Registration of Zoos for Future Vaccination of Zoo Birds against Avian Influenza
Zoos in Scotland have been invited by the Scottish Executive to apply for 'provisional acceptance of suitability' to vaccinate birds against avian influenza in the future. Zoos may be allowed to vaccinate rare and exotic birds in the future if the risk of avian influenza to zoo birds in the UK is considered to be substantive. Vaccination of zoo birds would be carried out for the protection of biodiversity, not as a disease control measure.
The following letter has been sent to all zoos that expressed an interest in vaccination earlier this year. The letter explains that registration of zoos is being carried out as a preparedness measure, and also sets out the conditions that zoos need to meet before permission to vaccinate could be considered.
Letter to zoos
Zoos that have not received a letter but who would like to apply for eligibility should read the criteria detailed in the letter. The zoo must fulfil these criteria, including that they have birds classified under certain categories as being valuable for the biodiversity of the species. Additionally, there are a number of factors that the zoo should consider when deciding whether to apply, and these are listed in Annex 1 of the letter. They include costs and biosecurity and surveillance requirements.
If, after consideration of these, zoos would like to apply, they should print, complete and return the following application form by 8th September 2006. The return address is given in the letter.
Application form for zoos to apply for eligibility
If you have any queries about the zoo registration process in Scotland, please contact the Scottish Executive at AIQueries@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.