International standards and guidelines for vaccination of poultry against highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The current strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), H5N1, has caused an unprecedented situation, spreading over three continents, with severe economic and social consequences. The strategy of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) focuses on the following key actions: early warning, early detection, rapid confirmation of suspected cases, rapid response and rapid and transparent notification. Vaccination is one means that can be used to control the virus. During the current H5N1 outbreak, the OIE received many requests from member countries for guidance in deciding whether to vaccinate and in the design of vaccination programmes. The OIE has published a general information document on vaccination against avian influenza and a document giving guidelines for decision-making, including a checklist of essentials for establishing a vaccination programme.