The poultry sector is concerned about the costs and feasibility of the European agreements on the trade in poultry vaccinated against bird flu and the eggs of these animals. From 12 March it will be legally possible to vaccinate against bird flu and to trade the eggs of these animals. However, the conditions surrounding vaccination are so strict that the poultry sector fears that it does not offer a real solution.
With a view to monitoring, farms applying vaccination must be serologically and clinically examined by a veterinarian every 30 days to demonstrate that there is or has been no avian flu. In addition, weekly serological testing is mandatory on the dead animals on the farm. Later this year, the European Food Safety Authority EFSA will issue an opinion on the monitoring of companies that vaccinate against bird flu.
Poultry may be transported provided that the animals go directly to the slaughterhouse or go to locations where they do not come into contact with unvaccinated animals. Vaccinated animals may not be transported to another Member State unless authorized by the host Member State. A veterinarian must clinically examine the poultry and 20 animals from the consignment must undergo virological testing.
Hatching eggs from vaccinated animals may be transported, provided they are disinfected and go directly to the destination. Day-old chicks from vaccinated parent animals may only be transported to locations where there are no other poultry and where the animals remain at the same location for at least 21 days. In the case of international transport, the Member States must give permission for this and report this to the European Commission.
Transport of table eggs from vaccinated animals is allowed, provided that the eggs are transported to packing stations designated by the government and they are packed in packaging in which they can be disinfected. The eggs can also go to companies that process eggs into egg products.
Poultry meat from vaccinated animals may be transported without further conditions. The condition is that the meat comes from poultry that has been transported from animals for slaughter to the slaughterhouse in accordance with European conditions.
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