Vaccination against highly pathogenic avian influenza: the key to preserving ecosystems and poultry production

New data indicate that HPAI causes colossal damage to seabird and waterfowl populations, leading to declines in the numbers of individual species and disrupting food chains in ecosystems. This has a domino effect, where the disappearance of one species can lead to changes in the numbers of others, threatening the stability of entire ecosystems.

Furthermore, the virus affects marine mammals and scavengers, raising concerns about its adaptation to new hosts. Although the risk of transmission to humans remains low at this time, existing infections could lead to new outbreaks.

Economic and environmental issues are also important: losses from HPAI affect agriculture and food security, causing economic hardship for farmers and countries dependent on poultry production.

Vaccination is a vital tool for protecting both domestic and wild birds, helping to reduce disease and mortality rates and preserve ecosystems. However, achieving the best results requires a comprehensive approach that includes not only vaccination but also monitoring, virus research, and wildlife conservation.

Therefore, the involvement of all stakeholders – government, researchers and local communities – is crucial to developing effective strategies to counter this global threat.