Commission Decision
of 18 March 2003
repealing Decision 2003/173/EC concerning protective measures in relation to a strong suspicion of avian influenza in Belgium
(notified under document number C(2003) 879)
(Text with EEA relevance)
(2003/187/EC)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Directive 90/425/EEC of 26 June 1990 concerning veterinary and zootechnical checks applicable in intra-community trade in certain live animals and products with a view to the completion of the internal market(1), as last amended by Council Directive 2002/33/EC(2), and, in particular, Article 10 thereof,
Whereas:
(1) Late on 11 March 2003 the veterinary authorities of Belgium have informed the Commission about a strong suspicion of avian influenza in a poultry flock in the province of Antwerp.
(2) Avian influenza is a highly contagious poultry disease that can pose a serious threat for the poultry industry.
(3) The Belgium authorities have immediately, before the official confirmation of the disease, implemented the measures foreseen in Council Directive 92/40/EEC(3) introducing Community measures for the control of avian influenza while further confirmatory diagnostic procedures were carried out.
(4) For the sake of clarity and transparency the Commission adopted Decision 2003/173/EC(4).
(5) In the light of the results of laboratory testing and epidemiological situation in Belgium, Decision 2003/173/EC should be repealed.
(6) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
Decision 2003/173/EC is repealed.
Article 2
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Brussels, 18 March 2003.