§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what precautions have been taken to counter an outbreak of avian influenza in Northern Ireland. [160617]
§ Mr. PearsonFollowing the introduction of EU restrictions on imports of poultry meat and poultry products from Thailand on 23 January, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), as a precautionary measure, suspended all imports of live poultry, poultry meat products, captive birds, pet birds and eggs for human consumption from Asian countries most affected by avian influenza. Equivalent action was296W also taken following a further outbreak of avian influenza in the USA in February and the same action is currently under way for the outbreak in Canada.
As regards the animal health aspects, DARD has a contingency plan for dealing with an outbreak of avian influenza, which has been approved by the EU. This plan is currently being reviewed and updated to ensure that any outbreak could be dealt with quickly and effectively. Advice regarding biosecurity has been reissued to the poultry industry and is available on the DARD website.
As regards the human health aspects, the Department of Health and Public Safety (DHSSPS) in conjunction with DARD and other UK Health Departments, is continuing to monitor international developments in relation to the transmission of avian influenza to humans. DHSSPS has placed information for travellers on their website and has been working with DARD and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland to ensure protection of poultry workers.