2000/350/EC: Commission Decision of 2 May 2000 on epidemiological surveillance of bluetongue in Greece and certain measures to prevent the spread of the disease (notified under document number C(2000) 1143) (Only the Greek text is authentic)

Commission Decision
of 2 May 2000
on epidemiological surveillance of bluetongue in Greece and certain measures to prevent the spread of the disease
(notified under document number C(2000) 1143)
(Only the Greek text is authentic)
(2000/350/EC)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Directive 90/425/EEC of 26 June 1990 concerning veterinary and zootechnical checks applicable in intra-Community trade in certain live animals and products with a view to the completion of the internal market(1), as last amended by Directive 92/118/EEC(2), and in particular Article 10(4) thereof,
Having regard to Council Decision 90/424/EEC(3) of 26 June 1990 on expenditure in the veterinary field as last amended by Decision 94/370/EC(4), and in particular Article 6 thereof,
Whereas:
(1) Following outbreaks of bluetongue in 1999 on a certain part of the Greek territory.
(2) Bluetongue is included in List A of the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) and its spread constitutes a serious hazard for the Community and could have international consequences for trade.
(3) It is necessary to set up an alert system to monitor, after a cold season, the possible start of a new cycle of the disease in year 2000 in regions where the virus circulation was established in 1999.
(4) It is necessary to maintain restriction of movements of animals in order to prevent movements of viraemic animals.
(5) The infected zone may be divided, on the basis of the epidemiological data available on the evolution of the disease during the year 1999, into a low-risk area and a high-risk area.
(6) Anti-vector measures have to be implemented during winter time in places where virus-transmission might have been maintained.
(7) Greece has adopted since 19 November 1999 (Ministerial Decision No 398171 as amended by Ministerial Decision No 331765) national measures prohibiting the dispatch to Member States and export to third countries of animals, their sperm, ova and embryos, of species susceptible to bluetongue (all ruminants) from its entire territory. Greek authorities have undertaken not to amend those measures without prior consultation with and agreement of the Commission and the Member States in the framework of the Standing Veterinary Committee.
(8) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee,