2000/551/EC: Commission Decision of 15 September 2000 on certain protection measures with regard to equidae coming from certain parts of the United States of America affected by West Nile fever (notified under document number C(2000) 2711) (Text with EEA relevance)

Commission Decision
of 15 September 2000
on certain protection measures with regard to equidae coming from certain parts of the United States of America affected by West Nile fever
(notified under document number C(2000) 2711)
(Text with EEA relevance)
(2000/551/EC)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Directive 91/496/EEC of 15 July 1991 laying down the principles governing the organisation of veterinary checks on animals entering the Community from third countries and amending Directives 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC and 90/675/EEC(1), as last amended by Directive 96/43/EC(2), and in particular Article 18(1) thereof,
Whereas:
(1) Council Directive 90/426/EEC of 26 June 1990 lays down the animal health conditions governing the movement and import from third countries of equidae(3).
(2) In certain states of the United States of America cases of West Nile fever, a non-contagious vector-transmitted viral disease accompanied by clinical signs of encephalitis, have been reported in horses.
(3) The presence of this disease is liable to constitute a danger for humans and equidae.
(4) Pending the meeting of the Standing Veterinary Committee the Commission should take interim protective measures with regard to equidae coming from the affected parts of the territory of the United States of America,