John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 269: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the precautions which will be implemented to prevent the spread of the bird flu pandemic here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29805/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has appropriate structures in place to deal with the veterinary dimension of the avian influenza threat and is, of course, also in ongoing liaison with the Department of Health and Children. My Department has already put in place an early warning system, with the co-operation of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the National Association of Regional Game Councils and BirdWatch Ireland, through which unusual or increased patterns of wild bird mortalities are reported.

My Department has been engaged in a risk based approach to the implementation of appropriate measures to minimise the risk of the introduction of avian influenza to Ireland. While endeavouring to reduce the risk of the introduction of the disease, much of our effort is placed on the early detection and speedy eradication of the disease.

An EU Commission decision adopted in Brussels last Friday provides for the introduction of additional biosecurity measures and early detection systems. Each member state is required to implement the measures provided for on the basis of a risk assessment, taking full account of the criteria and risk factors set out in the annexes to the decision. Following the decision adopted on Friday last, officials of my Department met the other stakeholders to review the provisions of the decision and the effective operation of the existing early warning system.

A further key element in early detection is testing carried out under the annual avian influenza survey plan, as provided for by Commission Decision 2005/464/EC. The testing of samples is undertaken by the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory in Abbotstown.

There has been a serological monitoring programme in place since 1995 as part of the poultry health programme that monitors commercial breeding poultry, chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese, just before they come into lay and when they move sites. In addition, blood samples from clinically sick poultry are screened, as are commercial layer flocks before export. Some 20,000 samples are screened for all subtypes annually.

A more extensive survey including other categories of poultry and wild birds has been carried out as part of an EU survey since 2002. It is expected that, as part of this year's survey, samples will again be taken from birds in wildlife sanctuaries of international interest as well as game clubs. During last year's sample, 350 samples were analysed and it is anticipated that this figure will be exceeded this year. Surveillance is central to the early detection and the outcome of the surveillance of wild birds should further provide valuable information, for an early warning system, of strains that may be introduced to poultry from wild birds.

In addition to the early warning arrangements, my Department has also updated and reissued advice and information on biosecurity measures to be taken by poultry flock owners as well as measures that might be taken to minimise the risk of introducing the disease. My Department has also published the clinical symptoms of avian influenza to watch out for and has issued advice to those travelling to and from affected areas. The Department is continually reassessing the level of risk, in light of any emerging information and taking account of the most up-to-date veterinary and scientific advice available. We will continue to operate a risk based approach and maintain a measured response to the risk.

In the event of an outbreak of avian influenza, we have a range of measures to put in place to ensure the early eradication of the disease, including the slaughtering of birds and the declaration of a 3 km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone around the infected premises. Movements of poultry, poultry transport, carcasses, eggs and other articles likely to transmit the virus would be controlled by licence. The infected premises would be subject to cleaning and disinfecting under official supervision of my Department.

I am satisfied that my Department has, based on the current level of risk, put in place such measures as are appropriate and I will not hesitate to introduce such additional measures as may be appropriate to any increased risk.