Commission Decision 2007/25/EC2 lays down certain protection measures in relation to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and movements of pet birds accompanying their owners into the Union. It was adopted in response to outbreaks of HPAI of subtype H5N1, with a view to protecting animal and human health in the Union. It applies until 31 December 2018.

Outbreaks of HPAI of different H5 subtypes and more rarely of subtype H7 continue to occur worldwide in poultry and other captive birds. HPAI has become endemic in several third countries and has reached other third countries for the first time. The threat of the introduction of the HPAI virus into the Union via movements of pet birds from third countries persists and therefore the risk mitigation measures laid down in Decision 2007/25/EC should be maintained.

In addition, a number of delegated acts that will lay down rules concerning the entry into the Union of poultry and other captive birds are currently being prepared under the framework of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council3. The rules laid down in those delegated acts will determine the approach to be adopted concerning certain risks relating to diseases affecting poultry and other captive birds, as well as the animal health guarantees required for birds kept as pets. The rules laid down in those delegated acts will also take account of the recommendations of the Scientific Opinion on avian influenza adopted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on 14 September 20174.

In view of the global epidemiological situation as regards HPAI, and pending the adoption of the delegated acts concerning the entry into the Union of poultry and other captive birds, it is necessary to prolong the period of application of Decision 2007/25/EC until 31 December 2019.

Decision 2007/25/EC should therefore be amended accordingly.

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,