Article 4U.K.Community targets for the reduction of the prevalence of zoonoses and zoonotic agents
1.Community targets shall be established for the reduction of the prevalence of zoonoses and zoonotic agents listed in Annex I, column 1, in the animal populations listed in Annex I, column 2, taking account, in particular, of:
(a)the experience gained under existing national measures; and
(b)information forwarded to the Commission or to the European Food Safety Authority under existing Community requirements, in particular in the framework of information provided for in Directive 2003/99/EC, in particular Article 5 thereof.
The targets, and any amendments to them, shall be established in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 14(2).
2.The targets referred to in paragraph 1 shall consist at least of:
(a)a numerical expression of:
the maximum percentage of epidemiological units remaining positive; and/or
the minimum percentage of reduction in the number of epidemiological units remaining positive;
(b)the maximum time limit within which the target must be achieved;
(c)the definition of the epidemiological units referred to in (a);
(d)the definition of the testing schemes necessary to verify the achievement of the target; and
(e)the definition, where relevant, of serotypes with public health significance or of other subtypes of zoonoses or zoonotic agents listed in Annex I, column 1, having regard to the general criteria listed in paragraph 6(c) and any specific criteria laid down in Annex III.
3.Community targets shall be established for the first time before the relevant dates indicated in Annex I, Column 4.
4.(a)When defining each Community target, the Commission shall provide an analysis of its expected costs and benefits. This analysis shall take account, in particular, of the criteria laid down in paragraph 6(c). Member States shall, on request, provide the Commission with all the assistance necessary to enable it to prepare the analysis.
(b)Before proposing each Community target, the Commission shall consult Member States within the committee referred to in Article 14(1) on the results of its analysis.
(c)In the light of the results of that analysis and the consultation of Member States, the Commission shall propose Community targets where appropriate.
5.However, by way of derogation from paragraphs 2(e) and 4, the following rules shall apply to poultry for a transitional period.
The Community target established for breeding flocks of Gallus gallus for this transitional period shall cover the five most frequent salmonella serotypes in human salmonellosis, which shall be identified on the basis of data collected through EC monitoring systems. The Community targets established for laying hens, broilers and turkeys for the transitional period shall cover Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium. However, if necessary, these targets may be extended to other serotypes on the basis of the results of an analysis carried out in accordance with paragraph 4.
The transitional period shall apply to each Community target for the reduction of the prevalence of salmonella in poultry. It shall last for three years in each case, starting on the date mentioned in column 5 of Annex I.
6.(a)Annex I may be amended, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 14(2), for the purposes listed in subparagraph (b), after taking account in particular of the criteria listed in subparagraph (c).
(b)Amendments to Annex I may alter the scope of the requirements regarding the establishment of Community targets by supplementing, restricting or modifying:
the zoonoses or zoonotic agents;
the stages of the food chain; and/or
the animal populations concerned.
(c)The criteria to be considered before amending Annex I include, with respect to the zoonosis or zoonotic agent concerned:
its frequency in animal and human populations, feed and food;
the gravity of its effects for humans;
its economic consequences for animal and human health care and for feed and food businesses;
epidemiological trends in animal and human populations, feed and food;
scientific advice;
technological developments, particularly relating to the practicality of the available control options; and
requirements and trends concerning breeding systems and production methods.
7.Annex III may be amended or supplemented in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 14(2).
8.The Commission shall review the implementation of Community targets and take account of this review when proposing further targets.
9.Measures taken to reduce the prevalence of zoonoses and zoonotic agents listed in Annex I shall be implemented in accordance with the rules laid down in this Regulation and any rules adopted pursuant thereto.