EU legislation

EU legislation on avian influenza has been updated to respond to the challenges that Europe faces today and Council Directive 2005/94/EC on avian influenza was adopted by the Member States in the Council in December 2005. It aims at better prevention and control of outbreaks. It takes into account the most recent scientific knowledge on avian influenza and repeals the old Directive (92/40/EEC). Since 1 July 2007 the Directive had to be fully implemented by the Member States.

All suspected cases of AI in domestic poultry and captive birds must be investigated and appropriate measures taken in case of confirmation of both Low and High Pathogenic Avian Influenza. To limit the spread, infected poultry must be killed in a humane way and disposed of safely. Feeding stuffs, contaminated equipment and manure must be destroyed or treated to render the virus inactive.

To prevent further spread of disease the veterinary authorities are required to immediately put in place movement restrictions on the affected holdings and on all farms in a radius of at least 10 km around these holdings, the so called surveillance zone. In addition, the competent authorities must establish a protection zone with a radius of at least 3 kilometres around the holding. If necessary, stamping-out measures can also be extended to poultry farms in the vicinity or which have had dangerous contacts with infected farms.

In accordance with Community legislation, all Member States have AI contingency plans (approved by Commission Decision 2004/402/EC) in place to ensure that the most appropriate measures are immediately implemented.

At farm level preventive hygienic measures such as cleaning and disinfection are crucial. Disease awareness amongst farmers and cooperation by all people in the poultry sector must ensure that the strictest bio security measures are applied to prevent (further) spread of the disease.

According to the rules laid down in the old Directive, vaccination of animals is an emergency measure only. The new Directive also authorises preventive vaccination to halt any further spread of infection. Although vaccination protects animals against the clinical signs of the disease, they may still become infected and contribute to its spread. Vaccination must therefore be accompanied by appropriate surveillance and restriction measures. Before vaccinating any birds against avian influenza, a Member State must submit a detailed vaccination plan, including details on surveillance measures.

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