2000/149/EC: Commission Decision of 22 February 2000 concerning certain protection measures relating to avian influenza in Italy (notified under document number C(2000) 489) (Text with EEA relevance)

COMMISSION DECISION
of 22 February 2000
concerning certain protection measures relating to avian influenza in Italy
(notified under document number C(2000) 489)
(Text with EEA relevance)
(2000/149/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(4) thereof,
Having regard to Council Directive 89/662/EEC of 11 December 1989 concerning veterinary checks in intra-Community trade with a view to the completion of the internal market(3), as last amended by Directive 92/118/EEC, and in particular, Article 9(4) thereof,
Whereas:
(1) Outbreaks of avian influenza have occurred in Italy in several regions since 20 December 1999.
(2) Measures to control avian influenza are given in Council Directive 92/40/EEC introducing Community measures for the control of avian influenza(4).
(3) The provisions for intra Community trade in live poultry and hatching eggs are given in Council Directive 90/539/EEC on animal health conditions governing intra-Community trade in, and imports from third countries of, poultry and hatching eggs(5), as last amended Directive 1999/90/EC(6).
(4) The provisions for intra-Community trade in birds other than poultry referred to in Directive 90/539/EEC are given in Council Directive 92/65/EEC laying down animal health requirements governing trade in and imports into the Community of animals, semen, ova and embryos not subject to animal health requirements laid down in specific Community rules referred to in Annex A Section I to Directive 90/425/EEC(7), as last amended by Commission Decision 95/176/EC(8).
(5) The provisions for intra-Community trade in fresh poultry meat are given in Council Directive 91/494/EEC of 26 June 1991 on animal helath conditions governing intra-Community trade in and imports from third countries of fresh poultry meat(9), as last amended by Directive 1999/89/EC(10).
(6) The disease situation is liable to endanger the flocks in other parts of the Community in view of trade in live poultry and birds and hatching eggs thereof.
(7) Italy has established avian influenza preventive and control measures within the framework of:
- Directive 92/40/EEC
- Directive 90/539/EEC
- Directive 92/65/EEC
- Directive 91/494/EEC
- National Decree No 600.6/24461/57N/139 issued on 14 January 2000 by the Ministry of Health of Italy.
(8) Member States recognise that measures implemented by Italy are appropriate.
(9) However in view of the evolution of the disease and the specifity of the epidemiology of this particular epidemic specific measures shall be adopted in view of reducing the risk of spreading the virus within the poultry population.
(10) These measures should reflect the specific structure of the integrated industry in the affected area.
(11) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee,