# L_2022093EN.01019101.xml

| 22.3.2022 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 93/191 |
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22.3.2022

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 93/191

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COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2022/460

of 4 March 2022

amending Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/788 laying down rules for the monitoring and reporting of infections with SARS-CoV-2 in certain animal species

(notified under document C(2022) 1270)

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Directive 2003/99/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 November 2003 on the monitoring of zoonoses and zoonotic agents, amending Council Decision 90/424/EEC and repealing Council Directive 92/117/EEC (1), and in particular Articles 4(5) and 9(1) and Article 11, third paragraph, thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Since 2020, infections with the SARS-CoV-2 virus in minks have been reported in certain Member States and third countries, and it has been established that human-to-mink and mink-to-human transmission can occur. Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/788 of 12 May 2021 (2) thus lays down rules for harmonised monitoring and reporting, within the Union, of infections with SARS-CoV-2 in certain animal species. |
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(1)

Since 2020, infections with the SARS-CoV-2 virus in minks have been reported in certain Member States and third countries, and it has been established that human-to-mink and mink-to-human transmission can occur. Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/788 of 12 May 2021 (2) thus lays down rules for harmonised monitoring and reporting, within the Union, of infections with SARS-CoV-2 in certain animal species.

| (2) | The period of application of the measures provided for in Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/788 should take into account the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in certain animal species. Outbreaks in minks’ establishments in various Member States in 2021 and 2022 indicate that the epidemiological situation is still evolving and that further assessment of the risks is needed. |
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(2)

The period of application of the measures provided for in Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/788 should take into account the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in certain animal species. Outbreaks in minks’ establishments in various Member States in 2021 and 2022 indicate that the epidemiological situation is still evolving and that further assessment of the risks is needed.

| (3) | Given the current epidemiological situation in the Union and in third countries, the period of applicability of Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/788 should therefore be extended, to ensure that all relevant information continues to be collected through an efficient, harmonised monitoring and reporting system. Harmonised monitoring and reporting should continue until a further assessment of the risks and of the available control measures takes place. |
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(3)

Given the current epidemiological situation in the Union and in third countries, the period of applicability of Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/788 should therefore be extended, to ensure that all relevant information continues to be collected through an efficient, harmonised monitoring and reporting system. Harmonised monitoring and reporting should continue until a further assessment of the risks and of the available control measures takes place.

| (4) | Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/788 should therefore be amended accordingly. |
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(4)

Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/788 should therefore be amended accordingly.

| (5) | The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, |
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(5)

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

In Article 6 of Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/788, the date ‘31 March 2022’ is replaced by ‘31 March 2023’.

Article 2

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 4 March 2022.

For the Commission

Stella KYRIAKIDES

Member of the Commission

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(1)  
  OJ L 325, 12.12.2003, p. 31.

1

(2)  Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/788 of 12 May 2021 laying down rules for the monitoring and reporting of infections with SARS-CoV-2 in certain animal species (OJ L 173, 17.5.2021, p. 6).

2

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