§ Baroness Byfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have yet received the results of the nationwide serological survey of all Chilean poultry flocks of the presence of low pathogenic avian influenza; and, if so, what is the outcome; and [H L6246]
Whether, should there be a positive identification of avian influenza virus following the nationwide survey of Chilean poultry flocks begun in August, they will immediately ban all imports of poultry and poultry products from Chile. [HL6247]
§ Lord Whitty:Following notification of high pathogenicity avian influenza in Chile in July 2002. the UK banned the importation of all poultry and hatching eggs and poultry products from Chile.
On the basis of a report submitted to the EU Commission of a nationwide serological survey carried out by the Chilean veterinary services in August 2002, the decision was taken by the EU Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health in October to authorise the import of poultry and poultry products from areas of Chile not affected by the disease. National measures have been amended to comply with Community provisions.