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.