2004/177/EC: Commission Decision of 20 February 2004 on the temporary introduction of registered horses participating in the Olympic Games or the Paralympic Games in Greece in 2004 (Text with EEA relevance) (notified under document number C(2004) 499)

Commission Decision
of 20 February 2004
on the temporary introduction of registered horses participating in the Olympic Games or the Paralympic Games in Greece in 2004
(notified under document number C(2004) 499)
(Text with EEA relevance)
(2004/177/EC)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Directive 90/426/EEC of 26 June 1990 on animal health conditions governing the movement and import from third countries of equidae(1), and in particular Article 19(ii) thereof,
Whereas:
(1) In accordance with Commission Decision 92/260/EEC of 10 April 1992 on animal health conditions and veterinary certification for temporary admission of registered horses(2) and with Commission Decision 93/197/EEC of 5 February 1993 on animal health conditions and veterinary certification for imports of registered equidae and equidae for breeding and production(3), guarantees must be provided to ensure that uncastrated male horses older than 180 days do not pose a risk as regards the spreading of equine viral arteritis.
(2) Registered horses participating in the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, in August 2004 will be under the veterinary supervision of the competent authorities of Greece and the organising Fédération Equestre International (FEI).
(3) Registered horses participating in the XII Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece, in September 2004, will be under the veterinary supervision of the competent authorities of Greece.
(4) Certain male horses qualified for the participation in these high level equestrian events may not comply with the requirements laid down in Decisions 92/260/EEC or 93/197/EEC respectively as regards equine viral arteritis.
(5) A derogation from those requirements should therefore be provided for horses temporarily admitted or imported for these sporting events. That derogation should set out conditions excluding any risk of spreading equine viral arteritis.
(6) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,