2002/636/EC: Commission Decision of 31 July 2002 on the temporary admission of horses participating in the World Equestrian Games in Spain in 2002 (Text with EEA relevance) (notified under document number C(2002) 2884)

Commission Decision
of 31 July 2002
on the temporary admission of horses participating in the World Equestrian Games in Spain in 2002
(notified under document number C(2002) 2884)
(Text with EEA relevance)
(2002/636/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 imports from third countries of equidae(1), as last amended by Commission Decision 2002/160/EC(2), and in particular Article 19(ii) thereof,
Whereas:
(1) The health conditions and veterinary certification for the temporary admission of registered horses are laid down in Commission Decision 92/260/EEC(3), as last amended by Decision 2001/828/EC(4). These conditions require guarantees for uncastrated male horses older than 180 days with regard to equine viral arteritis, in particular they require proof of the absence of the virus in the semen.
(2) Registered horses participating in the World Equestrian Games in Jerez de la Frontera in Spain in September 2002 will be under the veterinary supervision of the competent authorities of Spain and the organising Fédération équestre internationale (FEI).
(3) Certain male horses qualified for the participation in this high level equestrian event cannot comply with the conditions for equine viral arteritis laid down in Decision 92/260/EEC. However, the likelihood of these horses being used for breeding during the competition and the preceding acclimatisation period is negligible.
(4) It appears appropriate to provide a derogation from the requirements for equine viral arteritis for male registered horses temporarily admitted for this sporting event which cannot be certified in accordance with Decision 92/260/EEC, under the condition that arrangements have been made for such horses to leave the European Union without delay after the events have finished.
(5) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,