SANCO -E

COMMISSION DES COMMUNAUTES EUROPEENNES

TELEFAX

SANCO -E.2(02)D/

TELEFAX :

FOR THE ATTENTION OF ALL THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIONS

A L’ATTENTION DE TOUTES LES REPRESENTATIONS PERMANENTES

ZU HÄNDEN VON ALLEN STÄNDIGEN VERTRETUNGEN

MISSION ICELANDFAX BRUSSELS 02-286.17.70

MISSION NORWAYFAX BRUSSELS 02-234.11.50

COPIE/COPY TO :LISTE SANTE ANIMALE ET SANTE PUBLIQUE

ANIMAL HEALTH AND PUBLIC HEALTH LIST

S.G.C.I.

FAX : 00 331 44 87 10 18

MRS. L. VIDARSDOTTIR, DIRECTOR ESA SECRETARIAT FAX : 02-286 18 00

MR. FR. VIGERUST, EFTA SECRETARIAT FAX : 02-286 17 42

CABINET BYRNE

FAX : 81499

CABINET FISCHLER (INFO)

FAX : 59225

SG :

- MR. PIERUCCI ANDREA

FAX : 65960

OLAF :

- MRS E. SPERBER, SG/F/01

FAX : 67525

DG TRADE :

MR. B. MARCHANT/M. CRONIN

FAX : 91046

MR. I. FUESTEL

FAX : 94895

DG AGRICULTURE :

- MR. J. HEINE

FAX : 94567

POUR DISTRIBUTION A

- MRS. M. MINCH

FAX : 61227

- MR. TILGENKAMP

FAX : 52195

- MR. G. SEIWALD

FAX : 53676

DG DEVELOPMENT :

FAX : 92872

DG FISHERIES : MM. B. SURY/R. BATES

FAX : 59752

DG FINANCIAL CONTROL :

MR. G. FLAMENT

FAX : 56451

DG TAXATION AND CUSTOMS UNION :

MR. PULFORD/MR. A. BERENDSFAX : 65404

DG HEALTH AND COMSUMER PROTECTION :

- MM. COLEMAN/VANHOORDE

FAX : 66793

- MR. T. LENNON – Dir. A

FAX : 96303

- MR. B. CARSIN – Dir. C

FAX : 96299

- MRS. TESTORI-COGGI - Dir. D

FAX : 50285

- MR. A. CHECCHI LANG – Dir. E

FAX : 64286

- MRS. S. REINIUS – Dir. F

FAX : 70700

- MR. E. POUDELET

FAX : 69062

- MRS. P. BRUNKO

FAX : 91856

- MR. P DEBOYSER

FAX : 51735

- MR. B. VAN GOETHEM

FAX : 53144

- MR. J. NYMAND CHRISTENSEN

FAX : 62792

- MM. D. JANSSENS, L. VANDENBERGHEFAX : 95429

- MR. F. SAUER

FAX : 34511

- MR. M. HUDSON

FAX : 64272

- MR. P. REMITS

FAX : 59490

- MR. RATEAU

FAX: 96297

SERVICE JURIDIQUE

MR. BORDES

FAX : 52485

PRESS AND COMMUNICATION

FAX : 64284

TAIEX : MR. S. DARLING

FAX : 66840

VETERINARY SERVICE ICELAND

FAX : 00 354 552 11 60

VETERINARY SERVICE NORWAY

FAX: 00 47 23 21 65 01

I.La Commission des C.E. a l’honneur d’inviter les représentants des Etats Membres à participer à la réunion suivante :

The Commission of the EC invites representatives of the Member States to attend the following meeting :

Die Kommission der E.G. hat die Ehre, die Vertretungen der Mitgliedstaaten zu folgender Sitzung einzuladen :

DIRECTORATE-GENERALHEALTH & CONSUMER PROTECTION / E 2

DIRECTION GENERALESANTE ET PROTECTION DES CONSOMMATEURS / E 2

Objet de la réunion:COMITÉ PERMANENT DE LA CHAÎNE ALIMENTAIRE ET DE LA SANTÉ ANIMALE

