2008/377/EC: Commission Decision of 8 May 2008 concerning certain protection measures relating to classical swine fever in Slovakia (notified under document number C(2008) 1765) (Text with EEA relevance)

20.5.2008 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 130/18
COMMISSION DECISION
of 8 May 2008
concerning certain protection measures relating to classical swine fever in Slovakia
(notified under document number C(2008) 1765)
(Text with EEA relevance)
(2008/377/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), and in particular Article 10(4) thereof,
Whereas:
(1) Outbreaks of classical swine fever have occurred in Slovakia.
(2) In view of the trade in live pigs and certain pig products, those outbreaks are liable to endanger the herds of other Members States.
(3) Slovakia has taken measures within the framework of Council Directive 2001/89/EC of 23 October 2001 on Community measures for the control of classical swine fever (2).
(4) Commission Decision 2008/303/EC of 14 April 2008 concerning interim protection measures relating to Classical Swine Fever in Slovakia (3) was adopted in order to reinforce the measures taken by Slovakia pursuant to Directive 2001/89/EC.
(5) Commission Decision 2006/805/EC of 24 November 2006 concerning animal health control measures relating to classical swine fever in certain Member States (4) was adopted in response to outbreaks of classical swine fever in feral pigs in those Member States concerned. Those measures should continue to apply in Slovakia.
(6) The animal health conditions and the certification requirements for trade in live pigs are laid down in Council Directive 64/432/EEC of 26 June 1964 on animal health problems affecting intra-Community trade in bovine animals and swine (5).
(7) The animal health conditions and certification requirements for trade in porcine semen are laid down in Council Directive 90/429/EEC of 26 June 1990 laying down the animal health requirements applicable to intra-Community trade in and imports of semen of domestic animals of the porcine species (6).
(8) The animal health conditions and certification requirements for trade in porcine ova and embryos are laid down in Commission Decision 95/483/EC of 9 November 1995 determining the specimen certificate for intra-Community trade in ova and embryos of swine (7).
(9) Commission Decision 2002/106/EC of 1 February 2002 approving a Diagnostic Manual establishing diagnostic procedures, sampling methods and criteria for evaluation of the laboratory tests for the confirmation of classical swine fever (8) provides for risk adapted surveillance protocols.
(10) Based on the information provided by Slovakia it appears that classical swine fever might have spread already to herds in several areas of that Member State before the outbreaks were discovered. Appropriate investigations to trace, confirm or infirm new infections require sufficient time viewing the nature of the disease. It is therefore appropriate to review the protective measures relating to classical swine fever in Slovakia. In the context of these precautionary measures, it is in particular also appropriate to specify in which cases and under which conditions the transport of pigs may be authorised to Member States and within the territory of Slovakia to prevent the spread of the disease.
(11) Decision 2008/303/EC should therefore be repealed.
(12) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,