Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 358: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures which are in place to prevent the spread of avian flu to poultry here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18208/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The control of avian influenza is governed by EU legislation. Council Directive 92/40/EEC requires that all suspected cases of avian influenza must be investigated and appropriate measures taken in case of confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI. To limit the spread, infected poultry must be killed in a humane way and disposed of safely. Feeding stuffs, contaminated equipment and manure must be destroyed or treated to render the virus inactive.

Under Article 17 of this Council directive each member state must have a contingency plan specifying the national measures to be implemented in the event of an outbreak of avian influenza. Among other things, the plan must provide for access to facilities, equipment, personnel and all other appropriate materials necessary for the rapid and efficient eradication of the outbreak. Ireland's plan also gives details on movement controls and procedures to be followed in the investigation of a suspect premises. Ireland's contingency plan is currently being updated in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children. In addition, operational and other aspects are being reviewed and various elements are being updated.

The EU has also enacted legislation placing an embargo on imports of poultry and certain poultry products from the affected Asian countries — Commission Decision 2004/122/EC — and also suspending the import of pet birds from south-east Asia — Commission Decision 2004/93/EC. Further bans are in place for Canada and the United States.

The European Commission has also recently tabled proposals on updating the current community measures on avian influenza with a view to improving prevention and control, reducing the health risks, the costs and losses and the negative impact to society of this disease. These proposals are under detailed technical discussion at Council working group in Brussels.