H5N8 HPAI confirmed in a dead wild mute swan in Norfolk
11.8.2017
Question for written answer P-005197-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Alex Mayer (S&D)
In Europe, reports of H5N8 HPAI have continued in a number of countries. Since 19 July 2017, Italy has reported twelve outbreaks of H5N8 HPAI. The presence of the virus in a mute swan in Norfolk confirms that the disease has continued to circulate as expected at a very low level in resident wild waterfowl for several months, as it is considered very unlikely that this bird is anything other than a resident bird. It is certain that the H5N8 virus has not gone away, and therefore in the coming months all Member States may see more outbreaks in poultry and cases in the wild.
With reference to the above points:
- 1.What action has been taken to ensure early detection of H5N8 and other influenza viruses in poultry and dead wild birds?
- 2.What further steps can be taken to raise the awareness of the general population and poultry producers or marketers about both the disease and the reporting mechanisms for sick or dead birds?
- 3.What can be done to assist poultry producers in stepping up their biosecurity measures in order to prevent potential virus introduction from wild birds or their faeces?