Request authorised on April 18, 2023
B/CH/22/01 (B22001): Application to release a genetically modified vaccine against avian influenza for experimental purposes
The current status of the application can be seen at Avian Flu.
Publication in the Federal Law Gazette (BBl):
Applicant: Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office, Institute of Virology and Immunology
Organism: Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)
Property: Replication incompetent vaccine against avian influenza.
Genetic modification:
- Deletion of the gene for the essential VSV G protein, making the virus is replication incompetent;
- Introduction of the gene for the surface protein haemagglutinin (HA) from an avian influenza virus (H5N1).
Purpose of experiment:
- Analysing the effectiveness of the protection the vaccination confers to wild birds against strains of avian influenza virus of subtype H5Nx circulating in the environment;
- Determining any side effects of vaccination;
- Clarifying biosecurity aspects of the vaccination.
Location of experiment:
- Berne Zoo, Tierparkweg 1-3, 3005 Bern
- Basel Zoo, Binningerstrasse 40, 4054 Basel
Duration of experiment: autumn 2023 to autumn 2026
Legal basis:
- Gene Technology Act (GTA)
- Release Ordinance (RO)
Decision:
Last modification 22.08.2023
