Avian influenza has become endemic worldwide, threatening poultry production, food security, and potentially human health. While biosecurity remains essential, vaccination offers a powerful complementary tool that deserves serious consideration.Birthe Steenberg, CEO of AVEC (European Poultry Association), brings remarkable insights from Europe's pioneering vaccination efforts. She highlights France's groundbreaking program that vaccinated over 60 million ducks and achieved a stunning 90% reduction in outbreaks. This success story demonstrates that targeted vaccination, properly implemented with robust surveillance, can dramatically reduce disease spread without compromising safety.The conversation delves into practical considerations like species-specific approaches (why ducks and layers may warrant vaccination while broilers might not), the critical importance of DIVA strategies to differentiate vaccinated from infected birds, and the necessary veterinary infrastructure to support implementation. Steenberg emphasizes that vaccination requires significant investment in monitoring and surveillance but compares favorably to depopulation when considering not just financial costs but also protein loss, consumer confidence, and ethical concerns.Perhaps most compelling is her perspective on trade barriers—often the biggest obstacle to vaccination adoption. By engaging early with trade partners, sharing transparent data, and allowing science rather than myths to guide policy, the poultry industry can work toward a more sustainable approach to managing avian influenza. With global population rapidly increasing, we cannot afford to let misconceptions limit our ability to protect both animal health and food security. The question isn't whether we can afford to vaccinate—it's whether we can afford not to.Your ONE Health Live podcast co-hosts are Sarah Muirhead and Dennis Erpelding, founder of Globabl Farm View.

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