Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 183: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to prevent an outbreak of avian flu here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26198/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has maintained a vigilant approach to the risk of an outbreak of avian influenza in poultry following confirmation of the existence of a high pathogenic strain in Russia and Kazakhstan in August. In particular it has been active in reviewing all aspects of our contingency arrangements and several measures have been introduced to improve our preparedness to deal with any suspect or confirmed outbreak. Given the critical importance of early detection, my Department has, with the assistance of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the National Association of Regional Game Councils and Birdwatch Ireland, introduced an "early warning system" where increased or unusual patterns of wild bird mortality are observed. This "early warning system" is just part of a more intensified approach which we are taking to surveillance, including surveillance of wild birds and poultry. The 2005-06 poultry surveillance programme is under way and my Department has made arrangements for increasing levels of wild bird surveillance at a number of locations throughout the country. In addition, officials from my Department have recently met their colleagues from the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and have agreed to continue to work together and to exchange the results of their respective wild bird surveillance programmes. The two Departments will review progress at a scheduled meeting this month.

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 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, which is properly cooked, does not present a risk of infection as the virus is destroyed at temperatures at or above 70° 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 reviewing the information it makes available to flockowners regarding biosecurity and clinical signs of the disease, as well as travellers, particularly to those countries which are infected.

While we are taking all reasonable steps to avoid an outbreak of avian influenza, we cannot, particularly because of the potential threat posed by migrating wild birds, dismiss the possibility of an outbreak. Our resources are, therefore, primarily focused on ensuring early detection and speedy eradication and minimising risk to public health. The measures in place are designed to ensure a suspected outbreak is investigated quickly and the existence of the virus confirmed or otherwise. My Department has ensured the appropriate technical and veterinary staff are properly equipped to deal with a suspected-confirmed outbreak and we have examined all aspects associated with the destruction of inflected flocks and the subsequent disposal of the carcasses. 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.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, there are concerns that a mutation or a genetic change in the virus circulating in Asia could lead to it transforming into a new strain of influenza capable of human to human transmission. Responsibility for preparing for such an eventuality rests with the Department of Health and Children and its agencies. My Department is an active participant in that Department's influenza pandemic expert group and is contributing to updating its influenza pandemic plan.