(1)

Under Commission Decision 2002/975/EC of 12 December 2002 on introducing vaccination to supplement the measures to control infections with low pathogenic avian influenza in Italy and on specific movement control measures (5) a vaccination programme was carried out in parts of Northern Italy to control infections with low pathogenic avian influenza strain subtype H7N3. A differentiating infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA) strategy was applied by using a heterologous vaccine of H7N1 subtype, which allows differentiation between infected and vaccinated poultry.

(2)

Under Commission Decision 2004/666/EC of 29 September 2004 on introducing vaccination to supplement the measures to control infections with low pathogenic avian influenza in Italy and on specific movement control measures and repealing Decision 2002/975/EC (6) a new vaccination programme was approved in a smaller area of Italy compared to the previous vaccination campaign under Decision 2002/975/EC. The new programme is carried out with a bivalent vaccine containing both avian influenza subtypes H5 and H7. This kind of vaccination is carried out until at least 31 December 2005. That Decision also provides for a prohibition on intra-Community trade in live poultry and hatching eggs coming from and/or originating from the vaccination area and conditions for intra-Community trade in fresh meat originating from vaccinated poultry in accordance with article 3 of Decision 2004/666/EC.

(3)

The results of the vaccination programme, as provided for in Decision 2004/666/EC and reported at several meetings of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health, were generally favourable.

(4)

As a result of the favourable situation within the vaccination area provided for in Decision 2004/666/EC and in the light of the increased experience on the application of vaccination, dispatch of slaughter poultry, hatching eggs and day-old chicks from Italy should be permitted if certain conditions are fulfilled.

(5)

In the light of the particular risk of introduction of avian influenza in the areas of Italy in question, and the submission by Italy of an amended vaccination programme by the letter dated 23 June 2005 for approval, it appears appropriate to continue vaccination in the areas at higher risk of disease introduction. Furthermore, an intensive monitoring and surveillance should be performed both in the vaccination area and in its surroundings.

(6)

Special sampling and testing procedures should also be applicable to slaughter poultry.

(7)

In the interests of clarity of Community legislation, it is appropriate to repeal Decision 2004/666/EC and replace it by this Decision.

(8)

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

(a)

they come from holdings that are not located in a restriction zone established in accordance with the provisions laid down in the vaccination programme;

(b)

they come from flocks which have been regularly inspected and tested with negative results for avian influenza using the tests as provided for in Article 4(2);

(c)

they are disinfected before departure from the holding;

(d)

they are transported directly to the hatchery of destination;

(e)

the hatchery of destination can ensure the traceability of the hatching eggs by means of the records of the holding of origin of the hatching eggs and of the destination of the day-old chicks hatched from such eggs.

(a)

originate from flocks which have been regularly inspected and tested with negative results for avian influenza, with particular attention paid to sentinel birds;

(b)

originate from flocks which have been clinically inspected by an official veterinarian within 48 hours before loading, with particular attention paid to sentinel birds;

(c)

originate from flocks which have been tested serologically for avian influenza with negative results at the national laboratory for avian influenza, by using the sampling and testing procedure laid down in Annex II to this Decision;

(d)

come from flocks which have been tested with negative results for avian influenza using the tests as provided for in Article 4(2);

(e)

are kept separated from other flocks which do not comply with this Article;

(f)

are sent directly to a slaughterhouse and slaughtered immediately upon arrival.

(a)

only disposable packaging material, or packaging material which can be effectively washed and disinfected, is used for the collection, storage and transport of hatching eggs and day-old chicks;

(b)

all means of transport used for transporting live poultry, hatching eggs, day-old chicks, fresh poultry meat and poultry feedstuff are cleaned and disinfected immediately before and after each transport with disinfectants and methods of use approved by the competent authority.