98/396/EC: Commission Decision of 29 May 1998 repealing Decision 98/85/EC concerning certain protective measures with regard to live birds coming from or originating in Hong Kong and China (notified under document number C(1998) 1415) (Text with EEA relevance)

COMMISSION DECISION of 29 May 1998 repealing Decision 98/85/EC concerning certain protective measures with regard to live birds coming from or originating in Hong Kong and China (notified under document number C(1998) 1415) (Text with EEA relevance) (98/396/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 organisation 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,
Whereas the Commission, further to an outbreak of influenza H5N1 in humans in Hong Kong, and in view of a possible epidemiological connection between humans and poultry, has taken Decision 98/85/EC of 16 January 1998 concerning certain protective measures with regard to live birds coming from or originating in Hong Kong and China (3);
Whereas the purpose of that Decision was to prevent the introduction of the influenza H5N1 virus into the Community through consignments of live birds;
Whereas in accordance with information form the WHO, it appears that it is unlikely that the virus is still present either in humans or in animals;
Whereas it is therefore appropriate to repeal Decision 98/85/EC;
Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee,