Commission Decision

of 11 February 2002

amending for the third time Decision 1999/766/EC on certain protective measures in respect of infectious salmon anaemia in salmonids in Norway

(notified under document number C(2002) 443)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2002/109/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(7) thereof,

Having regard to Council Directive 97/78/EC of 18 December 1997 laying down the principles governing the organisation of veterinary checks on products entering the Community from third countries(3), and in particular Article 22(6) thereof,

Whereas:

(1) Due to the occurrence of infectious salmon anemia (ISA) in Norway, in July 1999 the Commission adopted Decision 1999/766/EC on certain protective measures in respect of infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) in salmonids in Norway(4). This Decision has subsequently been amended twice, last by Decision 2001/313/EC(5). The measures include a ban on the imports into the Community of live salmon and stringent conditions for the importation of salmon products for human consumption. These measures apply until 1 February 2002.

(2) During 2001 Norway has reported further outbreaks of ISA. Despite the protective measures taken by the Norwegian Veterinary Authorities, a rapid eradication of disease cannot be envisaged.

(3) In the light of the disease situation in Norway, the measures of Decision 1999/766/EC should be extended until 1 February 2003.

(4) It is appropriate to prolong the restriction measures concerning the eggs and gametes of the family Salmonidae provided for in Decision 1999/766/EC until the risk of transmission of ISA via these products is reviewed and properly assessed. The period for the review of these measures shall therefore also be extended until 1 February 2003.

(5) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

In Article 4 of Decision 1999/766/EC the words "1 February 2002" are replaced by "1 February 2003" and the words "31 December 2001" are replaced by "1 February 2003".

Article 2

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 11 February 2002.

For the Commission

David Byrne

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 268, 24.9.1991, p. 56.

(2) OJ L 162, 1.7.1996, p. 1.

(3) OJ L 24, 30.1.1998, p. 9.

(4) OJ L 302, 25.11.1999, p. 23.

(5) OJ L 109, 19.4.2001, p. 67.