Animal world Five Swiss zoos vaccinate their birds against bird flu
Five zoos in Switzerland are vaccinating their birds against bird flu as part of a study. The test subjects include over 700 animals of more than 50 species, as Basel Zoo, which is leading the study, announced on Wednesday.
12.11.2025, 10:09
SDA
In addition to Basel Zoo, Zurich Zoo, Bern Zoo, Goldau Nature and Animal Park SZ and Bioparc Geneva are also taking part in the study. The aim of the trial is to find out whether zoo birds can be effectively protected against the virus and thus avoid measures that endanger animal welfare, such as compulsory stabling.
The tolerability of the vaccine developed by the Swiss Federal Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI) in the various species is also the subject of the study, according to the statement. Although vaccination against bird flu is prohibited in Switzerland, it has been approved for research projects.
Second round of the study
The first trials with the vaccine had already been carried out in Basel and Bern in August 2023. At that time, 317 animals from 24 bird species were vaccinated. The IVI found that no side effects were observed and that vaccinated animals were no longer infectious.
In the second round, the aim is now to observe whether the already vaccinated animals in Basel and Bern experience a booster effect and whether a sufficient immune effect can be achieved in the previously unvaccinated birds, as Basel Zoo writes. The first results are expected in summer 2026. If they are satisfactory, the vaccine will continue to be used.
