Brussels, 03/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - The Standing Committee for the Food Chain and Animal Health took an unanimous stance on Tuesday for extending Community measures to protect the EU against the avian flu that has affected Asia. It approves the proposal of the European Commission. Thus, the ban on imports of poultry-based products and pet birds from Asian countries affected by the virus is still in application and will remain so until 15 August, as recommended by the International Organisation of Animal Health (OIE). It will be kept under constant review with a view to amending it earlier if the situation allows.
We recall that the embargo concerns above all imports from Thailand (fresh meat, poultry, ratites, wild and farmed feathered game, meat preparations and meat products and raw pet food and unprocessed feed material containing any parts of the above-mentioned species, as well as eggs for human consumption and non-treated game trophies from all birds. This does not include birds slaughtered before 1 January 2004 and imports of poultry meat products treated to a very high temperature (70°C). Also prohibited are imports of unprocessed feathers and live birds other than poultry from all affected countries (Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Pakistan, China, South Korea, Vietnam).
The decision comes at a time when the first case of human infection in Germany (see yesterday's EUROPE, p.10) is no longer suspected, but when the WTO confirms the possibility of a genetic combination of avian flu and human flu viruses, from which a third virus contagious for Man could arise.
Twenty international experts are meeting in Rome until Thursday at the seat of the FAO to take stock of strategies and recommendations able to help the countries affected by avian flu to face the emergency and to prevent any further spread of the disease.
In a press release, David Byrne, Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, states: "We are taking every possible measure to prevent the introduction of avian influenza". He believes the Union has a very complete legislation allowing the prevention, combating and eradication of avian flu. However, he continues: "Clearly, we must all remain vigilant and Member States must ensure that the import ban is fully respected at ports and airports". He recalls that the danger for human health lies in direct contact with infected fowl and adds that, for several years, he has untiringly repeated that they must prepare for the eventuality of a flu epidemic. The Commission, he said, is forgetting the Community plan conceived with this in mind, and which will cover vaccination policy, permanent surveillance, improved diagnosis capacities, the provision of anti-viral medicines and the training of health professionals. He also insisted with the ministers of the European Parliament for definitive approval of his proposal for a European Centre for the prevention and eradication of transmissible diseases. This authority would coordinate the European response in the event of a flu epidemic.