Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 392: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the most humane way of killing poultry in the event of culling becoming necessary. [24972/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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In the context of testing the contingency plan measures foreseen in the event of an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a poultry flock, my Department has undertaken two controlled slaughter exercises. The trials took place in Co Monaghan in November last and in Co Limerick last month and involved the slaughter of 6,500 and 12,000 birds respectively, all of whom had come to the end of their productive lives.

The birds were slaughtered using CO2 gas, which is the Department's preferred method of slaughter and in line with OIE (International Animal Health Organisation) recommendations. The purpose of the exercise was to confirm the efficacy of CO2 as a method of slaughter, while having regard to the welfare aspects, as well as familiarising Department personnel and other agencies with this preferred method of slaughter.

In the Co Monaghan slaughter, infrared cameras and microphones were installed within the house to monitor the welfare of the birds during gassing. The welfare of the birds was assessed pre-gassing and, after the gassing, the birds were assessed for any signs of stress or panic and a number were taken for post-mortem examination. The visual and physical inspection of the birds indicated that they died with minimal distress and all the birds were euthanased rapidly.

The exercise confirmed the Department's view that CO2 gassing is the preferred method of choice for the humane slaughter of poultry in commercial poultry houses in a disease emergency.

During the Co Limerick trial, thermal imaging equipment was installed inside the house to monitor the condition of the birds during gassing. The welfare audit associated with this exercise has not yet concluded but initial indications demonstrate that there was no evidence of any undue distress to the birds. It is intended that this report will be made available when completed.

It is acknowledged that the use of CO2 gas may not be appropriate in all circumstances or for all species and, in such circumstances, alternative methods of slaughter will have to be used. In such circumstances, the welfare of the birds will be taken fully into account in selecting the method to be used.