Written question asked by Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Monday, 5 June 2006.

Health: Imported Animals

Question: What estimate they have made of the potential for third countries to check birds for diseases before they are imported into the United Kingdom; and whether this information will be used to limit imports from countries that do not meet certain criteria.

Answer: Live animals or animal products imported into the European Union (EU) may only originate from a third country approved by the European Commission. Approval is considered on a country by country basis after certain criteria have been met. These include:"the state of health of the livestock, other domestic animals and wildlife in the third country, particular attention being paid to exotic animal diseases and to the environmental health situation in that country;""the country’s rules and policies relating to imports of live animals and related products;""the country’s measures to control and prevent the spread of animal disease." Live animals and animal products imported into the EU from third countries must be accompanied by health certification signed by an official veterinarian in the country of export. All live animals arriving from countries outside the EU must undergo further checks at approved border inspection posts by a certified EU veterinarian.

Secondary information