(1)

Commission Decision 1999/507/EC of 26 July 1999 on certain protection measures with regard to certain fruit bats, dogs and cats coming from Malaysia (Peninsula) and Australia (2) has been substantially amended several times (3). In the interests of clarity and rationality the said Decision should be codified.

(2)

The principal animal health conditions to be complied with by Member States when importing from third countries dogs, cats and other animals susceptible to rabies are laid down in Council Directive 92/65/EEC of 13 July 1992 laying down animal health requirements governing trade in and imports into the Community of animals, semen, ova and embryos not subject to animal health requirements laid down in specific Community rules referred to in Annex A(I) to Directive 90/425/EEC (4). However the veterinary certification is not yet harmonised.

(3)

Fatal cases of Hendra disease and Nipah disease in human beings have been declared respectively in Australia and in Malaysia.

(4)

Fruit bats of the genus Pteropus are considered the natural host of Hendra disease virus and incriminated in being the virus reservoir for Nipah disease. However these mammals do not show clinical signs of disease and may harbour the virus in the presence of neutralising antibodies.

(5)

Fruit bats are occasionally imported from third countries. Pending Community animal health conditions for imports from third countries of fruit bats, it appears necessary to introduce certain protection measures with regard to Hendra and Nipah diseases.

(6)

Hendra disease may be transmitted by cats, and dogs and cats contract Nipah disease. The exposure to the respective viruses stimulates seroconversion in diseased and reconvalescent animals, which can be detected by laboratory testing.

(7)

The presence of this zoonotic disease in the above countries is liable to constitute a danger for persons and susceptible animals in the Community.

(8)

It is necessary to adopt protection measures at Community level with regard to imports of fruit bats, dogs and cats from Malaysia (Peninsula) and Australia.

(9)

However, Hendra disease, being a notifiable disease in accordance with Australian law, has not been reported in Australia since 1999. Therefore, no special laboratory tests should be required for cats imported from Australia.

(10)

For the sake of clarity provisions should be made allowing the transit of dogs and cats through international airports in Malaysia.

(11)

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