The UK has begun new trials of vaccines aimed at combating highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), in what officials describe as a major step forward in efforts to protect both commercial and wild bird populations.
The 24-week study, announced last Thursday, focuses exclusively on turkeys which are one of the species most vulnerable to the virus.
The controlled trial has been authorised by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and will test UK- and EU-approved vaccines to assess their effectiveness and potential use in national disease-control strategies.
Wider vaccination of poultry remains prohibited in the UK.
Biosecurity Minister Baroness Hayman said the research could provide an “additional tool” to safeguard farms and food supply, while chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said the findings would be essential for understanding how vaccines might be deployed.
Similar trials are already under way in Italy and the Netherlands.
NI latest
Last Thursday DAERA confirmed that following preliminary positive results for HPAI H5N1, a temporary control zone has been established around a poultry premises near Omagh, Co Tyrone. Birds at the site have been culled.
It is the first case of bird flu in NI since last November when it was found in a backyard flock in Bangor. Prior to that there had been cases at Omagh, Pomeroy and Lisnaskea.
A housing order has been in place across NI since 5 November 2025.
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