On Thursday 18 July, EU Member States agreed on providing exceptional support of €32.1 million to Italian egg and poultry meat producers due to losses in 2017 and 2018 to control avian influenza. The total aid will amount to €64.2 million, including the portion paid by the Italian Government.
Between 1 October 2017 and 30 June 2018, 45 outbreaks of avian influenza affecting ducks, turkeys, Guinea fowls and chickens were confirmed and notified by Italy. “Italy took all the necessary measures to control and monitor the situation and prevent further outbreaks”, the European Commission said in a statement.
The measures taken have resulted in a loss of production of hatching eggs, table eggs, live animals and poultry meat. The exceptional market measure, provided under the Common Market Organisation (CMO) of the Common Agricultural Policy, will provide support to Italian producers affected by the outbreaks and who have suffered economic losses. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)