COMMISSION DECISION

of 8 January 1991

laying down the criteria to be applied when drawing up contingency plans for the control of foot-and-mouth disease, in application of Article 5 of Council Directive 90/423/EEC

(91/42/EEC)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,

Having regard to Council Directive 90/423/EEC of 26 June 1990, amending Directive 85/511/EEC introducing Community measures for the control of foot-and-mouth disease, Directive 64/432/EEC on animal health problems affecting intra-Community trade in bovine animals and swine and Directive 72/462/EEC on health and veterinary inspection problems upon importation of bovine animals and swine and fresh meat or meat products from third countries (1), and in particular Article 5 thereof,

Whereas Article 5 (2) states of Directive 90/423/EEC, that the Commission shall lay down criteria to be applied for drawing up national contingency plans;

Whereas the said criteria must ensure that the national contingency plans, submitted by the Member States to the Commission give a rapid and efficient eradication in the event of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease;

Whereas it seems desirable that the Commission may, if necessary, adopt explanatory notes on the above mentioned criteria;

Whereas measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee;

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

In order to be approved under the measure provided for in Article 5 (4) of Directive 90/423/EEC contingency plans submitted by the Member States to the Commission must meet the criteria fixed in the Annex.

Article 2

1.   The Commission may adopt Recommendations setting out explanatory notes on the criteria laid down in the Annex.

2.   The Commission shall publish the Recommenadations referred to in paragraph 1.

Article 3

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

(1)  OJ No L 224, 18. 8. 1990, p. 13.