Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they assessed the risk of infected game meat from highly pathogenic avian influenza in released pheasants entering (1) the human food chain, and (2) pet or zoo meat supplies; and what controls are in place to prevent that entry.

There are several statutory measures which minimise the risk of game birds infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) entering the food and feed chains.

The release of game birds is not permitted in any avian influenza disease control zone, nor are game bird releases permitted while an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ), including mandatory housing measures, is in force. Additional biosecurity measures for game bird operations mandated by the AIPZs are currently in force across England and Wales.

For farmed game, assimilated Regulation 2019/627 does not permit animals showing symptoms of disease to enter the food chain, and they are actively prevented from entering the slaughterhouse by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

For wild game, assimilated Regulation 853/2004 requires a trained hunter/person to identify signs that may indicate that the meat presents a health risk. If abnormal behaviour is observed before killing or there are abnormal findings during examination, the Animal and Plant Health Agency and the FSA must be notified and the bird(s) will be removed from the food and feed chain if the findings are consistent with HPAI.

Under assimilated Regulation 1069/2009, carcases of wild animals, including game animals, when suspected of being infected with diseases communicable to humans or animals, including HPAI, are classed as a Category 1, or high risk, animal by-product and cannot be used for pet food.