2000/552/EC: Commission Decision of 15 September 2000 on certain protection measures with regard to movement of equidae within and dispatch from certain parts of France affected by West Nile fever (notified under document number C(2000) 2712) (Text with EEA relevance)

Commission Decision
of 15 September 2000
on certain protection measures with regard to movement of equidae within and dispatch from certain parts of France affected by West Nile fever
(notified under document number C(2000) 2712)
(Text with EEA relevance)
(2000/552/EC)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to 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(1), as last amended by Directive 92/118/EEC(2), and in particular Article 10 thereof,
Whereas:
(1) In certain departments of France cases of West Nile fever, a non-contagious vector-transmitted viral disease accompanied by clinical signs of encephalitis, have been reported in horses.
(2) The presence of this disease is liable to constitute a danger for humans and equidae.
(3) Council Directive 90/426/EEC of 26 June 1990 lays down the animal health conditions governing the movement and import from third countries of equidae(3).
(4) France has taken national measures to control the disease, however, additional restrictions shall be applied until further results of epidemiological enquiries become available. Since it is possible to identify geographically areas presenting a particular risk, the restrictions on movement of equidae should apply on a regional basis.
(5) Pending the meeting of the Standing Veterinary Committee and in collaboration with the Member State concerned the Commission should take interim protective measures with regard to equidae moving within and out of the affected parts of the territory of France.
(6) This Decision shall be reviewed at the Standing Veterinary Committee scheduled for 3rd October 2000,