Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

It is an extensive answer.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

In August the Commission expert group considered the possibility that the disease could be imported into the EU via migratory birds, particularly water birds and concluded, based on the existing knowledge of migratory routes of the species of birds proceeding from central and western Asia and that might pose a threat of spreading the H5N1 virus, that 'the immediate risk of introduction of avian influenza through these birds is probably remote or low.' According to BirdWatch Ireland, most of the birds breeding in the affected areas of Siberia will migrate for the winter to the south and east of Europe and to Asia and will not visit Ireland.

The EU Commission recently extended until September 2006 safeguard measures that have been in place since 23 January 2004. Furthermore, these measures, which originally applied only to affected countries in south-east Asia, have now been extended to Russia and Kazakhstan. These measures include a ban on live poultry, birds other than poultry and poultry products, other than heat-treated poultry meat and treated feathers.

Poultry meat that is properly cooked does not present a risk of infection as the virus is destroyed at temperatures at or above 70 degrees Celsius. My Department has increased its checks on commercial products and products in personal luggage from all affected countries. There is no evidence to indicate that untreated poultry meat is being imported illegally. In addition, my Department is currently reviewing the information we make available to flock owners on biosecurity and clinical signs of the disease, as well as to travellers, particularly to those countries which are infected.

While we take all reasonable steps to avoid an outbreak of avian influenza, particularly because of the potential threat posed by migrating wild birds we cannot dismiss the possibility of an outbreak. Our resources are focused on ensuring early detection and speedy eradication and minimising any risk to public health. The measures already put in place are designed to ensure that any suspect outbreak is investigated quickly and the existence of the virus confirmed or otherwise. My Department has been ensuring that the appropriate technical and veterinary staff is properly equipped to deal with any suspect/confirmed outbreak and we have examined all aspects associated with the destruction of inflected flocks and the subsequent disposal of the carcases. Officials from my Department recently participated in a successful trial slaughter of poultry in Northern Ireland. This is further evidence of the level of cooperation between the two Departments.

I fully acknowledge the risks associated with an outbreak of avian influenza and accept that there is no room for complacency. Notwithstanding the low probability of an outbreak of the high pathogenic strain that might pose a risk to human health, my Department is maintaining a vigilant approach to the threat posed and constantly reviewing the adequacy of our contingency arrangements in the light of any new information that emerges.

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