Avian influenza is an infectious viral disease in birds, including poultry. Infections with avian influenza viruses in domestic poultry cause two main forms of that disease that are distinguished by their virulence. The low pathogenic form generally only causes mild symptoms, while the highly pathogenic form results in very high mortality rates in most poultry species. That disease may have a severe impact on the profitability of poultry farming.

Directive 2005/94/EC sets out measures for the control of outbreaks, in poultry and other captive birds, of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and low pathogenic avian influenza caused by avian influenza viruses of the H5 and H7 subtypes (LPAI), as defined in that Directive. Directive 2005/94/EC also provides for certain preventive measures relating to the surveillance and the early detection of avian influenza viruses.

Directive 2005/94/EC provides that compulsory surveillance programmes are to be implemented by the Member States. Those surveillance programmes aim at identifying the circulation of LPAI viruses in poultry, in particular in waterfowl poultry species, before they become widespread in the poultry population, so that control measures can be taken to possibly prevent a mutation into a HPAI virus which might have devastating consequences.

Directive 2005/94/EC also provides for surveillance programmes to be carried out in wild birds in order to contribute, on the basis of a regularly updated risk assessment, to the current knowledge on the threats posed by wild birds in relation to any influenza virus of avian origin in birds.

Since the date of adoption of that Decision, the experience gained in the Member States in carrying out surveillance programmes and advances in scientific knowledge and research conclusions, indicate that certain poultry species and poultry production categories are at a higher risk of becoming infected with avian influenza viruses than others, also taking into account the location of the holding and other risk factors.

The threat of the introduction of the HPAI virus of the H5N1 subtype from South East Asia to Europe by its westward spread during 2005 has prompted the adoption of additional measures for preparedness and early detection of that virus type in poultry and wild birds.

It is appropriate to include the requirements laid down in Decision 2005/731/EC in the present Decision.

From 2006 to 2009, more than 350 000 wild birds have been sampled and tested for avian influenza. On average, surveillance in Member States was carried out by sampling 75 % of live birds and 25 % of sick or dead birds.

More than 1 000 birds found dead or sick have tested positive for HPAI of the H5N1 subtype, while only about five birds sampled as healthy live birds tested positive for that virus during that 4-year period. LPAI subtypes were almost exclusively isolated from samples taken from live birds.

The guidelines for surveillance for avian influenza in poultry and wild birds laid down in Decision 2007/268/EC should therefore be reviewed in the light of experience and scientific insight gained and replaced by the guidelines laid down in this Decision.

In the interests of consistency of Union legislation, sampling and laboratory testing should be carried out in accordance with the procedures laid down in Decision 2006/437/EC, unless stated otherwise.

Decisions 2005/731/EC and 2007/268/EC should be repealed.

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