Schmallenberg outbreak

5.3.2012

Question for oral answer O-000047/2012
to the Commission
Rule 115
James Nicholson, Ashley Fox
on behalf of the ECR Group
Albert Deß, Esther de Lange
on behalf of the PPE Group

The Schmallenberg outbreak has spread across much of Europe, with cases reported in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the UK, and is causing, in particular, a range of deformities and stillbirths in sheep, goats and cattle.

As this disease appears to be spread by midges, it is likely that it will spread further as temperatures begin to rise in the spring and as lambing and calving seasons begin.

Can the Commission outline what measures it is taking to address this outbreak, and what action it has taken to ensure increased coordination of data collection in Member States, as recommended by EFSA in its preliminary technical report published in early 2012?

Tabled: 5.3.2012

Forwarded: 7.3.2012

Deadline for reply: 14.3.2012