WRITTEN QUESTION E-3072/01

by Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(8 November 2001)

Subject: Salmonella infections caused by sub-standard animal transport conditions and intensive livestock farming

Every year, more than 150 000 people are infected with salmonella in Germany alone, and over 200 people die from salmonella. The number of undisclosed cases is much higher.

Sub-standard animal transport conditions and intensive livestock farming are the cause of this.

1. What steps is the Commission proposing to take to combat the numerous cases of salmonella?

2. How much funding does it make available in support of extensive chicken farming?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(21 December 2001)

The Commission is not aware that official figures show more than 150 000 persons falling ill from salmonellosis each year in Germany. According to the data submitted to the Community zoonoses monitoring system(1), the total number of cases notified in the Member States in 1999 (the most up-to-date definitive figures known) was 165 659, with Germany having notified 85 146 of these cases. Salmonella may be present in a whole range of foodstuffs, including raw eggs, poultry, pork, beef, other meat-based products and dairy products. From estimations made in certain Member States, the indications are that eggs are the prime source of food-based salmonellosis, ahead of poultry meat.

Pursuant to Directive 92/117/EEC, measures to monitor and control breeding flocks have been operating for several years now. However, the level of human salmonellosis, despite appearing to be stabilising, and even declining in certain Member States, is still too high and needs to be reduced. On 1 August 2001 the European Commission adopted, and submitted to Parliament and the Council, a report and two proposals concerned with stepping up prevention and control of zoonoses, and specifically control of salmonella in the food chain(2). This Regulation will set Community targets for pathogen reduction in specific animal populations and, if necessary, at other stages of the food chain. After a transitional period certain restrictions on the marketing of eggs and poultry meat will apply.

Extensive farming has numerous advantages as regards animal protection and welfare. Hence, the Council adopted Directive 1999/74/EC of 19 July 1999 laying down minimum standards for the protection of laying hens(3), under which the traditional system of cages for laying hens will be phased out. In the same vein, the Commission is examining the possibility of introducing specific provisions for the protection of broiler chickens in 2002. However, from the point of view of salmonella prevention, the Commission has no scientific evidence of a clear link between salmonella contamination and a particular farming method. While keeping animals in less crowded conditions and giving them access to the open air may reduce the intensity of certain forms of contamination, outside runs also offer more possibility of contamination from wild animals.

Community assistance for extensification of livestock production is possible under Member States and regions rural development programmes under Regulation (EC) No. 1257/1999. For example, agrienvironment measures within these programmes can include extensification measures to reduce stocking densities, but such actions tend typically to be targeted at grazing animals. Support is also possible for investment projects to improve hygiene conditions and animal welfare standards under the investment in agricultural holdings measure. This might, under certain conditions, include investments to switch from cage

to alternative systems. In line with the decentralised approach to programming of rural development measures, it is the responsibility of Member States and/or regions to decide if they wish to offer these types of possibilities within their rural development programmes.

(1) Directive 92/117/EEC of the Council concerning measures for protection against specified zoonoses and specific zoonotic agents in animals and products of animal origin in order to prevent outbreaks of food-borne infections and intoxications (OJ L 62, 15.3.1993), as amended by Directive 1999/72/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 July 1999 (OJ L 210, 10.8.1999).

(2) OJ C 304 E, 30.10.2001.

(3) OJ L 203, 3.8.1999.