(1)

Regulation (EC) No 998/2003 lays down the animal health requirements applicable to the non-commercial movement of pet animals and the rules applicable to checks on such movements.

(2)

Regulation (EC) No 998/2003 lays down that a list of third countries from which the movement of pet animals to the Community may be authorised, provided that certain requirements are met, is to be set out in Part C of Annex II to that Regulation.

(3)

The list in Part C of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 998/2003 includes third countries and territories which are free of rabies and third countries and territories in respect of which the risk of rabies entering the Community as a result of movements from those third countries and territories has been found to be no higher than the risk associated with movements between Member States.

(4)

From the information submitted by the United Kingdom as regards the British Virgin Islands, it appears that the risk of rabies entering the Community as a result of movements of pet animals from that territory is no higher than the risk associated with movements of pet animals between Member States or from third countries already listed in Regulation (EC) No 998/2003. Therefore the British Virgin Islands should be included in the list set out in Part C of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 998/2003.

(5)

In the interest of clarity of Community legislation, the list of countries and territories set out in Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 998/2003 should be replaced in its entirety.

(6)

Regulation (EC) No 998/2003 should therefore be amended accordingly.

(7)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,