ANNEXU.K.

In Annex X, Chapter C, to Regulation (EC) No 999/2001, point 4 is replaced by the following:

4.Rapid tests

For the purposes of carrying out the rapid tests in accordance with Articles 5(3) and 6(1), the following methods shall be used as rapid tests for the monitoring of BSE in bovine animals:

For the purposes of carrying out the rapid tests in accordance with Articles 5(3) and 6(1), the following methods shall be used as rapid tests for the monitoring of TSEs in ovine and caprine animals:

In the case of all tests, sample tissue to which the test is to be applied must comply with the manufacturer’s instructions for use.

The producer of the rapid tests must have put in place a quality assurance system, approved by the Community Reference Laboratory (CRL) that ensures that the test performance does not change. The producer must provide the test protocol to the CRL.

Changes to rapid tests and to test protocols may be made only after prior notification to the CRL and provided that the CRL finds that the change does not alter the sensitivity, specificity or reliability of the rapid test. That finding shall be communicated to the Commission and to the national reference laboratories.