Veterinary regulators in nations within the European Union have traditionally applied mass depopulation (“stamping out”) of herds and flocks in the event of outbreaks of catastrophic diseases.

Experience in the U.K. following the emergence of foot and mouth disease in 2001 led to the wholesale depopulation of 6 million dairy and meat animals.  The immense cost for compensation, decontamination and the social reaction resulted in a reappraisal and a decision to employ biosecurity and ring immunization in the event of a future outbreak. 

The cost and evident failure to eliminate Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza which is now regarded as a panornitic is seasonally reintroduced by migratory birds and reservoir species that disseminate infection. Accepting the epidemiologic realities has led to a reconsideration of the control of this now endemic infection that has been understandably refractory to eradication.

A new approach by the European Commission is termed “vaccination-to-live”.  This program would employ vaccination, biosecurity and quarantine with limited depopulation to control the infection.

The European Union recognizes the need to negotiate with importing nations to establish realistic rules for trade and to prevent unjustified restrictions on nations within the EU that elect to apply preventive immunization.

The change in EU policy relates to costs of traditional “stamping out”, public condemnation of what is regarded now as unnecessary depopulation. 

The change in policy follows completed or in-progress trials of HPAI vaccination in many countries including Holland and France and the intended program in the UK.  The availability of rapid testing and a range of commercial vaccines applying the DIVA strategy should displace anachronistic restrictions on vaccination of flocks against HPAI.