Commission extends avian flu restrictions

Date: 22/05/03

MEASURES aimed at halting the spread of avian flu, which has affected poultry in three member states, were announced by the European Commission last week.

Its standing committee on the food chain and animal health voted to extend restrictions until 30 May in the Netherlands - the worst-hit country - as well as Belgium and Germany.

To date, 252 outbreaks have been confirmed in the Netherlands, resulting in approximately 28 million birds being culled.

Although there have been no new outbreaks at commercial poultry farms since 29 April, the committee ruled that no live poultry, hatching eggs or unprocessed manure may be exported to other member states or third countries.

Within the Netherlands itself, there is a ban on transporting poultry, with the exception of day-old chicks and poultry for immediate slaughter.

In Belgium, where only eight outbreaks have occurred and none since 28 April, the restrictions will be limited to the provinces of Antwerp and Limburg, provided there are no new cases.

In total, around three million birds have been culled and the committee believes the disease has been eradicated in the country.

A single outbreak has been reported in the Land of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany.

The committee agreed to limited movements of poultry for immediate slaughter and day-old chicks for breeding in the, to date, non-affected area east of the Rhine.

Germany may also decide to vaccinate birds against the disease in zoos and centres for endangered species.

The measures will be reviewed on 28 May.