Avian influenza

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A decision made (04.06.07) to agree not to import licences for poultry.

Subject:	Avian Influenza
Decision Reference:	MD-PE-2007-0120		Exempt clause(s):	n/a
Type of Report: (oral or written)	Written		Person Giving Report (if oral):	n/a
Telephone or e-mail Meeting?	n/a		Report File ref:
Written report – Title	Avian Influenza: North Wales
Written report – Author (name and job title)	Linda Lowseck. States Veterinary Officer
Decision(s): Do not issue import licences for poultry until further information is available about the source of Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza outbreak in North Wales.
Reason(s) for decision: To protect poultry industry in Jersey.
Action required: States Veterinary Officer not to issue import licences for poultry from UK until further information is available about source of North Wales outbreak. Cage birds may still be imported under licence.
Signature: (Minister/ Assistant Minister)		Date of Decision:

Avian influenza

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT

ENVIRONMENT DIVISION

Avain Influenza: North Wales

Public

Purpose of the Report

To outline potential risk and recommend measure to protect Jersey’s poultry industry.

Background

Low Pathogencity Avian Influenza H7N2 was confirmed on a small poultry farm in North Wales on 24/5/07. The affected birds are reported to have been moved to the premises approximately 2 weeks previously. The infected premises are subject to movement restriction and all birds have been culled. Premises with which there has been contact will be traced and appropriate controls put in place.

Discussion

Until further information is known about the possible source of the outbreak and controls put in place, Jersey’s poultry industry can best be protected by prohibiting imports of poultry.

Conclusion

No licences for poultry imports to be issued until further information is available and assessed.

Cage birds should still be imported as they do not pose a risk.

Recommendation

Agree to suspend issue of import licences for poultry until further notice.

Written by:	Linda Lowseck

Approved by:	Chris Newton, Environment

Endorsed by:	[If other department involved -Director’s name and Directorate]

Attachments:

Ministerial Decision ref: MD-PE-2007-0120

Date-29.05.07

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Please would you list any relevant publications or documents The kind of publications that may be included in the list include -

·States Strategic Plan

·Annual Business Plan

·Departmental Business Plan

·States reports and propositions

·Consultants reports

·Other key references