92002E0799

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0799/02

by Niels Busk (ELDR) to the Commission

(14 March 2002)

Subject: Newcastle disease in cormorants

In September 2001, Newcastle disease, an infectious disease of poultry, was found in a sample taken from cormorants as part of a research project in Denmark.

The relevant legislation is Council Directive 92/66/EEC(1) of 14 July 1992, concerning poultry, racing pigeons and other birds kept in captivity. Wild birds living freely, such as cormorants, are not covered by this directive, but when an infection is detected in such birds, individual Member States must inform the Commission of any measures they have taken.

The directive also stipulates that minimum Community control measures should also be provided for against Newcastle disease in certain species other than those specified in the directive.

In view of the discovery of Newcastle disease in cormorants in Denmark, will the Commission state:

- How many cases of Newcastle disease in cormorants have been detected in the Member States and what measures have been taken to control the disease?

- Do the same guidelines apply as apply to outbreaks of the disease in poultry, where the entire flock has to be killed, and what can be done to ensure against infection?

- What Community control measures have been taken against Newcastle disease in cormorants?

(1) OJ L 260, 5.9.1992, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(22 April 2002)

Newcastle disease is a viral disease of domestic and wild birds including migratory feral waterfowl and other aquatic birds. The seriousness of this disease varies widely and is dependent on several factors including different degrees of virulence of distinct virus strains and the host species.

Council Directive 92/66/EEC of 14 July 1992 introducing Community measures for the control of Newcastle disease, takes into account the particular characteristics of this disease and establishes in which cases disease control measures should be applied, e.g. in case of serious disease of poultry.

The Member States must provide information to the Commission in cases of disease confirmed in wild birds. According to the official data available to the Commission, the confirmation of Newcastle disease in a cormorant in Denmark in 2001 has been the first report of such a disease in cormorants within the Union. However, scientific literature mentions the detection of Newcastle disease in cormorants in the United Kingdom (Scotland) in the 1940's.

Council Directive 92/66/EEC does not include control measures as regards Newcastle disease in wild birds. The lack of scientific knowledge as regards the role of wildlife in the epidemiology of Newcastle disease has so far made it impossible to establish precise rules at Community level. Therefore, it is up to the Member States to study the local epidemiological situation and to decide which measures could be successfully applied.