Avian influenza and the general prohibition of vaccination

14.2.2017

Question for written answer P-001000-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Alex Mayer (S&D)

Recent outbreaks of avian influenza (bird flu) across Europe over recent months and its rapid spread from east to west suggest that the EU’s current approach to preventing avian influenza is falling short. Recently, several outbreaks have occurred in the UK, the latest being at a poultry site in Suffolk.

An important part of the current regulatory framework (Council Directive 2005/94/EC) is the general prohibition of vaccination, from which a Member State can request an exemption subject to the approval of the Commission. The result has been that we are always one step behind in attempting to combat the spread of the disease.

Can the Commission explain whether it thinks that the general prohibition of vaccination is still fit for purpose? If not, and especially should the disease become endemic in a Member State, will the Commission re-think this policy?