Geese cannot be reared and fattened without access to grazing land. However, this means that the animals are at increased risk of infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV), in particular the HPAIV H5N1 that is currently widespread in Europe. Therefore, a research group at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) tested the safety, immunogenicity and protective efficacy of five commercial vaccines against HPAIV subtype H5N1 (clade 2.3.4.4b) in adolescent fattening geese. Vaccination reduced the impact of infection and significantly improved animal welfare by preventing severe disease. A significant reduction in viral load was also observed. Further studies are needed to determine whether vaccination can also effectively reduce the risk of transmission between flocks of geese.
