Martin Browne
Question:833. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if compensation will be provided to poultry farmers affected by avian influenza. [41728/20]
View answerTuesday, 8 December 2020
Questions (833)
Written answers
The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides that compensation to owners of animals may be payable if a cull of those animals is directed by my Department in the event of an outbreak in that herd or flock of certain diseases, including Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. The compensation may relate to the animal that is culled, or to an animal product, animal feed or similar item that is destroyed in relation to the outbreak. The compensation may not exceed the open market value of the animal or item.
In 2017, my Department engaged an external consultancy firm with specialised knowledge of poultry, to develop valuation tables relating to the most common species and types of poultry in Ireland, to be used to determine compensation payable in the case of an outbreak of poultry disease that necessitates a cull. These valuation tables are updated on a 6-monthly basis.
My Department continues to closely monitor the situation and maintains close contact with stakeholders on the matter.
On the 1st December, I introduced two Statutory Instruments under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 which require flock keepers to apply particular bio-security measures for poultry and other captive birds as a precautionary measure against Avian Influenza. The regulations also include a ban on the assembly of birds.
Flock owners should remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks, and report any disease suspicion to their nearest Regional Veterinary Office.