WRITTEN QUESTION P-0768/00

by Alexander de Roo (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(9 March 2000)

Subject: Misleading of Brussels by the Netherlands authorities

According to the Algemeen Dagblad of 29.2.2000 (Overheid misleidt Brussel the authorities mislead Brussels), cows at 350 Dutch dairy farms are suffering from an unidentified disease. A farm in Zelhem has been sealed off. The cows are displaying symptoms of listlessness. There have been problems with this unidentified disease for more than a year now. Some cows are falling down, and a few have even died. Pursuant to Directive 92/46/EEC(1) of 16 June 1992 on hygiene rules for milk, only milk from cows whose general state of health is not visibly impaired may be processed and sold. (See Annex A, point 1(a)(iv)). The state of health of the cows on the above-mentioned 350 farms is visibly unsatisfactory.

1. Is the Commission aware of this situation in the Netherlands? If so, does it consider that the Netherlands is implementing European legislation particularly Directive 92/46/EEC correctly?

2. If the Commission considers that the Netherlands is not implementing European legislation correctly, how will it compel the Netherlands to do so?

(1) OJ L 268, 14.9.1992, p. 1.

Joint answer to Written Questions P-0768/00 and P-788/00 given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(6 April 2000)

The Commission has been informed about the disease occurring in dairy cattle farms in the Netherlands by the Dutch authorities in the framework of Article 10 of Council Directive 90/425/EEC of 26 June 1990 concerning veterinary and zootechnical checks applicable in intra-Community trade in certain live animals and products with a view to the completion of the internal market(1), which establishes provisions on the information to be provided in the event of an animal disease that is likely to constitute a serious hazard to public or animal health. The matter has been reviewed during two recent meetings of the standing veterinary committee.

The Dutch authorities indicate that in a number of dairy cattle farms emaciation of milking cows has been reported, that these farms are specially checked by the Animal health service, and that investigations are being carried out to identify the precise causes of this disease. The results of these investigations suggest that in some farms the disease appeared after the use of a vaccine, which was contaminated with bovine viral diarrhea virus. This is a well-known virus of ruminants widespread in most countries in the world. There is no evidence or suspicion that it can affect human beings. In these farms all animals have been slaughtered and destroyed. However, in other farms the presence of infectious agents has not been confirmed and other causes (deficiency in cobalt and vitamin B12) are probably involved. Special instructions have been given to ensure that any cattle disease is immediately and properly reported to the authorities. The information so far available suggests that there is no particular risk for public health. However, the meat and other products (including milk) from unhealthy cattle are not used for human consumption, in accordance with Community legislation.

The rapid alert system has not been used in these circumstances as it only concerns products that have already been placed on the market.

An on-the spot inspection by the Commission's Food and Veterinary Office was carried out in the Netherlands in November 1999, as part of the ongoing assessment of implementation of Directive 92/46/EC in Member States. This Directive requires Member States to ensure that milk producing farms are subject to regular inspections and that milk for human consumption must come from cattle which are healthy. This mission was carried out before this problem was identified. However, the report of this mission indicated that a procedure of the controlling authority for milk and milk-products (COKZ) is in force to prohibit the delivery of milk for human consumption in case of unsatisfactory results of the controls carried out.

The Commission is following the situation very carefully to ensure the protection of public and animal health. A further inspection visit by the Food and Verterinary Office is planned in the very near future in the matter. A report on this visit will be prepared in the normal manner and will be circulated to the Parliament.

(1) OJ L 224, 18.8.1990.