97/183/EC: Commission Decision of 25 February 1997 amending Decision 96/659/EC on protective measures in relation to Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever in South Africa (Text with EEA relevance)

COMMISSION DECISION of 25 February 1997 amending Decision 96/659/EC on protective measures in relation to Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever in South Africa (Text with EEA relevance) (97/183/EC)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Directive 91/496/EEC of 15 July 1991 laying down the principles governing the organization of veterinary checks on animals entering the Community from third countries and amending Directives 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC and 90/675/EEC (1), as last amended by Directive 96/43/EC (2), and in particular Article 18 (7) thereof,
Having regard to Council Directive 90/675/EEC of 10 December 1990 laying down the principles governing the organisation of veterinary checks on products entering the Community from third countries (3), as last amended by Directive 96/43/EC and in particular Article 19 (7) thereof,
Whereas the presence of Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever has been confirmed in South Africa;
Whereas Commission Decision 96/659/EC (4) prohibited the importation of live ratites, and meat of ratites from South Africa until the situation was clarified;
Whereas new scientific research has permitted the risk relating to the importation of live ratites and meat of ratites to be clarified; whereas Commission Decision 96/659/EC can now be amended to take account of the knowledge gained;
Whereas, however, it is now appropriate to extend the decision to cover all areas where this disease is likely to occur;
Whereas Chapter III of Council Directive 91/494/EEC (5) sets out the general animal health rules for the importation of poultry meat from third countries; whereas detailed veterinary conditions and certificates have not yet been adopted in the case of meat from ratites;
Whereas Chapter III of Council Directive 90/539/EEC (6) sets out the general animal health rules for the importation of live poultry from third countries; whereas detailed veterinary conditions and certificates have not yet been adopted in the case of ratites;
Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee,