Bird flu vaccination trial under way in turkeys

Defra has announced the start of a new 24-week vaccine trial in turkeys as it steps up the fight against avian influenza.

The research, which gets under way on Thursday (5 March), will explore how well the new vaccines work in the field and how they could be integrated into the UK’s existing disease control strategy as an “additional tool”.

See also: Bird flu vaccination trial recommended by task force

One of the key concerns is that it is hard to differentiate between vaccinated birds and those carrying the disease, potentially undermining a country’s disease-free status for international trade.

One aim of the trial, therefore, is to see how surveillance can be managed to overcome this challenge.

Animal and Plant Health Agency bird flu expert Prof Ashley Banyard said: “The scourge of this disease has impacted both captive and wild bird populations globally since 2020.

“Assessing the ability of these vaccines to generate an immune response in turkeys will give a good indication of the suitability of these vaccines as tools to protect birds against H5N1.”

The trial launch comes at a time when the UK has been experiencing one of its worst avian influenza “seasons”, with 96 incidents since the start of October 2025.

However, there are signs the disease is slowing down, with just 15 cases so far this calendar year – the latest being in a flock of 22,000 pheasants in Yorkshire.

Defra puts the cost of avian influenza to the taxpayer at up to £174m each year.

Stringent biosecurity 

A report from the pan-industry Avian Influenza Vaccination Taskforce last year questioned the validity of vaccinating poultry, saying stringent biosecurity and culling was the best way forward – though it did recommend a trial in turkeys.

Together with ducks and geese, turkeys are seen as the most susceptible species, and would potentially offer a better return on investment, should vaccination ever be more widely adopted.

NFU Poultry Board chairman Will Raw said: “Avian influenza continues to threaten all types of birds in the UK and we need to find effective ways to protect them.

“While we work collaboratively with the government to explore the potential of vaccination as part of the longer-term solution, it’s vital the sector maintains stringent biosecurity measures and that trade routes for businesses exporting abroad remain open.”