Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001659/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Hilde Vautmans (Renew)
EU law (Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687) classifies pigeons as ‘captive birds’ even though scientific studies show that they are a ‘dead-end host’ for the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV). The regulations do not take sufficient account of differences in susceptibility between bird species, although HPAIV is now endemic in wild populations.
In addition, EU legislation does not distinguish between Newcastle Disease (NCD) in poultry and Pigeon Paramyxo Virus (PMV) in pigeons. This could lead to unjustified trade restrictions and loss of NCD-free status in the event of a PMV outbreak. In line with WOAH recommendations, the industry advocates recognising this distinction and limiting measures pertaining to NCD in poultry.
Finally, the sector stresses the importance of providing for derogations for pigeon racing, given its genetic and cultural value and the negligible risk of it spreading HPAIV.
- 1.Is the Commission willing, in cooperation with EFSA and the WOAH, to adapt regulations to the species-specific sensitivity of birds, such as pigeons?
- 2.Can the Commission authorise derogations for low-risk bird species, such as racing pigeons?
- 3.Will the Commission make a clear distinction between NCD and PMV in the EU legislation?
Submitted: 24.4.2025