We would not vaccinate poultry in advance of an avian influenza outbreak, nor would we use the vaccine as an immediate disease control response, due to the limitations of the vaccines. Early reporting, rapid action, biosecurity, culling and surveillance remain the most effective ways of protecting against and controlling an avian influenza outbreak.
We keep our policy on vaccination under review in the light of scientific developments in vaccines. Vaccination also forms part of our contingency planning in view of potential uncertainties in the nature and spread of the virus. However, preventive vaccination of poultry is not the most effective defence against avian influenza, because currently available vaccines have a number of disadvantages.
With some limited exceptions, it is against the law to import, possess or administer avian influenza vaccine without authorisation from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.