Written answers

Thursday, 8 December 2005

Department of Agriculture and Food

Avian Influenza

8:00 pm

Photo of Bernard AllenBernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 43: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps that she is taking to prevent an outbreak of avian 'flu here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37708/05]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has introduced a series of measures aimed at preventing the introduction of avian influenza to Ireland and, along with our colleagues in the European Union, are implementing safeguard measures in respect of those countries where the presence of the H5N1 virus has been confirmed. Specifically, a ban has been placed on the importation of all captive birds from outside the European Union and a ban on poultry and most poultry products has also been imposed on those countries in which the virus has been confirmed.

Because of the role played by migratory wild birds in introducing the disease, there are obvious limitations on the measures which can be taken to ensure that Ireland is not affected by avian 'flu. Therefore, my Department has focused much of its efforts in ensuring that any introduction of the disease is identified quickly and eradicated without delay and, in this regard, has an "early warning system" in place and is currently undertaking the annual EU avian influenza survey, which is an essential part of our defence mechanism.

My Department has also ensured that all EU Commission decisions aimed at preventing the introduction and spread of the disease are fully applied in Irish law through a series of statutory instruments. These include a ban on the gathering of poultry for shows, markets, exhibitions and cultural events. My Department has also made it a legal requirement for all owners of poultry and other birds to register their details with my Department. The register of premises will play a vital role in identifying the location of poultry flocks in the event of a suspected or confirmed outbreak and is another vital component of the Department's approach to ensuring the speedy eradication of the virus.

I am fully satisfied that the measures taken to date are proportionate to the current risk. My Department continues to keep the situation under constant review and we will not hesitate to implement such additional measures as are considered appropriate to any increased risk.

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