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International authorities not surprised by AI changes
International authorities say that it will not come as
a surprise if reports of a new 'Fujian-like' sublineage of avian influenza
identified recently are confirmed as being accurate, and they have urged
increased surveillance when vaccinating.
While there is a wide variety of avian influenza strains in animals, and
influenza viruses in general have a high rate of change from season to season
and from year to year, OIE Director-General Bernard Vallat and FAO's Chief
Veterinary Officer Joseph Domenech warn that with new antigens developing
continually in avian influenza viruses, vaccines currently in use for poultry
need to be assessed regularly.
Vaccination remains part of the FAO-OIE strategy to contain
avian
influenza and both organisations say that vaccination campaigns should be
applied appropriately and carefully monitored according to FAO and OIE technical
guidelines, including the use of a cold chain in order to protect the
vaccine.
Vaccination must be carried out along with other disease control measures,
such as improved hygiene on the farm, animal movement management or market
inspection and culling in case of outbreaks, said Dr. Domenech.
FAO, the OIE and a myriad of scientific experts on avian influenza have
repeatedly called upon scientists around the world to share their findings and
virus strains in a timely and transparent fashion. The
OIE/FAO Avian Influenza Laboratory
Network is a platform where member countries and scientists can share
valuable information with the international veterinary and medical community.
Editor WorldPoultry
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