English zoos to vaccinate birds against avian flu
The UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has announced that zoos in England will be permitted to vaccinate zoo birds against avian influenza, subject to certain eligibility criteria.
The department’s position on birds outside zoos remains unchanged. “We do not intend to permit the vaccination of birds outside zoos in advance of a disease outbreak or as an immediate disease control response,†a DEFRA spokesperson said.
Scotland and Wales have decided to not vaccinate birds against avian influenza in their zoos as the current risk level is low.
According to the DEFRA website, English zoos are being permitted to vaccinate birds because of their vital role in global conservation.
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