Avian influenza (Bird flu): Avian Influenza Stakeholder meeting, 2 June 2006
| Attending:
Andrew Opie: BRC |
Russell Kyle – Defra Via telephone: Mick Sloyan: BPEX |
1. Update on H7N3 in Norfolk
Stakeholders were informed that all restrictions had been lifted from the three infected premises in Norfolk and that additional surveillance had been completed.
Ann Waters stated that work was being done on exploring whole house gassing and the use of foam in the killing process. Both techniques do not require catching teams to enter infected premises.
It was asked whether guidance was being drawn up on clean down processes (cleansing and disinfection). Work is being done with the environment agency but it remains the responsibility of the individual farmer to ensure that it is carried out correctly. The BPC indicated that they would like to be involved in the preparation of the guidance.
It was asked whether farmers would be given financial support for extra costs incurred during the disease control process – e.g. Tamiflu for workers. This would be considered. The disposal of manure when restrictions are in place was raised and stakeholders were informed that work is on going with the Environment Agency on this issue.
2. Open exchange of views on vaccination (prompted by submission from the Poultry Club GB and the British Waterfowl Association)
Dr Christine Ashton from the British Waterfowl Association gave a short presentation on the group’s submission which called for policy to be prepared in the event that the vaccination of non-zoo birds was required (joint submission by hobby groups, organic farmers, and small flock owners). They argued for a policy to be drawn up and sent to the EC for approval should the disease situation require it and stressed that this was not a demand for immediate vaccination. They explained that they own birds which would be difficult to house during an outbreak and they highlighted the extended housing requirement currently in place in Germany as hitting their sector particularly hard.
The proposal was generally supported by other members of the stakeholder group, however a number of practical difficulties were raised. How would vaccinated birds be monitored? Would such vaccination be voluntary? Who would pay? What would the costs be to the export market? What would the exit strategy be if a vaccination programme was implemented? The British Waterfowl Association said that much could be learnt from the experience of the Dutch and how they are currently implementing a similar policy.
There were particular concerns about the time taken to gain EC approval for a vaccination plan. However, it was stressed that this could be done within a matter of days, as with the zoo vaccination plan, and would need to reflect the circumstances at the time. It was agreed that stakeholders would be kept in close touch with developments.
3. Avian Influenza Order 2006: Why it was laid and further possible amendments
Stakeholders were informed that the Avian Influenza Order was implemented before the end of the consultation process so that the most up to date version of legislation was used to deal with the Norfolk incidents. Stakeholders accepted the need to implement the Order before the end of the consultation process. Lessons learned from the Norfolk incidents and the submission received during the consultation process would be included in the revisions made to the Order over the summer.
Julian West asked stakeholders to contact him by Friday 8 June with further comments specifically on the LPAI controls in the Order so that these could be taken into account whilst revising of the Order.
4. Preparing for the Autumn Migration: suggestions and ideas for communications
Stakeholders asked if they agreed that the biosecurity message/information on avian influenza should be re-enforced over the summer in time for the Autumn Migration. There was general praise for the communications work done so far and a desire for it to continue. However caution was urged when reinforcing the message so as to educate rather than frighten the public.
Mentioned that the Great Britain Poultry Register could have been better used during the Norfolk incidents to provide more information to those within the restricted zones.
5. Discussion on the risk from game bird imports: action being taken and what more the industry could do.
Game industry stakeholders were asked whether more could be done to reinforce the message of prudence when importing game birds from the continent. Stakeholders responded that it is now too late to get the message across to shoots as they will have made their plans already.
Game industry stakeholders were willing to reinforce the biosecurity message with their members and there was an offer from the British Pig Executive (BPEX) to use their contacts with the industry to do the same.6. AOB
Items for the next meeting:
- Epidemiological Report for Norfolk
- Future Planning for Autumn
European Commission proposals for amendments to the State aid guidelines to be sent round to the stakeholder group.
Action: Edward Hogg
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November 14, 2007 13:34