FORMCHECKBOX SANTE ANIMALE

Title of the meeting:STANDING COMMITTEE ON THE FOOD CHAIN AND ANIMAL HEALTH

FORMCHECKBOX ANIMAL HEALTH

Thema der Sitzung:STÄNDIGER AUSSCHUSS FÜR DIE LEBENSMITTELKETTE UND TIERGESUNDHEIT

FORMCHECKBOX TIERGESUNDHEIT

LIEU/LOCATION/ORTBRUXELLES, RUE FROISSART 36, CENTRE DE CONFERENCES A. BORSCHETTE

DATE/DATUM :TUESDAY 05 AND WEDNESDAY 06 MARCH 2002

HEURE/TIME :10 : 00 H

II.A. POUR LES ETATS MEMBRES / FOR THE MEMBER STATES / FÜR DIE MITGLIEDSTAATEN

Les frais seront pris en charge par la Commission dans les limites de sa réglementation pour un expert par Etat membre.

The Commission will, in accordance with its rules, bear the expenses of one expert per Member State as follows:

Im Rahmen ihrer Bestimmungen übernimmt die Kommission die Kosten von einem Experten pro Mitgliedstaat:

FRAIS DE VOYAGE OUI / TRAVEL EXPENSES YES / REISEKOSTEN JA

(ECONOMY FLIGHT OR FIRST CLASS TRAIN) / (VOL CLASSE ECONOMIQUE OU TRAIN PREMIERE CLASSE) / (ECONOMY FLUG ODER ZUG ERSTER KLASSE)

FRAIS DE SEJOUR NON / SUBSISTENCE EXPENSES NO / AUFENTHALTSKOSTEN NEIN

Il sera demandé a chaque expert de donner tous les détails relatifs a sa banque (nom et adresse de la banque, numéro et titulaire du compte bancaire, code guichet).

Each expert will be requested to give his or her bank details (name and address of bank, number and holder of account, bank code).

Jeder Experte wird gebeten, Einzelheiten bezüglich seiner Bank (Name und Adresse der Bank, Kontonummer und Inhaber des Bankkontos, Bankleitzahl) mitzuteilen.

Coordonnées bancaires

A partir du 1.1.2002, pour l'enregistrement d'un nouveau compte bancaire (c'est-à-dire en cas de premier paiement par la Commission sur ce compte) ou modification des données bancaires, il est impératif de remettre au secrétaire de réunion, sous forme papier:

· soit, un document (ou copie) émis par la banque reprenant les données suivantes : numéro et titulaire du compte (extrait de compte, avis d'ouverture de compte, relevé d'identité bancaire - RIB), accompagné du signalétique financier en annexe dûment complété et signé par le titulaire du compte;

· soit, à défaut, ce signalétique financier dûment complété et signé par la banque et par le titulaire du compte.

Sans ce(s) document(s), les services de la Commission ne pourront procéder au remboursement des frais.

Bank details

As from 1.1.2002, it is essential for the registration of a new account (i.e. in the event of a first payment by the Commission on this account) or for the modification of existing bank account detail to provide the following information, in paper form, to the meeting secretary:

-either a document (or copy) issued by the bank giving the following details: account number and name of account holder (bank statement, notice of the opening of the account, bank identity statement), together with the financial identification sheet given in the annex, duly completed and signed by the account holder;

-or the attached financial identification sheet duly completed and signed by the bank and by the account holder.

Without the above-mentioned document(s), the Commission services will be unable to proceed with the reimbursement claim.

Bankangaben

Ab 1. Januar 2002 müssen bei der Eröffnung eines neuen Bankkontos (d.h. im Falle einer ersten Zahlung durch die Kommission auf dieses Konto) oder bei der Änderung der Bankangaben, der Sitzungssekretärin folgende Dokumente in Papierform übergeben werden:

-entweder ein von der Bank ausgestelltes Schreiben (oder Kopie) mit folgenden Angaben: Nummer und Inhaber des Kontos (Kontoauszug oder Mitteilung der Kontoeröffnung), zusammen mit dem Formular über Finanzangaben (siehe Beilage), das ordnungsgemäß ausgefüllt und vom Inhaber des Kontos unterzeichnet sein muss;

-oder das Formular über Finanzangaben ordnungsgemäß ausgefüllt und unterschrieben von der Bank und dem Kontoinhaber.

Ohne diese(s) Dokument(e) können die Dienststellen der Kommission die Rückzahlung der Kosten nicht durchführen.

