WRITTEN QUESTION E-2281/97 by Johanna Boogerd-Quaak (ELDR) and Jan Mulder (ELDR) to the Commission (2 July 1997)

Subject: Classic swine fever in the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe

It appears that the desired results have not been obtained in the Netherlands or in other countries through the existing control method of slaughtering animals infected with swine fever. At the same time, there is increasing resistance in society to this control method. Accordingly, other control method should be considered where appropriate.

1. In view of the foregoing, is the Commission prepared to authorize an experiment with a new vaccine or with the newly developed marker vaccine against swine fever in certain areas of the Netherlands?

2. What is the minimum number of pigs which the Commission thinks should be involved in this experiment in the Netherlands?

3. Does the Commission feel it is important for meat from vaccinated pigs not to end up in the human consumption chain in any form whatsoever, and that the meat should therefore be destroyed?

4. Does the Commission regard the existing destruction capacity in the Netherlands as adequate if a decision has to be taken to destroy meat from vaccinated pigs?

5. If the Commission authorizes a vaccination experiment against swine fever in the Netherlands, will this have consequences for exports of pigmeat from areas outside the experimental area which are not infected with swine fever?

6. In view of the previous question, is the Commission convinced that the European Union is not importing meat from countries or regions outside the EU where vaccination against swine fever or other infectious diseases is permitted (in particular, meat from countries in Central and Eastern Europe)?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (15 September 1997)

The measures adopted to control and eradicate classical swine fever are governed by the legislation in Council Directive 80/217/EEC ((OJ L 47, 21.2.1980. )). The measures include stamping-out (depopulation) of infected and contact farms and establishment of movement restrictions on pigs and pigmeat, to avoid spread of the virus. The application of these measures has, by and large, been successful as the majority of the Member States for several years have remained free from the disease. It is evident that the success depends, to a great extent, on rapid and effective implementation of control and eradication measures by local and national authorities and the measures adopted by pig producers to prevent disease entering a pig holding. The problems related to the control of classical swine fever in domestic pigs in most recent years are of great concern to the Commission. It is evident that the problems encountered to a great extent are linked to a very high density of pigs in certain areas of the Community.

1. and 2. Article 14 of Council Directive 80/217/EEC sets the conditions for use of classical swine fever vaccines but does not deal with experiments or field trials. Article 14, paragraph 1(b) as amended by Council Directive 91/685/EEC of 11 December 1991 ((OJ L 377, 31.12.1991. )) however, states: 'The manipulation of classical swine fever virus for research, diagnosis or manufacture of vaccines shall be carried out only in approved establishments and laboratories'. This means that a Member State can carry out the necessary testing of a new vaccine on animals (perform a field trial or experiment) as long as this is in an approved establishment and related to the manufacture of a vaccine. It is not unusual for a field trial to include 500 animals. The Commission has no legal basis for granting permission for experiments with new vaccines.

3. and 4. No. The meat originating from vaccinated pigs can be used for human consumption. The procedures to be applied for use of meat from vaccinated pigs are given in Article 14(3) of Council Directive 80/217/EEC.

5. The Commission cannot authorise a vaccination experiment. If a Member State submits an emergency vaccination plan to the Commission, the conditions for adopting the plan are given in Article 14(2) of Council Directive 80/217/EEC.

6. In accordance with the provisions of Article 14(2) of Council Directive 72/462/EEC ((OJ L 302, 31.12.1972. )) the Member States shall not authorise the importation of fresh pigmeat from third countries unless it comes from a country in which no classical swine fever has been detected for a least the preceding 12 months and no pigs have been vaccinated during the same period. The Commission is not aware of that irregular importations occur. If information on such matters is notified to the Commission an investigation will be carried out.