Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Directive 90/539/EEC of 15 October 1990 on animal health conditions governing intra-Community trade in, and imports from third countries of, poultry and hatching eggs^f1, and in particular Article 12(2) and (3) thereof,

Whereas:

Commission Decision 91/552/EEC of 27 September 1991 establishing the status of Denmark as regards Newcastle disease^f2, established the status of Denmark as a non-vaccinating Member State against Newcastle disease for the purpose of intra-Community trade and imports from third countries in live poultry.

Due to recent developments in relation to its Newcastle disease situation, Denmark intends to introduce vaccination of poultry against that disease and its status of a non-vaccinating Member State should therefore be suspended as provided for in Directive 90/539/EEC.

In order to safeguard the current poultry health situation in Denmark during the introductory phase of vaccination against Newcastle disease, it is appropriate to lay down transitional rules for additional guarantees concerning consignments to that Member State for a certain period.

Accordingly, Denmark should be granted certain additional guarantees, which may include the testing of live poultry as provided for in Commission Decision 92/340/EEC^f3 on testing of poultry for Newcastle disease prior to movement.

Decision 91/552/EEC should therefore be repealed.

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: