(1)

The purpose of Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003 is to ensure that proper and effective measures are taken to detect and control salmonella and other zoonotic agents at all relevant stages of production, processing and distribution, particularly at the level of primary production, in order to reduce their prevalence and the risk they pose to public health.

(2)

A Community target was established for the reduction of the prevalence of all salmonella serotypes with public health significance in laying flocks of Gallus gallus at the level of primary production by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1168/2006 of 31 July 2006 implementing Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards a Community target for the reduction of the prevalence of certain salmonella serotypes in laying hens of Gallus gallus and amending Regulation (EC) No 1003/2005 (2).

(3)

In order to achieve the Community target Member States are to establish national programmes for the control of salmonella in laying flocks of Gallus gallus and submit them to the Commission in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003.

(4)

Certain Member States have submitted their national programmes for the control of salmonella in laying flocks of Gallus gallus.

(5)

Those programmes were found to comply with relevant Community veterinary legislation and in particular with Regulation (EC) No 2160/2003.

(6)

The national control programmes should therefore be approved.

(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,