90/451/EEC: Commission Decision of 16 July 1990 on health protection measures in respect of imports of fresh meat from Namibia

COMMISSION  DECISION
of 16 July 1990
on health protection measures in respect of imports of fresh meat from Namibia
(90/451/EEC)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,
Having regard to Council Directive 72/462/EEC of 12 December 1972 on health and veterinary inspection problems upon importation of bovine animals and swine and fresh meat or meat products from third countries (1), as last amended by Directive 89/662/EEC (2), and in particular Article 15 thereof,
Whereas vaccination against exotic types of foot-and-mouth disease is practised in certain parts of Namibia; whereas these parts are officially designated as control areas;
Whereas these measures have the effect of limiting the risk of introducing this disease when importing fresh meat to the Community; whereas in order further to reduce the risk of foot-and-mouth disease if such imports are authorized, it is appropriate to restrict imports to boned meat of bovine animals and to prohibit imports of offal from certain areas;
Whereas the central veterinary authorities of Namibia have confirmed that rinderpest and exotic foot-and-mouth disease have not occurred in the areas designated for export for at least 12 months and that vaccination against those diseases is not practised in those areas; whereas the Commission and the Member States will be notified within 24 hours, by telex or telegram, of the confirmation of the occurrence of either of the abovementioned diseases, an alteration in the vaccination policy against them or an alteration in the specified control areas for foot-and-mouth disease;
Whereas the animal health requirements of Member States pursuant to Article 16 of Directive 72/462/EEC relating to imports of meat from Namibia have not yet been laid down at Community level; whereas, pending the entry into force of such requirements, the Member States are free to prohibit imports of fresh meat from Namibia;
Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee,