Measures to prevent the spread of African swine fever

30.9.2016

Question for written answer P-007397-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Hannu Takkula (ALDE)

African swine fever (ASF) is putting pressure on the pig sector at the EU’s eastern borders. The present situation is a result of the absence of any measures in the EUs neighbouring countries to prevent the spread of the virus. Member States and the EU have taken the ASF outbreaks very seriously and have swiftly taken measures to control the spread of the virus.

1. What has the Commission done to provide the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) with more accurate information on the ASF situation? At the moment Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and some other countries do not report the situation to the OIE. The collected data is very important to the Member States. With this data they can better assess what kind of controlling measures should be taken along the borders.

2. Does the Commission plan to include, in the financially supported ASF measures, measures taken before the ASF outbreaks, such as support for better biosecurity, control of the wild boar population, building wild boar fences, etc.? At the moment the focus of support is on measures taken after an outbreak. Support should also be given to preventive measures.

3. Will the Commission revise the support measures for pig producers in zone III? The present system does not compensate the losses which pig producers are facing in this zone.