The European Commission has defended its approach to lifting restrictions in highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) surveillance zones, insisting that final cleaning and disinfection (C&D) must be completed before restrictions are removed, in line with scientific evidence and international standards. The position, outlined in a reply by Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi to a parliamentary question from Renew MEP Asger Christensen, prioritizes disease containment and the maintenance of the EU's disease-free status for trade purposes, while allowing flexibility on the duration of restrictions based on risk assessments.
Várhelyi's reply confirms that EU law, aligned with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) standards and supported by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assessments, mandates final C&D as a prerequisite for lifting restrictions. Although the minimum zoning period is set at 30 days, the Commission refrains from imposing an automatic 60-day extension, reserving that longer period for "exceptional situations." This approach, the Commission argues, balances disease control with economic realities, though poultry producers may face prolonged disruptions and increased costs, especially in the absence of compensation mechanisms. National authorities retain decision-making power, allowing localized risk assessments but potentially adding administrative burdens.
The reply comes amid a broader EU focus on animal health and disease prevention. On April 20, the Commission cited EU law on lumpy skin disease, similarly aligned with WOAH standards and EFSA assessments, and on the same day banned live sheep and goat exports from Greece over a pox outbreak, citing Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687. Earlier, on April 17, the Commission clarified that no notification of a general import suspension from Greece had been received, following reports of a Greek blanket ban on live small ruminant imports. These actions reflect the Commission's consistent emphasis on science-based, risk-proportionate measures to protect animal health and the internal market.
The HPAI zoning debate also intersects with calls for a shift toward preventive animal health strategies. On April 9, a joint One Health Summit statement urged Europe to move from reactive to preventive measures, citing €700 million in EU pledges to the Global Fund and €46.5 million for health security, and highlighting 547 million poultry losses from HPAI between 2023 and 2025. Industry groups, including FEFANA, have urged the EU to treat animal disease prevention as a strategic investment, advocating vaccination, biosecurity, and surveillance over mass culling. Meanwhile, on April 15, Executive Vice-President Minzatu proposed enhancing EU support to address a shortage of veterinarians specialized in livestock, a factor that could affect the implementation of disease control measures.
The Commission's reply, grounded in EFSA science and WOAH standards, signals a continued commitment to harmonizing health safeguards with economic pressures in the poultry sector. As national authorities apply the flexible zoning rules, the impact on producers, supply chains, and trade partners will be closely watched, particularly in light of past egg shortages in some Member States.
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