EU to approve bird flu vaccination for poultry

The Netherlands and France are expected today to be given EU permission to start vaccinating poultry flocks against bird flu.

Barring last-minute hitches, the controversial decision will be taken by EU veterinary experts who have been meeting in Brussels for two days to consider stepping up controls as the deadly H5NI strain of the virus spreads across Europe.

Vaccination has divided Europe because of disputes about its cost and effectiveness. There is also serious concern about the potential trade risk for EU export markets for poultry.