Date: October 2025
Source: FairPlay Movement
The world’s leading poultry veterinarians have sent a clear message — it’s time for governments to take decisive action on bird flu vaccination.
At the recent World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress (WVPAC) held in Malaysia, experts from around the globe emphasized that there are no longer any technical or economic barriers to vaccination against avian influenza (bird flu). The only obstacle remaining is political will.
For years, the poultry industry has relied on “stamping out” — the mass culling of infected birds — as a control method. However, scientists and veterinarians agree that this outdated approach belongs to another era. Modern vaccination programmes have proven to be highly effective in reducing and preventing the spread of bird flu both within and between flocks.
Dr. David Swayne, a leading avian influenza researcher, pointed to successful vaccination campaigns in France and six Latin American countries that significantly reduced outbreaks.
Meanwhile, Professor Dr. Sjaak de Wit, President of the World Veterinary Poultry Association, stressed that vaccination is a key element of sustainable bird flu control. The real challenge now, he said, is ensuring that policymakers and veterinary regulators around the world act on the science.
“Producers are ready, veterinarians are ready, and technology is ready,” added Professor Abdul Omar, who chaired the congress.
“It is time for regulatory systems to catch up with science. There are no technical or economic barriers that cannot be overcome. What remains are policy decisions.”
Why This Matters for South Africa
The FairPlay Movement notes that South Africa’s poultry industry is still waiting for the government to deliver on its promised “mass vaccination programme.” Despite Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen’s commitment, implementation has stalled due to overly strict and costly vaccination requirements.
Without urgent action, South Africa remains vulnerable to another devastating bird flu outbreak like the one experienced in 2023 — a disaster that cost the industry millions and threatened national food security.
The Call for Action
FairPlay has urged South African veterinary authorities and policymakers to take this global message seriously. With vaccination technology proven and readily available, the time for delays is over. Protecting the poultry sector — and the thousands of livelihoods it supports — depends on swift, science-based decision-making.
Source: This article is based on reporting from the FairPlay Bulletin – 23 October 2025 edition.