COMMISSION DECISION of 17 December 1992 concerning the specific financial contribution by the Community towards the eradication of African horse sickness in Morocco (92/581/EEC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,

Having regard to Council Decision 90/424/EEC of 26 June 1990 on expenditure in the veterinary field (1), as last amended by Regulation (EEC) No 3763/91 (2), and in particular Article 8 (2) thereof,

Whereas outbreaks of African horse sickness occurred in Morocco in 1991; whereas the development of African horse sickness in Morocco constitutes a danger for the Community;

Whereas, therefore, support should be given to control measures undertaken by Morocco against African horse sickness, in accordance with Article 8 (2) of Decision 90/424/EEC;

Whereas, by letter dated 13 April 1992, the Kingdom of Morocco has undertaken to implement the appropriate measures with a view to eradicating the disease from certain parts of its territory;

Wheras 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 Kingdom of Morocco may obtain a financial contribution from the Community for the acquisition of the African horse sickness vaccine used for the vaccination measures carried out between 1 May 1992 and 31 July 1992 in the provinces of Tanger, Tetouan, Larache, Kenitra, Sidi-Kacem, Taounate, Chefch ouen and Al-Hoceima.

Article 2

The financial contribution provided for in Article 1 shall be granted subject to the Moroccan authorities implementing or having implemented the following measures in the provinces listed in Article 1:

- application of a compulsory vaccination programme using a Type 4 vaccine on all equidae,

- registration of the owners of equidae,

- identification of equidae at the time of vaccination by a mark in the shape of a 'V' at least 35 mm high and 30 mm wide made on the skin by means of freeze branding. However, registered horses identified by means of a passport recognized at international level may be marked by tattooing on the lip,

- introduction of a system under which it is compulsory to declare the death of equidae,

- immediate slaughter without compensation of equidae which are not marked and are not vaccinated against African horse sickness,

- organization of an information campaign for the benefit of breeders and veterinarians with a view to stressing the importance of vaccination for equidae and, in particular, foals, and the need for all deaths to be declared to the competent authorities,

- making available to the Community reference laboratory 20 doses from each batch of vaccine used.

Article 3

The financial contribution by the Community shall be fixed at 100 % of the expenses incurred by the Kingdom of Morocco for the acquisition of the vaccine.

Article 4

1. The Community's financial contribution shall be granted after:

- a report on the implementation of the measures referred to in Article 2 has been forwarded to the Commission,

- supporting documents relating to the acquisition of and payment for the vaccine used in accordance with Article 1 have been presented.

2. The documents referred to in paragraph 1 shall be forwarded by the Kingdom of Morocco by 18 December 1992 at the latest.

Article 5

This Decision is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 17 December 1992. For the Commission

Ray MAC SHARRY

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ No L 224, 18. 8. 1990, p. 19. (2) OJ No L 356, 24. 12. 1991, p. 1.