Written question asked by Nadine Dorries (Conservative) on Thursday, 1 December 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 5 December 2005. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Monday, 12 December 2005 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Avian Influenza

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the (a) Turkish, (b) Romanian, (c) Russian, (d) Ukrainian, (e) Chinese and (f) European Government on avian influenza; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: I have had discussions with ministerial counterparts in the EU on a regular basis since the H5N1 strain of the virus emerged in South East Asia four years ago.Ministers and officials have been actively involved in discussions, and the provision of assistance, at international level on avian influenza. Recent examples have been:"The UK presidency has provided technical support (central research laboratories (CRL) and veterinary assistance) to many countries, including Romania.""Under the UK presidency Commission funds have been provided to enable OIE, the International Animal Health Organisation, to hold technical programmes on AI in Eastern Europe.""As presidency, the UK delegation has represented the EU at the international partnership on avian and pandemic influenza on 7 October; and the Geneva partners' meeting on avian and human pandemic influenza on 7–9 November."

Secondary information