Directive 2005/94/EC provides for certain preventive measures relating to the surveillance and early detection of avian influenza and also minimum control measures to be applied in the event of an outbreak of that disease in poultry and other captive birds.

It is necessary to lay down at Community level diagnostic procedures, sampling methods and criteria for the evaluation of the results of laboratory tests for the confirmation of an outbreak of avian influenza.

Annex VII to Directive 2005/94/EC lays down the functions and duties of the Community reference laboratory for avian influenza in order to coordinate, in consultation with the Commission, the methods employed in the Member States for diagnosing that disease. Those functions and duties include the organisation of periodic comparative tests and the supplying of standard reagents at Community level.

Laboratory tests have recently been developed to ensure a quick diagnosis of avian influenza.

The experience gained in the control of avian influenza in recent years has resulted in the identification of the most suitable sampling procedures and criteria for evaluation of the results of the laboratory tests for a proper diagnosis of this disease in different situations.

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,