Division CHAPTER A CriteriaF1

F2The BSE status of F3... countries or regions thereof (hereinafter referred to as countries or regions), shall be determined on the basis of the criteria set out in points (a) to (e). For the purpose of this Annex, ‘ BSE ’ excludes ‘ atypical BSE ’ as a condition believed to occur spontaneously in all cattle populations at a very low rate.

In the country or region:

1. (a)

   a risk analysis in accordance with the provisions of Chapter B, identifying all the potential factors for BSE occurrence and their historic perspective in the country or region, is carried out;

2. (b)

   a system of continuous surveillance and monitoring of BSE relating in particular to the risks described in Chapter B and complying with the minimal surveillance requirements laid down in Chapter D is in place;

3. (c)

   an on-going awareness programme for veterinarians, farmers, and workers involved in transportation, marketing and slaughter of bovine animals, to encourage reporting of all cases showing clinical signs consistent with BSE in target sub-populations as defined in Chapter D of this Annex is in place;

4. (d)

   an obligation to notify and investigate all bovine animals showing clinical signs consistent with BSE is in force;

5. (e)

   the examination of brain or other tissues collected within the framework of the surveillance and monitoring system referred to in point (b) is carried out in an approved laboratory.