WRITTEN QUESTION E-1989/02

by Karl-Heinz Florenz (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(8 July 2002)

Subject: Import of dogs from Spain to Germany the leishmaniases

There were recently outbreaks of sandflies at 11 locations in Germany. This insect is a carrier of leishmaniasis (Mediterranean disease) and poses a potential threat of infection for vertebrates and humans. There is a real risk of the disease being transmitted when dogs suffering from leishmaniasis are brought from the Mediterranean region, particularly from Spain, to Germany, so that stray dogs may be placed with families there.

Is the placing of animals subject to any particular legal requirements, which are possibly not being complied with in full?

Are there any legal requirements for bringing dogs from the Mediterranean region to central Europe, or from Spain to Germany, which:

- prohibit the large-scale transport of up to 50 animals per load?

- prohibit the export of dogs suffering from leishmaniasis?

- require vaccinations against the Mediterranean animal diseases leishmaniasis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, dirofilariasis, microfilaria or borreliosis before any dogs may be brought from southern to central Europe?

- require dogs to be castrated, vaccinated and wormed before a possible transport?

- oblige carriers to ascertain where the dog will be accommodated at its destination (dogs' home or family)?

Is the Commission aware of the problem of leishmaniasis?

Does it plan to establish specific import criteria in the immediate future which restrict, or even prohibit, the import of sick dogs from the Mediterranean region to central Europe on health grounds?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(20 September 2002)

The Commission is aware that Leishmaniosis is endemic in the coastal regions of the Member States of the Mediterranean basin. This is the result of a combination of local ecological parameters which suit the vector populations (phlebotomus sandflies) and enable the disease to persist.

The disease is thus basically dependent on a favourable ecosystem and cannot very easily take hold and persist outside regions where the conditions are right for its cycle. In France, therefore, despite considerable movement between the Mediterranean and the north of the country, cases of Leishmaniosis contracted outside the area where it is endemic (lower Rhône valley and coastal regions) are still sporadic. As far as the Commission knows, the disease has not taken hold in other regions removed from its present front, as a result of movements of infected animals.

Any current expansion of the endemic area has probably been brought about by general climate warming, which enables the vectors involved in the cycle to cover a larger area.

The risk of Leishmaniosis encroaching on new areas as a result of movements of living animals is, therefore, still very slight.

Introducing veterinary measures to reduce this risk further would, in the view of the Commission, be out of proportion. Without a vaccine, the only possible strategy would be to prohibit movements from the endemic area or conduct individual serological checks followed by quarantine. This would not stand up to a cost-benefit analysis of the problem.