WRITTEN QUESTION E-2280/01

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(31 July 2001)

Subject: Case of BSE in Greece

In early July 2001 the first case of BSE appeared in Greece; it was not possible to certify the origin or identity of the animal concerned for lack of data on the part of the competent Greek authorities.

Can the Commission, on the basis of Article 3(1)(c) of Directive 90/425/EEC(1), Articles 14 and 18 of Directive 64/432/EEC(2), Directive 92/102/EEC(3) and Article 4 of Regulation (EC) 1760/2000(4), explain why the competent Greek authorities were unable to ascertain the origin and identity of the animal in question? Has Greece complied with the provisions of Regulation (EC) 1760/2000 and the above directives? Has it established an electronic database, and if so when? What stage has the national system for the identification and registration of bovine animals reached in Greece?

(1) OJ L 224, 18.8.1990, p. 29.

(2) Special Edition series I (63-64. p. 164.).

(3) OJ L 355, 5.12.1992, p. 32.

(4) OJ L 204, 11.8.2000, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(11 October 2001)

According to the report of the Greek authorities on the first case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Greece, major deficiencies were encountered with regard to the identification and registration of the bovine animals present on the affected holding. As a result of these deficiencies it was not possible to establish the identity and origin of the infected animal.

Hence in the case described by the Greek authorities, the Community rules laid down in Article 3(1)(c) of Council Directive 90/425/EEC(1), Article 5(2) of Council Directive 92/102/EEC(2), and Article 4 of Regulation (EC) 1760/2000(3) have not been complied with.

As regards Council Directive 92/102/EEC it must be noted that experience and notably the bovine spongiform encephalopathy crisis had shown that the implementation of the existing rules for identification and registration had not been entirely satisfactory and needed further improvement. Hence the existing provisions for identification and registration of bovine animals were reinforced with the adoption in 1997 of Council Regulation (EC) No 820/97 of 21 April 1997 establishing a system for the identification and registration of bovine animals and regarding the labelling of beef and beef products(4). These provisions have been carried over in Regulation (EC) No 1760/2000.

The Greek authorities have informed the Commission that double ear-tagging and passports for bovine animals were introduced in 1999 and have demonstrated the identification of bovine animals to the Commission during inspection missions.

The obligation of Member States to set up a computerised database was introduced in 1997 as part of the reinforced system for the identification and registration of bovine animals. The computerised database shall be set up in accordance with Article 14 of Council Directive 64/432/EEC(5) and become fully operational no later than 31 December 1999. Greece was one of several Member States not able to meet this deadline.

The Greek authorities have informed the Commission that the bovine database has been installed and is currently being tested. Entry of data will commence October 2001 and is expected to be completed by June 2002.

(1) Council Directive 90/425/EEC of 26 June 1990 concerning veterinary and zootechnical checks applicable in intra-Community trade in certain live animals and products with a view to the completion of the internal market.

(2) Council Directive 92/102/EEC of 27 November 1992 on the identification and registration of animals.

(3) Regulation (EC) No 1760/2000 of the Parliament and of the Council of 17 July 2000 establishing a system for the identification and registration of bovine animals and regarding the labelling of beef and beef products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 820/97.

(4) OJ L 117, 7.5.1997.

(5) Council Directive 64/432/EEC of 26 June 1964 on animal health problems affecting intra-Community trade in bovine animals and swine.