Guidance

Avian Influenza (bird flu) vaccination

Vaccination policy, guidance and authorisation requests for avian influenza vaccination in zoo birds.

Applies to England

Documents

Vaccination of birds on licensed zoo premises as an additional preventative measure against avian influenza (AIV(Z)02)

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Details

The vaccination of poultry and most captive birds against avian influenza is not currently permitted. Vaccination is not a routine control measure and is a practice restricted by legislation.

Vaccination of zoo birds is only permitted in England and Northern Ireland, subject to meeting eligibility criteria and receiving authorisation.

This sets out Defra’s policy on the use of avian influenza vaccines in poultry and other captive birds. It also provides sector-specific guidance for zoos and other collections with a current zoo licence with details of how to apply for authorisation to vaccinate against avian influenza.

Updates to this page

Published 10 December 2020
Last updated 5 June 2023 + show all updates
  1. Updated the section about vaccination policy and future plans. The policy and guidance have not changed - only zoo birds in England and Northern Ireland can be vaccinated.

  2. Updated avian influenza vaccine (AIV(Z)02) application form.

  3. Added avian influenza vaccine application form for zoos or collections in England that hold a current zoo licence.

  4. First published.

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