To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with the World Organisation for Animal Health on the effect of strain H1N1 of influenza on the animal kingdom. (275108)

We have been closely monitoring the statements of the World Organisation for Animal Health (the OIE) on the new variant Influenza A/H1N1. Contacts with the OIE are normally made though the offices of the European Commission. We have maintained close contact with the European Commission and other member states on this subject since the situation began.

To date the information available from all sources indicates that infection with the new variant Influenza A/H1N1has occurred primarily in humans. The Canadian authorities reported on 2 May 2009 that this infection was also identified in a herd of pigs in Alberta, Canada. This single report from Canada indicates that this strain readily infects pigs and is of low pathogenicity to pigs. It is not possible to be certain that this virus will infect and affect other pigs in the same way, nor any other animal or bird species. To date there are no other reports of infection in pigs (or other animals). We understand that a joint OIE/FAO mission has taken place in Mexico where areas of further co-operation with Mexican authorities have been discussed. We would expect to see a report of this mission in due course.

Apart from this information from Canada, the possible effect of this strain of H1N1 influenza on the animal kingdom is unknown.

The OIE is collaborating with the EU, WHO, UN FAO and a network of reference laboratories and collaborating centres (including Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Weybridge) in scientific investigations on the current situation and whether this strain of H1N1 is capable of infecting other animal and bird species.

The issues of novel influenza A/H1N1 virus will also be on the agenda at the EU member states Chief Veterinary Officer's Council meeting in Brussels on 12 May, 2009.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent guidance his Department has issued to keepers of pigs on swine influenza; and what restrictions there are on the importation of (a) pigs and (b) pig meat in respect of swine influenza. (275117)

We have not found the new variant Influenza A/H1N1 in pigs in the UK and continue to maintain our surveillance. The Food Standards Agency's advice is that the novel influenza A H1N1 virus does not pose a food safety risk to consumers. It has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating pork and pork products.

Our advice to pig keepers is that they should stay out of contact with pigs if they have influenza signs. We also continue to advise pig keepers to ensure they have good biosecurity procedures in place, something which is important at all times. Our information to pig keepers also includes details of the surveillance programme for swine influenza which DEFRA has been funding since 1991.

European Community rules only permit imports of live swine from approved third countries and pig meat products from approved plants in those countries that have agreed animal and public health certification in place. Countries such as Mexico, which are not able to meet the certification requirements, are not permitted to export live swine and pig meat products to the European community.

All animals and meat, which can only be imported to the European Community from approved third countries, must be accompanied by veterinary certification which must confirm, among other things, that live animals have been examined by an official veterinarian within 24 hours of loading and showed no clinical signs of disease.

Meat must have been derived from animals which have been subjected to a veterinary inspection during the 24 hours prior to slaughter.

Animals and meat imported into the European Community from approved third countries must enter at designated Border Inspection Posts (BIPs) where they are subject to veterinary inspections.