Commission Decision of 20 December 2004 amending Decision 2004/614/EC as regards the period of application of protection measures relating to avian influenza in South Africa (notified under document number C(2004) 5011) (Text with EEA relevance) (2004/892/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^f1, 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^f2, and in particular Article 22(6) thereof,

Whereas:

By Commission Decision 2004/614/EC of 24 August 2004 concerning protection measures in relation to highly pathogenic avian influenza in the Republic of South Africa^f3, the Commission adopted protection measures in relation to avian influenza in ratite flocks in South Africa.

At least six months should pass after destruction of the ratites and disinfection of the infected holdings before imports of meat of ratites and their eggs from South Africa may be allowed into the Community again. In view of the situation the protection measures already adopted should be prolonged.

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

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: