(1)

Avian influenza is an infectious viral disease in poultry and birds, causing mortality and disturbances which can quickly take epizootic proportions liable to present a serious threat to animal and public health and to reduce sharply the profitability of poultry farming. There is a risk that the disease agent might be introduced via international trade in live poultry and poultry products, including untreated feathers.

(2)

Several outbreaks of avian influenza have been notified by the Turkish authorities in backyard flocks in eastern Anatolia. As the disease is likely to have been spread to Turkey by migratory birds, the presence of the disease in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Iraq and Syria cannot be excluded.

(3)

Currently no poultry products other than untreated feathers and parts thereof are authorised for imports from the countries neighbouring Turkey.

(4)

In accordance with Commission Decision 2005/733/EC (2), imports from Turkey of untreated feathers are already suspended.

(5)

As no further information is available on surveillance for avian influenza in the countries neighbouring the eastern part of Turkey, and in view of the animal health risk of disease introduction into the Community, it is appropriate to suspend imports of untreated feathers and parts thereof from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Iraq and Syria.

(6)

Consequently it is appropriate to require proof of treatment for imports of commercial consignments of processed feathers from the third countries concerned.

(7)

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