Poultry farmers in the UK are urging the government to allow bird flu vaccinations. The virus is spreading rapidly, and they fear devastating losses. Currently, vaccinating poultry against bird flu is illegal in the UK. Instead, the government relies on strict biosecurity measures and culling infected flocks. However, scientists worry that vaccines could cause the virus to evolve faster.
Although overall infection levels have not yet peaked, farmers remain on high alert. One farmer, who previously lost 30% of his flock, warned that “it is only a matter of time before it all kicks off again.”
New Prevention Measures in Place
To slow the outbreak, officials have declared a bird flu prevention zone across England, Wales, and Scotland. As a result, farmers must now follow strict hygiene rules to protect their flocks.
Meanwhile, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) reassures the public that the risk to humans remains low. It also confirms that properly cooked chicken and eggs are safe to eat.
At the same time, Defra has formed a task force with poultry industry experts. Their goal is to evaluate vaccine options, but their findings will only be published later this year. Frustrated by the delay, farmers argue that action must be taken sooner.
Farmers Demand Immediate Action
Essex turkey farmer Paul Kelly, who suffered heavy losses between 2021 and 2023, criticized the slow progress. “The foot has been taken off the gas” in making vaccines available, he told the BBC.
Moreover, he stressed the urgency of preparing for future outbreaks. “This is poor planning as we need to be ready for another huge outbreak as opposed to reacting to another outbreak and being behind the curve on rolling out vaccination.”
Additionally, Kelly highlighted the severity of the disease. “Avian influenza is so highly pathogenic that if a farmer gets it, it is devastating.”
Current Bird Flu Outbreaks
Since October, officials have confirmed 25 farm outbreaks. By contrast, during the worst outbreak between 2021 and 2022, more than 70 cases were reported.
Despite fewer cases this year, anxiety remains high. Gary Ford, from the British Free Range Egg Producers Association, admitted, “there is still panic, concern, and fear out there” about the virus spreading.
On the one hand, his organization strongly supports vaccination. On the other hand, he acknowledges major challenges, including high costs and potential trade restrictions. Some countries prohibit imports from vaccinated flocks, creating additional hurdles for farmers.
Scientific Concerns About Vaccination
At the same time, researchers warn that bird flu vaccines could accelerate virus evolution. A recent study by the UK’s Royal Veterinary College and scientists in China found possible evidence of this risk.
For instance, they analyzed avian flu samples collected between 1996 and 2023. Their findings revealed that infections occurred more often in unvaccinated birds. However, in countries with high vaccination rates, the virus changed at a faster rate.
As a result, vaccines might require constant updates. Furthermore, experts worry that mutated strains could infect unvaccinated flocks. Although they emphasize the need for more research, the findings raise concerns about long-term vaccine effectiveness.
Calls for Urgent Government Action
Earlier this week, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed a case of H5N1 avian influenza in a farm worker in the West Midlands. Officials reassured the public that bird-to-human transmission is rare and that the risk remains very low.
Meanwhile, farmers in Shropshire, North Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk must now keep their birds indoors. The government has enforced mandatory housing rules in these areas to prevent further spread.
In response, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is calling for immediate action. “It is essential that Defra refocuses efforts” on developing a clear vaccination plan, the NFU stated.
For now, only licensed zoos can vaccinate their birds. The government insists it will continue investing in research. However, officials stress that any future vaccination decisions will depend on scientific evidence and veterinary advice.