WRITTEN QUESTION E-2863/97 by David Hallam (PSE) to the Commission (11 September 1997)

Subject: Poultry

Will the Commission outline what steps the European Union is taking to preserve stocks of pure bred poultry?

Does the Commission consider that present EU legislation on welfare, disease control and international trade makes no distinctions identifying 'pure-bred' specimens and other 'poultry'?

Does the Commission plan to implement measures to support the small number of breeders dedicated to ensuring that relevant breeds and strains survive?

Will the Commission give a more precise definition of 'Poultry' when proposing legislation, which will take account of:

- specimens kept in captivity to prevent species extinction,

- specimens dispersed to minimise the effects of the strike of disease,

- specimens kept to ensure conservation of genetic material available for future development and research,

- specimens kept for their beauty,

- specimens kept for competitive showing because people like such competition, which maintains and possibly improves the characteristics of the breeds and strains involved,

- specimens kept locally in small flocks for egg-laying and for consumption as mean and

- large-scale production for the mass market?

What steps has the Commission taken or does it plan to take, in order to consult recognized NGOs when deciding policy in this area?

Answer given by Mr. Fischler on behalf of the Commission (11 November 1997)

Regarding the marketing of pure-bred livestock on 25 March 1991 the Council adopted Directive 91/174/EEC laying down zootechnical and pedigree requirements for the marketing of pure-bred animals and amending Directives 77/504/EEC and 90/425/EEC ((OJ L 85, 5.4.1991. )). This sets Community level rules that include poultry and should suffice to ensure rational development of the breeding of pure-bred stock in the Community and increase the sector's productivity.

In relation to animal welfare, Council Directive 88/166/EEC laying down minimum standards for the protection of laying hens in battery cages ((OJ L 74, 19.3.1988. )) is directed to adult hens of the species Gallus gallus, whether or not they are pure-bred, which are kept for egg production. In relation to disease control, trade and import, the rules applicable to poultry are applicable to fowl, turkeys, guinea fowl, ducks, geese, quails, pigeons, pheasants, partridges and ratites (flightless birds) reared or kept in captivity for breeding, the production of meat or eggs for consumption, or for re-stocking supplies of game. The Directive concerns particularly animal health governing intra-Community trade in and import from third countries of poultry, poultry meat and hatching eggs. It applies also to Community measures for the control of Newcastle disease and avian influenza. In matters of welfare, animal diseases and trade, no distinction is made whether or not poultry is pure-bred.

Under the agri-environment regulation (Regulation (EEC) No 2078/92 on agricultural production methods compatible with the requirements of the protection of the environment and the maintenance of the countryside ((OJ L 215, 30.7.1992. ))), Member States may propose programmes to support rare breeds of farm animal in danger of extinction. So far the Commission has not received any substantial proposal in respect of poultry and the Commission is not aware of there being a particular demand for such schemes to be supported under Community part-funded programmes.

The Commission considers that the definitions used at present do not need to be changed.

When drawing up new legislative proposals the Commission consults the appropriate Advisory Committees, on which trade organizations are represented.