Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/689Show full title

Section 9 U.K. Sampling and laboratory testing methods

1. The number of poultry establishments to be sampled and the number of poultry to be tested per establishment and, as appropriate, by epidemiological unit (e.g. poultry flock, shed, etc.) on the concerned establishment must be based on a statistically valid sampling method. This method may be that used for representative sampling; i.e. an estimated prevalence to be detected according to a pre-defined level of confidence determined by the competent authority. U.K.

2. Frequency and period for testing: U.K.

(a)

the frequency for sampling and testing of poultry establishments must be determined based on the outcome of a risk assessment by the competent authority;

(b)

the time period for sampling must coincide with seasonal production for each production category, but must not compromise the risk-based surveillance approach;

(c)

when relevant, the time period for sampling must take into account the period of heightened risk as referred to in point 3 of Section 3. Samples must be subjected to laboratory testing by virological methods, when taken for:

(i)

early detection of HPAI in poultry referred to in Section 3;

(ii)

early detection of HPAI in wild birds referred to in Section 4;

(iii)

complementary surveillance for HPAI in poultry species which generally do not show significant clinical signs of HPAI referred to in Section 5;

(iv)

follow-up of sero-positive findings referred to in point 4(b).

For virological testing the prevalence and time window for detection of active infection must be taken into account.

3. Samples must be subjected to laboratory testing by serological methods, when taken for: U.K.

(a)

complementary surveillance for HPAI in poultry species which generally do not show significant clinical signs of HPAI referred to in Section 5 supplementing virological testing, as appropriate;

(b)

detection of clusters of LPAIV infected establishments referred to in Section 6. When for technical reasons or other duly justified reasons sampling for serology is not appropriate, virological testing must be performed.