Published in News
New Bird Flu Vaccines Approved
The EU has approved two new bird flu vaccines, giving turkey farmers their first legal option to protect flocks before outbreaks happen.
Martina Osmak
Director of Marketing
Why this matters
Bird flu (avian influenza) is spreading widely in Germany and across the EU. Many farms have lost animals, and the costs are high. Until now, farmers had very few tools to stop the disease early—especially turkey farmers. That has now changed.
What was approved
The European Union has approved two new avian influenza vaccines made by Boehringer Ingelheim.
Key points:
Both vaccines can be used in chickens and turkeys
One vaccine is also approved for ducks
The vaccines protect against the H5 virus, the main cause of current outbreaks
This is the first approved bird flu vaccine for turkeys in the EU
The approval was given by the European Commission.
Why the H5 virus is important
The H5 type of bird flu virus is:
The most common strain right now
Very contagious
Responsible for large outbreaks in Europe
Because of this virus, farms across the supply chain are losing money—from breeders to meat producers.
Vaccination is gaining support
More groups are now asking governments to allow preventive vaccination, not just emergency measures.
Important to know:
Each country decides if and how vaccines are used
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) supports preventive vaccination
Vaccination is especially important for breeding animals, which are often worth much more than standard compensation limits
What makes these vaccines different (DIVA)
The new vaccines are called DIVA vaccines.
DIVA means:
Authorities can tell the difference between:
vaccinated animals
animals infected with real bird flu
This is required under EU rules
It helps with disease monitoring
Most importantly, DIVA vaccines can help protect trade, because countries can prove that vaccinated birds are not sick.
Trade and exports
One big worry with vaccination is trade bans.
Boehringer Ingelheim says DIVA vaccines can reduce this risk.
The company is asking governments to:
Update export rules
Accept DIVA vaccination as safe
Avoid unnecessary trade restrictions
What poultry farmers should remember
Vaccines are now legally approved in the EU
Turkeys can be vaccinated for the first time
Vaccination decisions are made by national authorities
DIVA vaccines support both health control and trade
Bottom line
Bird flu will not disappear soon. With these new vaccines, poultry farmers—especially turkey producers—now have a stronger tool to protect their animals, reduce losses, and keep business running safely.