In light of rampant bird flu in Germany, Federal Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer has lowered expectations about the possibility of vaccination. “I know some people believe that vaccination will ultimately be the solution,” the CSU politician said during his first visit to the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) near Greifswald, which is a federal research institute dealing with animal health. The extent of the benefits of vaccination is being investigated at FLI. “But you shouldn’t ignore the cost-benefit ratio here,” Rainer said.
He pointed out that vaccination is sometimes accompanied by trade restrictions because certain countries no longer buy vaccinated birds. “For this reason, we are starting a survey.” Trade and poultry associations should know their opinions regarding vaccination.
Rainer doesn’t see any harm in holiday grilled treats
According to FLI experts, apart from cost, complicated monitoring may also be a challenge in comprehensive vaccination. For example, there is a risk that an animal may appear healthy due to vaccination, but could still transmit the virus.
Despite numerous outbreaks of bird flu, also known as bird flu, Rainer said he doesn’t see this summer in danger. “I firmly assume that you can rely on a Christmas roast if you want poultry on the table.” It is the market that determines the costs. “But I don’t assume that prices will explode because of this.”
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251112-930-280740/2
