Few Dutch Farmers Vaccinating Poultry Against Bird Flu
THE NETHERLANDS - Few poultry farmers are having their birds inoculated against bird flu. Only a handful are availing of the measure.According to the latest figures from the Food and Non-food Authority (VWA), nine poultry farmers have asked and been given permission for vaccination, mostly small businesses. They only have a combined 15,908 poultry.
Hobby bird-keepers are making more use of the vaccination opportunity. So far, 1,735 owners of hobby poultry and ornamental birds have asked the VWA's permission to give their birds the protective injection. They have a combined 17,499 poultry, 466 turkeys, 3,090 ducks and 2,608 geese.
Since mid-March, both commercial laying birds such as hens, turkeys, geese and ducks kept as a hobby have been allowed to be vaccinated against bird flu. Vaccinated birds no longer have to be kept indoors. Vaccination is voluntary. The permission given by the European Commission to the Netherlands - and France - for vaccination was seen at the time as a breakthrough in EU policy.
Source: NIS News
12 April 2006
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