90/156/EEC: Commission Decision of 19 March 1990 concerning animal health conditions and veterinary certification for imports of fresh meat from Madagascar

COMMISSION  DECISION
of 19 March 1990
concerning animal health conditions and veterinary certification for imports of fresh meat from Madagascar
(90/156/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 89/227/EEC (2), and in particular Article 16 thereof,
Whereas, following a veterinary mission of the Community it appears that Madagascar is free from foot-and-mouth disease and does not practise vaccination against this disease;
Whereas, however, exotic foot-and-mouth disease virus exists on the African continent and there is a risk of introduction into the said country;
Whereas the central veterinary authorities of Madagascar have undertaken to inform the Member States and the Commission by telex or telegram, within 24 hours at the latest of the confirmation of the occurrence of any outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease therein;
Whereas animal health conditions and veterinary certification must be adopted according to the animal health situation of the country concerned;
Whereas measures must be adopted to avoid the slaughter in an establishment of animals reacting positively to a tuberculosis test at the same time as animals whose meat is destined for the EEC market;
Whereas this decision will be reviewed in the light of the developing animal health situation in Madagascar and in particular of the possible appearance of foot-and-mouth disease and of a change in the non-vaccination policy;
Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee,