Vaccination against avian influenza has started for rare and high-value zoo bird species

By: STA Date: 2025. 05. 13. 11:00

🎧 Hallgasd a cikket: Nyelv: Sebesség: 1.05×

In collaboration with the National Food Chain Safety Office, Ceva-Phylaxia Zrt. has launched a national vaccination program. The experiment, which involves eight zoos, aims to provide protection against highly pathogenic avian influenza for rare and high-value bird species. In the first phase, which ended in mid-March, approximately 1,100 captive birds were vaccinated, and subsequent laboratory tests showed that the vaccine provides adequate protection against the disease.

(Photo: Pixabay)

The primary goal of the vaccine development and vaccination series, which started in October 2024, is to protect high-value bird species of high conservation biological importance from zoos participating in international breeding programs. Vaccinations against avian influenza take place under controlled, traceable conditions, with individual marking of the animals and under controllable housing conditions provided by the zoos.

None of the participating zoos vaccinate poultry species, the program only covers exotic birds of different species

According to the tests carried out in the Nébih laboratory following the vaccination in March, the preparation elicits an adequate immune response in the birds’ bodies against the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. Based on the zoo epidemiological data so far, the vaccine has proven to be safe and effective, thus contributing to the protection of endangered bird species against disease. Vaccination of poultry species is still prohibited in our country. The veterinary authority is currently considering its possible application based on professional and economic considerations.

The zoos participating in the program are: Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, Budakeszi Wildlife Park, Nagyerdei Kultúrpark-Debrecen, Xantus János Zoo-Győr, Jászberényi Zoo, Miskolc Zoo, Tisza-tavi Ökocentrum-Poroszló, Veszprém Zoo.

Nébih