COMMISSION DECISION of 12 June 1998 introducing protective measures with regard to equidae imported from Turkey (notified under document number C(1998) 1593) (Text with EEA relevance) (98/404/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 organisation 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 Decision 96/43/EC (2), and in particular Article 18 thereof,

Whereas, in the course of a Commission inspection visit to Turkey, serious flaws have come to light in the procedures for exporting horses from Turkey to the Community;

Whereas, given the usual movements to which equidae are subject, this situation presents a serious threat to equidae in the Member States;

Whereas, therefore, it is necessary to prohibit both the readmission of registered horses after temporary export and the temporary admission of registered horses from Turkey;

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 temporary admission of registered horses from Turkey, their transit and the readmission of registered horses from Turkey after temporary export.

Article 2

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 12 June 1998.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

(1) OJ L 268, 24. 9. 1991, p. 56.

(2) OJ L 162, 1. 7. 1996, p. 1.