COMMISSION DECISION of 22 November 1996 on protective measures in relation to Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever in South Africa (Text with EEA relevance) (96/659/EC)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Directive 91/496/EEC of 15 July 1991 laying down the principles governing the organization of veterinary checks on animals entering the Community from third countries and amending Directives 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC and 90/675/EEC (1), as last amended by Directive 96/43/EC (2), and in particular Article 18 (1) thereof,
Having regard to Council Directive 90/675/EEC of 10 December 1990 laying down the principles governing the organization of veterinary checks on products entering the Community from third countries (3), as last amended by Directive 96/43/EC and in particular Article 19 (1) thereof,
Whereas the presence of Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever has been confirmed in South Africa;
Whereas the appearance of Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever in South Africa constitutes a serious threat to animal and public health in the Member States;
Whereas it is therefore necessary to prohibit the importation of live ratites, and meat of ratites from South Africa until the situation is clarified;
Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
The Member States shall prohibit the importation of live ratites and ratite meat from South Africa.
Article 2
Member States shall amend the measures they apply in respect of South Africa to bring them into line with this Decision. They shall inform the Commission thereof.
Article 3
This Decision shall be reviewed before 15 February 1997.
Article 4
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Brussels, 22 November 1996.
For the Commission
Franz FISCHLER
Member of the Commission
(1) OJ No L 268, 24. 9. 1991, p. 56.
(2) OJ No L 162, 1. 7. 1996, p. 1.
(3) OJ No L 373, 31. 12. 1990, p. 1.
