Document type : Answer from the European Commission
Authors: Question: Marco Dreosto (ID), Massimo Casanova (ID), Luisa Regimenti (ID), Gianantonio Da Re (ID), Marco Campomenosi (ID), Annalisa Tardino (ID). Answer: Ms Kyriakides for the European Commission.
Call for action to deal with problems relating to the transport of live pigs within Europe
The worsening African swine fever (ASF) epidemic in Europe, and in particular in Germany, is prompting the latter country to place thousands of live animals on the European market at competitive prices, following the import bans by China and South Korea. In addition to the impact on the market, to the detriment of local pig farmers, there is a risk that the large-scale movement of live animals within European countries could potentially facilitate the spread of the virus. Despite the numerous initiatives taken by the EU to address the problem, the situation appears worrying, even though it still concerns mainly wild boar populations.
In the light of the above, can the Commission answer the following questions:
- Will it step up checks on the transport of live pigs from Member States and third countries? How does it intend to do so?
- Will it put extra pressure on the countries affected by the ASF outbreak with a view to persuading them to adopt further control measures?
Answer: Specific legislation to mitigate the risks of African swine fever (ASF) through the transport of live pigs is in place in the EU. This legislation is developed and continuously updated in close cooperation and with the support of Member States, taking into account the latest scientific evidence and experience gained.
Movements of live pigs from establishments located in areas restricted due to ASF are generally prohibited. Only certain movements of live pigs can be authorised by the competent authority, if relevant conditions foreseen in the EU legislation are met. The Commission verifies through audits that the competent authorities of Member States perform official controls and enforce EU standards. The import of live pigs into the EU is only allowed from a listed third country, subject to specific conditions as referred to in relevant EU legislation and imports would be suspended in case of outbreaks. Harmonised EU rules apply to controls carried out at borders on all consignments of live animals.
The Commission is and will remain in the future in close and regular contact with competent authorities of all Member States on the prevention, control and eradication of ASF. ASF control measures are regularly discussed at the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed. Main EU initiatives on ASF are available on the Commission’s website.
