Red mites on egg farms
5.9.2017
Question for written answer E-005523-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Nicola Caputo (S&D)
The poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) is the main parasite affecting laying hens in Europe.
In November 2014, the Commission funded a platform called COREMI (‘Improving current understanding and research for sustainable control of the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae’), through the COST (European Cooperation on Science and Technology) programme, to encourage networking and cooperation on improving the health, well-being and productivity of laying hens.
Poultry breeding is an important industry in Europe. In view of the impact the red mite has on quality in the industry and its sustainability, can the Commission say — within the bounds of its remit:
- —Have any tangible improvements in the calibre of poultry farms been noted as a result of networking activities funded through COREMI, and have these activities produced satisfactory results in terms of exchange of good practice at EU level?
- —Does the Commission plan to fund dedicated research programmes to improve poultry breeding overall in Europe by tackling the problem of the red mite?