Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000446/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Susana Solís Pérez (PPE), Carmen Crespo Díaz (PPE)
In recent months, the EU has experienced a worrying upswing in outbreaks of animal diseases such as bluetongue, epizootic haemorrhagic disease, tuberculosis, African swine fever, avian influenza and foot-and-mouth disease. Although the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease is in check, the cases of bovine tuberculosis in Asturias are proof of the vulnerability of the livestock sector to those health threats.
The growing number of tuberculosis cases is a source of concern among farmers, with regard not only to its impact on animal health and food safety but also to the serious economic consequences of restrictions and compulsory slaughter. The causes of this trend must be identified and assessments carried out to establish whether there are structural, environmental or other factors conducive to the spread of diseases in European livestock.
Against that backdrop, prevention and control must be stepped up, as must funds for epidemiological surveillance, vaccination and fair compensation for lost profits.
In view of the above:
- 1.Does the Commission intend to carry out an analysis of the causes of the increase in animal disease outbreaks in the EU?
- 2.What further steps is it considering taking to bolster prevention, improve health responses and ensure that affected farmers receive proper support?
Submitted: 3.2.2025