Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Avian Influenza

Thursday 8 May 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial commitment to explore avian influenza vaccination options in response to French policy changes.
  • A cross-Government and industry taskforce has been established to address avian influenza vaccination issues.
  • Government acknowledges serious biosecurity threats and is increasing security measures on personal imports.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Whittingdale Con Maldon
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The right hon. Member for Maldon raised concerns about the existential threat avian influenza poses to the poultry industry, noting France's decision to vaccinate ducks.

Question

Does the Minister agree that avian influenza remains an existential threat to the poultry industry, and—now that the French have decided to vaccinate their ducks—will he agree to the National Farmers Union request that we introduce the vaccination of seasonal turkeys in order to protect the entire industry?

Answer from The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Daniel Zeichner)

Vaccination has been considered for some time. There are trade issues, but given that France is changing its position, we are committed to exploring options for vaccination. A cross-Government and industry avian influenza vaccination taskforce has been established which published an initial statement on 7 March and will report more fully this summer.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to introducing turkey vaccination immediately but said they are exploring options.

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Q2 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The hon. Member for Epping Forest mentioned the ongoing threat of avian influenza, bluetongue, African swine fever, and foot and mouth disease to UK agriculture.

Question

With avian influenza still a significant threat, bluetongue prevalent in recent years, African swine fever close to our borders, and foot and mouth outbreaks occurring in Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia, we face serious biosecurity threats. Disease surveillance, vaccination, and control are crucial through the Animal and Plant Health Agency. When will this Government complete the work started by Conservatives in 2020 to redevelop APHA headquarters at Weybridge with a £1.2 billion commitment? Labour’s announcement of £208 million is a start but when will they commit further funding?

Answer from The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Daniel Zeichner)

We face a range of threats and have increased security, particularly on personal imports through the short straits. The hon. Gentleman is right about Weybridge; there is a major programme under way which will take several years. This Government are committed to providing funding that Weybridge needs to do its job, having announced £208 million this year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific completion dates or additional funding commitments beyond the announced £208 million.

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