Austria Seeks Exemption from EU Sika Deer Ban

According to Euractiv, Austria is seeking an exemption from an EU ban on keeping sika deer to protect around 250 farms with up to 7,000 animals.

The Asian species, Cervus nippon, was added to the EU’s list of invasive alien species because of the threat it poses to native ecosystems, particularly through hybridization with red deer. The decision bans the keeping, breeding and sale of sika deer, while existing herds must be phased out by August 2027.

Vienna argues that the sector serves an overriding public interest by supporting regional employment and contributing tens of millions of euros to the Austrian economy.

Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig has also questioned the scientific basis for the restrictions, saying there are no known cases in Austria of sika deer hybridizing with native red deer.

The Austrian government is gathering further information from breeders to strengthen its case in Brussels. The relevant public consultation closes on 10 August.

(max)