Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of surveillance measures in (a) detecting and (b) controlling outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) leads Government action on animal disease control and carries out routine surveillance of disease risks in the UK and globally, to help the Government anticipate future threats to animal health. Defra continue to closely monitor the global avian influenza situation as part of this work and any changes to our approach to prevention and control of avian influenza will be based on the latest available veterinary advice and scientific evidence. All bird keepers should continue to observe the high standards of biosecurity that can help prevent the incursion and spread of disease.

Current policy reflects our experience of responding to past outbreaks of exotic animal disease and is in line with international standards of best practice for disease control. Our approach to surveillance and control is assessed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as part of our application for HPAI disease freedom, which remains Defra’s objective to achieve at the earliest opportunity. Defra’s approach to avian influenza disease control are proportionate and in line with EU (in relation to trade requirements) and national law. Our aim is to limit the spread and the economic impact of this disease on the industry.