H5N1 Bird Flu Virus Is Changing, FAO and OIE Recommend Increased Surveillance When Vaccinating

According to this article, the discovery of a possible new avian flu virus sub-lineage has prompted representatives from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to reiterate that vaccine delivery alone is not enough to halt virus circulation and to protect animal or human health. Both organisations stressed the importance of accompanying bird flu vaccination control measures (market inspection, improved hygiene on the farm and culling in the case of outbreaks) with surveillance and post-vaccination monitoring.

According to the article, both UN organisations say that more information and more funding are needed to better understand the epidemiology of avian influenza. To increase the flow of information, the FAO and OIE are calling on scientists to share their data in a timely and transparent fashion. Data sharing can help to ensure that any changes in the nature of the virus be monitored to guarantee vaccine manufacturers produce vaccines which are effective against circulating virus strains.