National Vaccination Campaigns Against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks in Developing Nations

Abstract

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Type A H5N1 subtype is a viral zoonotic disease that has infected and killed birds and humans since late 2003. Vaccination is a disease mitigation measure with varying results depending on specific conditions pertaining to the affected locations. Vaccines can decrease viral excretion rates and transmission dynamics, increase infection resistance and reduce clinical disease symptoms. There are 7 critical points to consider in a national vaccination campaign. This measure is applicable after a comprehensive multifactorial situation-based assessment has been performed. These campaigns require well coordinated and properly resourced animal health services, regional and local logistical support and sufficient quantities of high quality, site-specific strain vaccines and trained labour.