Approval of experimental release of a genetically modified vaccine
Authorising authority: Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), 3003 Bern
- Wild birds, particularly waterfowl, are considered to be a natural reservoir for the influenza A virus.
- Highly pathogenic bird flu viruses cause classical avian flu in chickens and turkeys leading to 100% mortality.
- Bird flu viruses possess a zoonotic potential and in rare cases may lead to serious illnesses in humans with a fatal outcome.
- Pigs may serve as a host for porcine, avian and human influenza viruses. Novel influenza A viruses having pandemic potential may result from the adaptation and exchange of gene segments.
Research project: vaccination of zoo birds against highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (H5N1) using a vector vaccine
Since 2021, all of Europe has been ravaged by the largest ever epidemic due to highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the H5N1 subtype. In addition to domestic poultry, many species of wild birds have succumbed to the virus, putting some populations locally at risk. As avian influenza is an ongoing problem and many of the wild species in zoos cannot be kept appropriately under close quarantine conditions, the plan is to protect these birds by vaccination.
Use of an updated vaccine
Several years ago the IVI developed a vector vaccine based on a non-replicable vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), in which an essential gene was removed and replaced with a gene from the H5N1 avian influenza virus. This vaccine conferred full protection against H5N1 in vaccinated chickens. The vaccine also allows the simple serological differentiation of vaccinated animals from H5N1-infected animals. The IVI has now adapted its existing vector vaccine using the HA antigen of H5N1 viruses (phylogenetic group 2.3.4.4b)) currently in circulation.
Protecting wild birds in zoos
Once the release application had been approved, vaccination was able to begin in August 2023. Since then, 317 birds of 24 different species have been vaccinated at the Bern Animal Park and Basel Zoo involved. The birds tolerated the vaccine well, with no side effects being observed. Serological tests are currently underway to establish whether they have produced enough antibodies to shield them against infection with highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses. The first reliable results are expected in January 2024.
Which virus is behind the flu?
While all eyes are focused on the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, another virus currently circulating in Europe hits the poultry industry seriously. Hundreds of thousands of birds had to be culled this winter in order to control this epizootic. The pathogen responsible for this animal disease is an influenza virus. Other influenza viruses cause disease in pigs or “flu” in humans. What is the relationship between these different influenza viruses?
NEWS from IVI on cases in Switzerland
Last modification 02.11.2023
