Vaccine against avian influenza

Question for written answer  E-001951/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Eric Andrieu (S&D)

For the third time in six years, avian influenza has caused devastating damage in Europe. The systematic slaughter of birds on the farms affected and, as a precaution, on surrounding farms is a necessary measure, but one which is potentially disastrous for farmers, who need to be compensated for the losses they suffer.

Given the repeated outbreaks of this disease, eradicating the various strains of avian influenza now seems impossible, which raises the question of why the decision was taken not to vaccinate poultry. The 2006 Verona Recommendations, issued under the auspices of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), emphasise that an approach combining vaccination and disease prevention measures is the most effective. Moreover, when set against the losses suffered and compensation paid, the cost of vaccination against the H5 and H7 strains seems modest.

Given that it is the responsibility of the public authorities to anticipate likely future outbreaks of avian influenza in Europe, will the Commission reconsider its stance on the issue of vaccination?