91/146/EEC: Commission Decision of 19 March 1991 concerning protective measures against cholera in Peru

COMMISSION DECISION  of 19 March 1991  concerning protective measures against cholera in Peru  (91/146/EEC)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,
Having regard to Council Directive 90/675/EEC of 10 December 1990 laying down the principles governing the organization of veterinary checks on products entering the Community from third countries (1), and in particular Article 19 thereof,
Whereas in accordance with Article 19 of Directive 90/675/EEC the necessary decisions shall be adopted in particular concerning the importation of certain products from third countries in which any phenomenon liable to present a serious threat to animal  or public health appears or spreads;
Whereas an epidemic of cholera is developing in Peru; whereas this disease presents a serious threat to public health and whereas the cholera agent may contaminate animals as well as products of animal origin;
Whereas a mission of Community experts has visited Peru in order to examine the situation and to study the guarantees necessary to avoid the risk of introducing cholera into the Community;
Whereas it is necesary to prohibit the importation of fisheries products originating in or coming from Peru; whereas, however, this prohibition must not be applied to certain consignments covered by appropriate guarantees given by the official Peruvian  authorities;
Whereas the abovementioned guarantees shall apply without prejudice to conditions applicable, despite this exceptional situation, to importations coming from Peru;
Whereas provisions should be laid down to ensure that effective checks are conducted on products accompanied by certificates in the Member State where they are intended to be released for consumption and there should be a review of the provisions of  this Decision where a check on import reveals the presence of the cholera vibrio;
Whereas the measures laid down in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee;