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Poultry Industry.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2004

Wednesday, 18 February 2004

Questions (34)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

103 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has satisfied himself that there are sufficient controls in place at ports of entry to ensure that Ireland does not become a victim of avian flu; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4921/04]

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Written answers

Detailed EU legislation lays down the conditions that member states must apply to the imports of products of animal origin from third countries. This harmonised legislation imposes a series of health and supervisory requirements designed to ensure that imported products meet standards at least equivalent to those required for production in, and trade between, member states.

All meat imports must come from third countries or areas of third countries approved for export to the EU. The meat must be sourced from establishments that are approved and must bear an EU approved health mark. The food and veterinary office, FVO, of the EU carries out inspections to ensure that only establishments that meet hygiene and health standards equivalent to those operating within the EU are approved. Where the FVO considers that public health requirements are not being met by an approved establishment in a third country, the establishment may be removed from the EU approved list. If outbreaks of animal diseases occur in a third country approval to export to the EU is suspended for the infected regions of the country, or the whole country, as appropriate, until the disease risk has been eliminated.

Imports of animal products from third countries can only be imported into the European Community through a border inspection post, BIP, which has been approved by the FVO. That office also carries out monitoring and inspection on BIPs in each member state to ensure that the conditions for import of animal products into Europe, provided under harmonised EU legislation, are being correctly applied. In Ireland, border inspection posts which are approved for administering checks on direct imports of meat from third countries are Dublin Port, frozen, chilled and ambient temperature animal products, and Shannon Airport, chilled and ambient only.

With regard to the discovery of avian influenza in certain countries of south east Asia, including Thailand, the EU response is being coordinated and operated by the EU Commission. In line with decisions of the European Commission, I introduced a number of measures specifically aimed at banning importation from that country of fresh poultry meat, meat preparations and meat products consisting of or containing poultry meat, raw materials for pet food containing any part of poultry obtained from birds slaughtered after 31 December 2003 as well as eggs for human consumption.

The Commission subsequently extended this ban to cover the import of such products from China, including the territory of Hong Kong, as well as raw materials for pet food containing any part of poultry, eggs for human consumption and non-treated game trophies from South Korea. A ban on the importation of live feathered birds as well as unprocessed feathers from a number of countries in South East Asia has also been introduced. These controls must be kept in place until 15 August 2004. Before that date the FVO will review the operation of these measures and the evolution of the disease and will submit its report to the Commission and the standing committee on animal health and the food chain. At that time an assessment will be made as to the appropriate controls.

Importers of meat must be registered with my Department. Importers must give advance notice of the arrival of meat to the BIP. Imported meat must be accompanied by the appropriate commercial documentation showing country and approval number of the establishment of production as well as a health certificate conforming to the models set down in EU legislation. The meat must also be labelled. All consignments undergo a documentary and identity check and physical checks are carried out at frequencies laid down in EU law. Once imported meat has met all the required conditions it is released for free circulation within the community. Copies of the BIP clearance document and the health certificate must accompany the consignment to its destination. Imports failing to comply with these veterinary control checks may be detained for further examination. If non-compliance is established they are returned to the exporting country or destroyed.

It should also be noted that the personal importation into the EU of any meat, including poultry meat, or milk products by passengers from third countries is prohibited under Community and national law. Transport operators who bring passengers from third countries into the EU are required under this legislation to bring this to the attention of passengers.

In addition to the measures dealing with imports, my Department is engaged in: collaboration with the Department of Health and Children and the National Disease Surveillance Centre, NDSC, on updating the influenza pandemic preparedness plan; establishing further contacts between those involved in human and animal influenzas; the training of veterinary staff on avian influenza and emergency slaughter — this was already scheduled prior to the outbreaks in Asia; the preparation of posters and newspaper advertisements for travellers going to, and from Asia; and collaboration with the NDSC on advice for poultry workers in the event of an outbreak of avian influenza. Leaflets have been sent out to all poultry flock owners which advise on biosecurity measures and clinical signs of avian influenza to look out for.

In addition to these measures, the following measures are already in place: a contingency plan in the event of an outbreak of avian influenza; guidelines for public health precautions to be taken during avian influenza investigations or controls; announcements on incoming flights and in the baggage reclaim area for people who have had contact with livestock, including meat or poultry, to make contact the Department's office in the arrivals hall; and ongoing surveillance of avian influenza in poultry and wild birds.

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