Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Directive 2002/99/EC of 16 December 2002 laying down the animal health rules governing the production, processing, distribution and introduction of products of animal origin for human consumption^f1, and in particular Article 8(1) and (4) thereof,

Whereas:

Part 1 of Annex II to Council Decision 79/542/EEC of 21 December 1979 drawing up a list of third countries or parts of third countries, and laying down animal and public health and veterinary certification conditions for importation into the Community of certain live animals and their fresh meat^f2 sets out a list of third countries and parts of third countries from which Member States are authorised to import certain live animals and their fresh meat.

Under that Decision, part of the territory of Brazil is authorised for import into the Community of deboned and matured meat from bovines as vaccination against foot and mouth is carried out.

However an outbreak of foot and mouth disease has been confirmed by the Brazilian veterinary authorities and reported by the World Organisation for Animal Health on 10 October 2005 in Brazil in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul near the border with the State of Parana. In addition there are many movements and epidemiological links between these States and the State of Sao Paulo. Therefore, in the absence of detailed information to allow a more precise definition of the affected area and in order to ensure the high health status of the Commmunity with regard to foot and mouth disease, it is considered appropriate that imports of bovine meat from these states should be suspended.

The first notification to the Brazilian veterinary authorities was on 30 September 2005. Therefore consignements with certification for deboned and matured meat from bovines slaughtered prior to this date should be accepted but all consignments of such meat from bovines slaughtered on or after this date from these three States should be suspended.

Part 1 of Annex II to Decision 79/542/EEC should be amended accordingly.

This Decision will be reviewed in the light of information obtained from Brazil.

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: