Commission Decision

of 2 May 2005

approving the plan for the eradication of African swine fever in feral pigs in Sardinia, Italy

(notified under document number C(2005) 1255)

(Only the Italian text is authentic)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2005/362/EC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Directive 2002/60/EC of 27 June 2002 laying down specific provisions for the control of African swine fever and amending Directive 92/119/EEC as regards Teschen disease and African swine fever1 and in particular Article 16(1) thereof,

Whereas:

(1)

African swine fever is present in feral pigs in the province of Nuoro, Sardinia, Italy.

(2)

In 2004 a serious recrudescence of the disease has occurred in Sardinia. Italy has in relation with this recrudescence reviewed the measures so far taken to eradicate the disease, in the frame work of Directive 2002/60/EC.

(3)
In relation to this recrudescence, the Commission has reviewed the measures adopted at Community level in relation to African swine fever in Sardinia and has adopted Commission Decision 2005/363/EC of 2 May 2005 concerning animal health protection measures against African swine fever in Sardinia, Italy2.
(4)

Pursuant to Directive 2002/60/EC, Italy has submitted for approval a plan for the eradication of African swine fever in feral pigs in the region of Sardinia, that also includes measures to prevent spread of disease in domestic pigs.

(5)

The plan submitted identifies zones in Sardinia which pose a different level of risk in relation to African swine fever and where different disease surveillance and control measures should be introduced.

(6)

The plan for the eradication of African swine fever in feral pigs, as submitted by Italy, has been examined and found to comply with Directive 2002/60/EC.

(7)

For the sake of transparency it is appropriate to set out in this Decision the geographical areas where the eradication plan is to be implemented.

(8)

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: