Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 November 2025
403. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 731 of 14 October 2025, if all strains of avian influenza which may result in an order from his Department to cull a flock are covered by a related compensation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62580/25]
View answerThe Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides that compensation to owners of animals may be payable, if a cull of those animals is directed by my Department in the event of an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The compensation may relate to the animal that is culled, or to an animal product, animal feed or similar item that is destroyed in relation to the outbreak. The compensation may not exceed the open market value of the animal or item. HPAI is classified as a Category A animal disease under the EU Animal Health Law.
Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) is not a Category A disease. It is considered a production disease and any decision to cull is a commercial decision taken by the flock owner. In this instance, no compensation is available for the culling of flocks on foot of a flock owner's decision.
