MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on African swine fever, a significant threat to the agri-food industry

26.9.2018

pursuant to Rule 133 of the Rules of Procedure

Joëlle Mélin

B8‑0398/2018

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on African swine fever, a significant threat to the agri-food industry

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to Rule 133 of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas African swine fever only affects pigs and wild boar;

B.  whereas it is currently not possible to treat or vaccinate against this disease;

C.  whereas the European Union is the world’s second largest exporter of pork, after China;

D.  whereas a number of cases of African swine fever came to light in Europe in mid-September 2018;

E.  whereas the national public authorities in several Member States (Belgium, France, Luxembourg) have already taken measures to curb the spread of the disease;

F.  whereas, in this instance, it is appropriate to address issues of food safety and public health at European level;

1.  Calls on the Commission to address this new cross-border threat to farming and to food safety and to ensure that the rules on importing food from outside Europe are enforced, including for food imported illegally;

2.  Calls on the Member States to apply the precautionary principle.