Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Decision 90/424/EEC of 26 June 1990 on expenditure in the veterinary field^f1, and in particular Article 20 thereof,

Whereas:

Decision 90/424/EEC provides for a Community financial contribution for the undertaking of technical and scientific measures necessary for the development of Community veterinary legislation and for veterinary education or training.

Commission Decision 2005/464/EC of 21 June 2005 on the implementation of survey programmes for avian influenza in poultry and wild birds to be carried out in the Member States^f2 provides for the implementation in 2005 and early 2006 of such surveys subject to those survey plans being approved by the Commission. Those surveys should investigate the presence of infections in poultry, which could lead to a review of current legislation and contribute to the knowledge of the possible threats for animals and humans from the wildlife.

Programmes submitted by Member States have been examined by the Commission in accordance with that Decision.

However, following the recent evolution of the avian influenza situation in Asia an expert group meetings convened on 25 August 2005 and 6 September 2005 concluded that taking into account the existing knowledge on the migratory routes of the species of birds proceeding from central and western Asia, it is appropriate to improve surveillance in wild birds and surveillance on living or hunted birds as well as passive surveillance on wild birds found dead. In particular, the expert group recommended to intensify the surveillance programmes already planned for 2005/2006, by increasing sampling on migratory waterfowl along the flyways that might pose a risk for disease introduction. Decision 2005/464 has therefore been amended by Decision 2005/726/EC.

The Commission has found the submitted programmes to be consistent with the conditions set out in Decision 2005/464/EC, as amended. Those programmes should therefore be approved.

In the light of the importance of those programmes for the achievement of Community objectives in the field of animal and public health, it is appropriate to fix the Community financial contribution at 50 % of the costs to be incurred by the Member States concerned for the measures referred to in this Decision up to a maximum amount for each programme.

Expenditures in relation to the programmes to be approved that have been incurred since 1 July 2005 should also be considered eligible for co-financing by the Community.

Furthermore, it is appropriate to lay down rules for reporting the results of the surveys and for the eligibility of the costs contained in the financial claim for a financial participation of the Community to the costs incurred by Member States for the implementation of the programme.

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: