Animal health body says vaccines needed to protect humans and trade WOAH backs vaccination to curb animal diseases26 May 2025 26 May 2025 2 minute read 2 minute read By: By: Global Ag Media EuropeVaccinating animals more widely could help stop the spread of deadly diseases, protect public health and keep global trade flowing, Reuters reported, citing the head of the World Organisation for Animal Health as bird flu disrupts Brazilian poultry exports. While most countries rely on culling policies and movement restrictions, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) said vaccination could help reduce outbreaks while preserving trade. If properly implemented, vaccination limits virus spread, protects animal health, and lowers the risk of human infection. Most bird flu vaccination campaigns focus on long-lived birds like ducks or breeders. To address concerns that vaccinations may disrupt trade, WOAH is working on global standards to distinguish vaccinated birds from infected ones, the so-called DIVA principle.