Pre-emptive risk reduction measures:

a) Surveillance

Since 2003 EU Member States have been implementing surveillance programmes for avian influenza in particular aiming to detect infections with low pathogenic viruses of the H5 and H7 subtypes. The spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 of the Asian lineage has shown the clear need to further strengthen surveillance and early detection systems, both in poultry and wild birds.

Council Directive 2005/94/EC on Community measures for the control of avian influenza requires that Member States carry out surveillance programmes for avian influenza according to harmonised guidelines which have last been laid down in Commission Decision 2007/268/EC.

Surveillance programmes must be annually approved by the Commission and are co-financed by the Community as last by Commission Decision 2007/782/EC. More information on eradication and monitoring programmes can be found here.

Other information on AI surveillance:

1) AI surveillance results in poultry and wild birds since 2005

2) Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 cases in wild birds in the Member States reported to the Animal Disease Information System (ADNS) and the relevant maps can be found here.

b) Preventive (biosecurity) measures

Preventive measures have been stepped up as the H5N1 Asian strain of avian influenza has spread globally. The measures, which were agreed in the SCoFAH and implemented by Member States, include enhanced routine surveillance in wild birds (see above) and increased biosecurity and risk prevention measures, such as prohibiting gatherings of birds at markets, shows and cultural events and hunting with decoy birds. These measures should be particularly enhanced in specific 'high risk areas' which are designated by the competent authorities as posing a particular risk for the introduction of Avian Influenza. Such areas may be places with high numbers of migratory wild birds in close proximity to poultry farms, or along migratory flyways. In these areas it is advised that such enhanced measures be taken to specifically prevent direct and indirect contact between wild birds and poultry. Measures also include keeping poultry indoors if necessary. Early detection systems to detect the potential presence of AI in poultry holdings due to changes in production data have also be implemented. These measures are under continuous review as the situation evolves.

Decision 2005/731/EC laying down additional requirements for the surveillance of avian influenza in wild birds, amended by 2006/52/EC, 2007/105/EC, 2007/803/EC and 2009/6/EC .

Decision 2005/734/EC laying down biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza caused by Influenza virus. A subtype H5N1 from birds living in the wild to poultry and other captive birds and providing for an early detection system in areas at particular risk amended by Decisions 2005/745/EC, 2005/855/EC, 2006/405/EG, 2006/574/EC, 2007/105/EC, 2007/803/EC and 2009/6/EC .

c) Preventive vaccination

The 2005 Directive on avian flu authorises preventive vaccination to keep the disease from spreading any further. This new measure is subject to stringent controls and vaccinated birds will continue to be monitored. The DIVA strategy (Differentiating between Infected and Vaccinated Animals) sets out clear measures to distinguish between vaccinated birds and those with avian influenza. Such a strategy is important to detect outbreaks of the virus in vaccinated birds. They may still become infected, but detection is delayed because they will not show clinical symptoms of the disease. The DIVA strategy is important to keep the virus from spreading from vaccinated birds to other animals.

More information on vaccination

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