Article 1
This Decision lays down rules to reduce the spread of avian influenza caused by influenza A virus of subtype H5N1 (hereinafter ‘avian influenza’) from birds living in the wild to susceptible birds in zoos. Depending on the specific epidemiological situation, those rules shall be directed, in particular, at preventing direct and indirect contact between birds living in the wild, especially waterfowl, with the susceptible birds in zoos.
Article 2
For the purpose of this Decision, the following definitions shall apply:
(a)
‘Zoo’ means:
(i)
all permanent establishments where animals of wild species are kept for exhibition to the public for seven or more days a year, with the exception of circuses, pet shops and establishments which Member States exempt from the requirements of this Decision on the grounds that they do not exhibit a significant number of animals or species to the public and that the exemption will not jeopardise the objectives of this Decision; and
(ii)
an ‘approved body, institute or centre’ as defined in point (c) of Article 2(1) of Directive 92/65/EEC;
(b)
‘Susceptible bird’ means any bird species likely to be susceptible to avian influenza and not intended for the production of animal products.
Article 3
Member States shall take appropriate and practicable measures to reduce the risk of transmission of avian influenza from birds living in the wild to susceptible birds kept in zoos, taking into account the criteria and risk factors set out in Annex I.
Article 4
Based on a risk-assesment, Member States may decide to apply vaccination against avian influenza to susceptible birds kept in zoos, which are considered to be at risk from avian influenza, in accordance with the requirements set out in the Annex II.
Article 5
1.Member States that intend to apply the vaccination, as provided for in Article 3, shall submit to the Commission and officially present in the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health, their programme on the vaccination of susceptible birds kept in zoos.
2.The vaccination programme referred to in paragraph 1 shall contain at least detailed information on:
(a)the exact address and location of the zoos where the vaccination is to be carried out;
(b)the specific identification and number of susceptible birds;
(c)the individual identification of the birds to be vaccinated;
(d)the type of vaccine to be used, the vaccination scheme and the timing of the vaccination;
(e)the reasons for decision to implement the vaccination measures;
(f)the time-table of the vaccinations to be carried out.
Article 6
Member States shall immediately take the necessary measures to comply with this Decision. They shall immediately inform the Commission thereof.
Article 7
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Brussels, 21 October 2005.
For the Commission
Markos Kyprianou
Member of the Commission