Interview: Avian influenza prevention: could vaccination support egg security?

As high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) continues to affect wild and domestic birds and mammals, vaccination against the virus may become a necessary addition to existing biosecurity and control measures used to manage the disease. As part of the first inaugural State of the World’s Animal Health, published by the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH), The World Egg Organisation (WEO) shares its insights into how vaccination could protect laying-hens and safeguard egg production. 

An interview with Julian Madeley (Director General of the World Egg Organisation)

Given your experience, how have you seen the approach to HPAI management evolve over the years? 

Julian Madeley (J.M.) : For many years, WEO has been championing effective biosecurity as a very important tool in the control of avian influenza, and we will continue to do so. We have seen the adoption of high standard biosecurity practices on farm. 

We have seen that robust biosecurity protocols and controls can reduce the risk of disease. We have also seen egg farms with excellent biosecurity suffer from disease outbreaks. 

The rapidly changing nature of this virus means that existing prevention and control strategies are no longer enough. Now egg farmers need proper access to effective and practicable avian influenza vaccination programmes as an additional tool. 

What role do you see vaccination playing in the broader strategy for avian influenza control, alongside biosecurity measures? 

J.M. : As an additional tool and a complementary measure, to be used alongside biosecurity and control measures. 

As egg farmers we have two key roles, the first is to look after the health and welfare of our animals, and the second is to provide highly nutritious food for people. Vaccination helps us achieve both goals. It helps us continue to provide good health and welfare, and it helps us to continue to provide high quality nutrition. 

What are the biggest challenges or misconceptions surrounding the use of vaccination for HPAI? 

J.M. : A common misconception is that vaccination risks creating virus mutations, when in fact it decreases exposure of humans and contamination of the environment – not to mention the economic and animal welfare benefits. 

Key challenges to address include cost of surveillance, impact on other sectors of the poultry industry, and trade. 

How do you see international organisations like the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) shaping the future of vaccination policies for animal health?

What role should industry stakeholders, such as the WEO, play in supporting vaccination efforts? 

J.M. : A coordinated global approach to HPAI vaccination strategies is needed, supported by clear guidance on surveillance and appropriate steps to mitigate trade implications. 

Our role at WEO is to act as the bridge between WOAH and FAO and egg producers. The WEO will play an active role in supporting the implementation of WOAH and FAO’s strategy, by developing practical tools that can be used on farm, to encourage excellence in biosecurity and support egg farmers who do vaccinate, to do this in the most effective way possible. 

How can governments and private sector actors work together to ensure vaccines are widely accessible and effectively implemented? 

As more and more countries around the world start vaccinating their laying hens for avian influenza, we must establish global best practice guidelines. WEO has developed these farm-level guidelines and is happy to share our work, to ensure that this is complementary to the high-level strategies developed by WOAH & FAO. 

The first step in HPAI vaccination is defining a strategic goal and all the necessary means to achieve that goal based on available science. 

HPAI vaccination always necessitates very close collaboration between all stakeholders, particularly veterinary services, regulatory agency, pharmaceutical industry, veterinarians, and all of the poultry industry. 

It needs a clear definition of roles and responsibilities of each actor in the chain, from the pharmaceutical manufacturer to farmers and all actors in between. The vaccination plan must be transparent to all stakeholders, including retailers and consumers. 

Financial responsibilities for vaccines, vaccination and surveillance must be agreed upon prior to implementation.

Looking ahead, what do you think will be the most critical factors in achieving better global control of HPAI? 

J.M. : Tackling avian influenza requires a unified effort. 

The current scenario is that HPAI is endemic in wild birds and will remain so. Biosecurity alone has proven insufficient to protect egg production in the current context. Predictability of outbreaks is poor and dependent on wild birds’ behaviour – which changes with seasonal and climatic conditions. 

In such a context, better understanding of the epidemiology through basic research in order to improve biosecurity is critical. And a smart approach to vaccination in high-risk species and areas is an additional layer of protection which seems critical today.

About Julian Madeley

Julian Madeley is the Director General of the World Egg Organisation, where he leads the strategic development of the organisation and champions the global benefits of eggs for human health and nutrition. Passionate about advancing awareness of the egg’s role in improving lives worldwide, Julian brings extensive international experience to the position.