22.12.2005

The Directive, which updates an existing document, introduces a number of new powers and disease surveillance measures. New measures include:
- Allowing member states to slaughter birds found to have a low pathogenic virus and introduce movement controls around the affected area.
- Boosting surveillance for the disease with programmes for sampling of flocks
- Introducing powers to restrict movements on suspicion of disease and national or regional movement restrictions after disease is confirmed
- Allowing state vets to apply controls flexibly to keep industry operating in a biosecure way
- Requiring Member States to keep a central register of commercial poultry keepers The new Directive will allow exemptions, for example, for rare species but only if disease control is not jeopardised.