Avian Influenza Vaccination.

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A decision made (05/03/2007) regarding: Avian Influenza Vaccination.

Subject:	Avian Influenza Vaccination
Decision Reference:	MD-PE-2007-0031		Exempt clause(s):
Type of Report: (oral or written)	Written		Person Giving Report (if oral):
Telephone or e-mail Meeting?			Report File ref:	ED\15\01\03\02
Written report – Title	Avian Influenza Vaccination
Written report – Author (name and job title)	Linda Lowseck, States Veterinary Officer
Decision(s): Permit vaccination of birds at Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (DWCT) in accordance with EU Decision 2006/474/EC
Reason(s) for decision: DWCT holds endangered bird species which may be afforded protection from HPAI H5N1 by use of inactivated vaccine. Exemption from culling in the event of confirmed disease may be possible subject to strict isolation and testing.
Action required: States Veterinary Officer to inform Mark Stanley-Price, Executive Director, DWCT that vaccine may be imported from UK and used as requested in written application. A licence will be issued, in accordance with legislation, if DWCT decide to proceed.
Signature: (Minister/ Assistant Minister)		Date of Decision: 5 March 2007

Avian Influenza Vaccination.

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT

ENVIRONMENT DIVISION

Avian Influenza Vaccination

(Public)

Purpose of the Report

To demonstrate vaccination of endangered bird species managed and bred at Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (DWCT) using inactivated avian influenza vaccine, an authorised veterinary medicine, is consistent with Jersey’s stated policy of controlling notifiable animal disease.

Background

The Diseases of Animals (Avian Influenza) (Amendment) (Jersey) Order 2006 Article 9 amends the principle Order by prohibiting the import and use of avian influenza vaccine, except under licence granted by the Minister.

Highly Pathogenic H5N1 virus is a virulent strain of Avian Influenza which can cause significant mortality. All bird species are susceptible. Decision 2006/474/EC permits vaccination of birds in zoos which are maintained in controlled conditions and where reliable methods of identification and record keeping are in place.

Discussion

Vaccination is one of a range of measures to minimise the risk of virus incursion and transmission. Good bio-security is the main preventive measure. Vaccination in the EU is only permitted in zoos under strictly controlled conditions and must be carried out under official supervision.

Conclusion

Vaccination using inactivated vaccine is an additional protective measure which can be used, in strictly controlled conditions to assist protection of endangered species. Such conditions can be met in DWCT, consistent with the EU Decision to permit vaccination

Recommendation

Permit import of authorised vaccine for use at DWCT, in accordance with EU Decision 2006/474/EC. Permit use of vaccine for designated groups of birds under official supervision.

Written by:	Linda Lowseck, States Veterinary Officer

Approved by:	Chris Newton, Director

ED\15\01\03\02

Ministerial Decision ref: MD-PE-2007-0031

27 February 2007