Translation of "élevage des oiseaux " (French → English) :

The report and legislative proposals shall consider both the genetics of broilers and the welfare conditions under which parent stock is raised, and shall consider options such as farming birds of recognised slow-growing strains, restrictions on weight gain of birds per day, a minimum age for slaughter and the prohibition of the use of broilers from parent stock that have to be restrictively fed.

2a. If the outbreak of HPAI is confined in a non-commercial holding/pet bird holding, circus, zoo, pet bird shop or wildlife park, or in a fenced area where other birds are kept for scientific purposes or purposes related to the conservation of endangered species or officially registered rare breeds of other birds that do not contain poultry, the competent authority may, following a veterinary risk assessment, derogate to the extent necessary from the provisions of Sections 3 to 5 concerning the establishment of the protection and surveillance zone and the measures to be applied therein, provided that such derogations do not jeopardise disease control.

I am also of the opinion that vaccinations of flocks are costly, cumbersome and perhaps of dubious significance – rather, we should aim at researching and promoting the breeding of naturally-resistant birds.

In order to reduce the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza caused by influenza A virus of subtype H5N1 being introduced into poultry farms and other premises where birds are kept in captivity via wild birds, Commission Decision 2005/734/EC of 19 October 2005 laying down biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza caused by influenza A virus of subtype H5N1 from birds living in the wild to poultry and other captive birds and providing for an early detection system in areas at particular risk (3), was adopted.

In order to reduce the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza caused by Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 introduction into poultry farms and other premises where birds are kept in captivity via wild birds it is appropriate to strengthen the Community measures already in place to tackle that risk.

Thirdly, we do not have a clear strategy as regards employees and other people who come into direct contact with animals and, in particular, with farms on which birds are bred.