A key trial exploring the potential for vaccinations to protect birds from HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) is underway.
The trial, which focuses on turkeys in England, marks a major step towards finding a longer-term solution to AI (avian influenza). Turkeys are highly susceptible to AI, making them a priority species.
Sampling a small group of turkeys, the trial will provide valuable insight into how well vaccines work in the field, how surveillance can be managed to retain trade and how vaccines can help manage the disease.
The trial will be conducted under strict supervision following approval from the VMD (Veterinary Medicines Directorate) and using UK/ EU authorised vaccines. Vaccinating poultry against AI is not currently allowed more widely in the UK.
“While we work collaboratively with the government to explore the potential of vaccination as part of the longer-term solution to AI, it's vital the sector maintains stringent biosecurity measures and that trade routes for businesses exporting abroad remain open.”
NFU Poultry Board Chair Will Raw
Vaccination strategy
The NFU has been a member of the AI vaccination taskforce from its conception and welcomed its recommendation to explore the effectiveness of vaccination through on-farm trials. In its 2025 report, the taskforce outlined three vaccination strategies that could be implemented, including:
- Maintaining the current policy.
- Use of emergency vaccination based on risk assessment and agreed trigger points.
- Allowing preventative vaccination either nationwide or within targeted geographic regions or species groups.
Longer-term solution
NFU Poultry Board Chair Will Raw said: “Avian influenza continues to threaten all types of birds in the UK and we need to find effective ways to protect them. This includes trialing the on-farm vaccination of turkeys which will help the poultry sector better understand the efficacy of vaccines and the practicalities of on-farm delivery.
"While we work collaboratively with the government to explore the potential of vaccination as part of the longer-term solution to AI, it's vital the sector maintains stringent biosecurity measures and that trade routes for businesses exporting abroad remain open.”
The number of AI cases in poultry, captive and wild birds in recent years has been unprecedented both in the UK and across Europe making the completion of this trial so important. The trial is due to last 24 weeks and the results will provide valuable insight to the AI vaccination taskforce for consideration in their final recommendations.
Significant step forward
Biosecurity Minister Baroness Hayman said: “We know what a terrible toll this disease has annually on our farmers and poultry sector.
“The start of new vaccine trials are a significant step forward in our fight against this disease and will contribute to global research efforts. We are hopeful vaccines can be used in the UK as an additional tool to control bird flu to protect the UK’s biosecurity and food supply.”
Biosecurity key
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: “This targeted trial is going to be really key for our understanding of how HPAI vaccines can be effectively used for disease control in the UK. They have the potential to be a really valuable additional tool in helping us protect birds from infection.
“Stringent biosecurity will always remain our best defence and I urge all bird keepers to continue to take the steps needed to prevent avian influenza spreading onto their premises.”
