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 and training.

The Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare in a report of 27 June 2000 and the EFSA opinion of 20 September 2005 in relation to wild bird species recommended that surveys be carried out on poultry flocks and wild birds for avian influenza, in particular to determine the prevalence of infections with avian influenza virus subtypes H5 and H7.

Council Directive 92/40/EEC of 19 May 1992 introducing Community measures for the control of avian influenza^f2 defines Community control measures to be applied in the event of an outbreak of avian influenza in poultry. However, it does not provide for regular surveys of that disease in poultry and wild birds.

Commission Decisions 2002/649/EC^f3, 2004/111/EC^f4 and 2005/464/EC^f5 provided for the submission of surveillance programmes concerning avian influenza by the Member States to the Commission.

Commission Decisions 2002/673/EC^f6, 2004/630/EC^f7 and 2005/732/EC^f8 approved programmes submitted by the Member States for surveys of avian influenza in poultry and wild birds for the periods specified in those programmes.

During those surveys, the presence of different subtypes of H5 and H7 low pathogenic avian influenza viruses has been detected in several Member States. Although the current prevalence of avian influenza viruses can be considered rather low, it is important to continue and to improve the surveillance so as to better understand the epidemiology of the low pathogenic avian influenza viruses and prevent that viruses do not circulate unnoticed in the poultry population. The results of the surveys carried out in the Member States have proven to be very useful in monitoring the presence of avian influenza virus subtypes that could present a substantial risk if they mutated into a more virulent form. Furthermore, it is appropriate to strengthen avian influenza surveillance taking into account the current disease situation in Europe. The total amount of Community contribution to the Member States for these actions should ensure increased surveillance.

Accordingly, Member States should submit their programmes for surveys for avian influenza to the Commission for approval so that the financial assistance by the Community may be granted.

Concerning the surveillance in wild birds, results from ongoing scientific work currently being undertaken by EFSA and DG Environment should be taken into account as it becomes available. These results will also be used to review the present Decision.

All naturally occurring wild birds species in the Community are covered by the protection regime of Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds^f9 and therefore full regard shall be taken of the requirements of this Directive in any surveillance for avian influenza.

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

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: