereafter.
Gielen used to have free-range chickens but has stopped due to stricter legislation and uncertainty surrounding future outbreaks. While a vaccine may not immediately lead to a return to free-range farming for Gielen, he acknowledges its significance for his company, stating, “Even if the chickens are indoors, they can get bird flu. If it’s my shoe or the wind blows in, they can already get sick.”
The vaccines currently being tested can be either injected into chicks or introduced into the egg with a small needle prior to hatching. Presently, chickens are regularly vaccinated against other diseases through methods such as mist spraying.
The vaccines in development have shown promising results in laboratory settings, where chickens no longer contract or transmit the virus. Soon, these products will be tested on a poultry farm. If successful, this solution would be particularly beneficial to farmers with free-range chickens. Bart Jan Oplaat from the Dutch Union of Poultry Farmers emphasized the importance of protecting outdoor chickens, stating, “Society asks us to take the animals outside, but they run a great risk there. If we can protect the animals with a vaccine, then they can go out carefree.”
The trial in Flevoland is expected to last over a year, with researchers from Wageningen University (WUR) closely monitoring its progress. If successful, this vaccination strategy could be a game-changer for poultry farmers, offering them a reliable method to prevent and control outbreaks of bird flu.]
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