Document ID: 31999D0606

COMMISSION DECISION
of 27 August 1999
concerning a special Community financial contribution towards the eradication of bluetongue in Bulgaria by means of vaccination in the infected regions
(notified under document number C(1999) 2835)
(1999/606/EC)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Decision 90/424/EEC of 26 June 1990 on expenditure in the veterinary field(1), as last amended by Decision 94/370/EC(2), and in particular Article 8 thereof,
(1) Whereas outbreaks of bluetongue have occurred in Bulgaria in the regions of Bourgas, Jambol and Hasskovo; whereas protective measures were adopted by Commission Decision 1999/542/EC(3) with regard to imports of certain animals from Bulgaria due to an outbreak of bluetongue;
(2) Whereas the epidemic has continued to spread since the first outbreaks and the available epidemiological data do not give any reason to hope for a change in this situation;
(3) Whereas the spread of this disease in this part of Eastern Europe represents a threat to the Community and must be stopped;
(4) Whereas vaccination is the only means of combating the spread of the epidemic; whereas it also helps limit mortality in flocks in the affected areas;
(5) Whereas, therefore, Bulgaria's efforts to eradicate the disease should be supported in accordance with Article 8 of Decision 90/424/EEC;
(6) Whereas Bulgaria has requested help from the Community with the acquisition of 100000 doses of vaccines;
(7) Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
Bulgaria may obtain a financial contribution from the Community for the acquisition of 100000 doses of bluetongue vaccine for an emergency vaccination campaign in the provinces of Bourgas, Jambol and Hasskovo.
Article 2
The financial contribution referred to in Article 1 shall be granted on condition that the Bulgarian authorities undertake to implement the following measures in the provinces referred to in Article 1:
- legal provisions making vaccination compulsory within the infected zone and surrounding areas. The extent of the vaccination zone shall be determined on the basis of geographic and environmental data,
- registration of owners of herds or flocks of sensitive species (animals of bovine, ovine and caprine species),
- marking of vaccinated animals (ovine animals) so as to allow easy identification subsequently,
- an information campaign aimed at stock keepers and veterinarians.
Article 3
The Community financial contribution shall be 100 % of expenditure on the acquisition of the vaccine and its transport to Bulgaria, up to maximum of EUR 10000.
Article 4
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Brussels, 27 August 1999.

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