Parliamentary question - E-000624/2023(ASW)Parliamentary question
E-000624/2023(ASW)
European Parliament

Answer given by Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission

11.4.2023

Written question

The Commission is closely following the evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 ( SARS CoV-2) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in humans and animals. The situation in animals is regularly reviewed at the Standing Committee[1] with Member States.

In terms of both SARS-CoV-2 and HPAI in mink farms, Member States assess local health risks and take measures according to the epidemiological circumstances and in line with the SARS CoV-2 risk assessments carried out by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)[2] and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)[3] as well as the EFSA/ECDC/EU Reference Laboratories joint assessment on the HPAI situation that is regularly published[4].

All those assessments address the risks related to the human-animal interface. The Commission is considering introducing new specific biosecurity measures related to feeding of fur animals to further mitigate in particular the HPAI risk.

Fur farming is allowed in the EU, subject to certain requirements in Council Directive 98/58/EC[5] and Council Regulation 1099/2009[6].

The possible update of the current requirements is part of the revision of the EU animal welfare legislation. The ongoing impact assessment is examining different options.

Last updated: 11 April 2023
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