"DA SIGNAL.xls"

EMBED Excel.Sheet.8

"DE SIGNAL.xls"

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"EL SIGNAL.xls"

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"EN SIGNAL.xls"

"ES SIGNAL.xls"

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"FI SIGNAL.xls"

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"FR SIGNAL.xls"

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"IT SIGNAL.xls"

"NL SIGNAL.xls"

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"PT SIGNAL.xls"

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"SV SIGNAL.xls"

B. FOR ICELAND AND NORWAY :

I have the honour to invite experts as observers from the appropriate departments to attend a meeting of the Standing Veterinary Committee.

TRAVEL EXPENSES

NO

SUBSISTENCE EXPENSESNO

In respect of Iceland the invitation covers items related to aquatic animals both animal and public health aspects.

AGENDA – ORDRE DU JOUR – TAGESORDNUNG

SECTION AInformation and/or discussion - Information et/ou discussion - Zur Information und/oder Diskussion

1. Exchange of views of the Committee on the evolution of animal diseases in the Community including:

Classical swine fever

Spain, Germany (including vaccination in feral pigs), Luxembourg

Swine vesicular disease

Italy

Foot-and-mouth disease

United Kingdom

Infectious haematopoietic necrosis

France

Echange de vues du Comité sur l’évolution des maladies animales dans la Communauté :

Peste porcine classique

Espagne, Allemagne (y compris la vaccination des sangliers), Luxembourg

Maladie vésiculeuse du porc

Italie

Fièvre aphteuse

Royaume Uni

Nécrose haematopoïetique infectieuse

France

2. Information from France on the evolution of classical swine fever in feral pigs and on the repeal of the measures adopted in the framework of Commission Decision 94/141/EC (Doc. SANCO/628/2002)

Information de la France sur l’évolution de la peste porcine classique dans le sanglier et sur l’abrogation des mesures adoptées dans le cadre de la Décision de la Commission 94/141/CE (Doc. SANCO/628/2002)

3. Summary report for 2000/2001 of the work of the Task Force and its sub-groups for monitoring disease eradication in Member States (E.S.)

Rapport sommaire pour 2000/2001 des travaux de la ‘task force’ et de ses sous-groupes concernant le contrôle de l’éradication des maladies dans les Etats membres (E.S.)

4. Information to the Member States on the reports received for the 2001 Eradication Programme (LVDB)

Information aux E.M. sur les rapports reçus pour le Programme d'Eradication 2001 (LVDB)

5. Documents for information / Documents pour information (L.B.) 

· Fish disease Contingency plans for the United Kingdom (SANCO/593/2002)

"d593 UK cont plan

ISA IHN VHS plan 2002.doc"

· Application from Germany for achieving approved status of the farm Pöpke with regard to viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) and infectious haematopoietic necrosis (IHN) (SANCO 630/2002 LB, papercopy only)

· Application from France for achieving approved status of the zone “Bassin Versant de la Gouaneyre“ with regard to viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) and infectious haematopoietic necrosis (IHN) (SANCO 639/2002 LB, maps etc only available by papercopy)

"d639 Application FR

zone Aquitaine Gouanyare.doc"

· Application from France for achieving approved status of the zone “Bassin Versant Amont du Vignac“ with regard to viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) and infectious haematopoietic necrosis (IHN) (SANCO 640/2002 LB, maps etc only available by papercopy)

"d640 Application FR

zone Aquitaine VIGNAC.doc"

· Application from France for achieving approved status of the farm “Rémon à Parné sue Roc “ with regard to viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) and infectious haematopoietic necrosis (IHN) (SANCO 631/2002 LB)

"d631 applic FR farm

Remon.doc"

· Application from Italy for achieving approved status of the farm “Ittica Acqua Sagra“ with regard to viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) and infectious haematopoietic necrosis (IHN) (SANCO 632/2002 LB, papercopy only)

· Application from Italy for achieving approved status of the farm “Cappello Paolo“ with regard to viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) and infectious haematopoietic necrosis (IHN) (SANCO 633/2002 LB, only papercopy available)

SECTION BDraft presented for an opinion - Projet présenté pour un avis - Zur Stellungnahme vorgestellter Entwurf

6. Exchange of views and possible opinion of the Committee on a draft Commission Decision on the evolution of animal diseases in the Community and in third countries.

Echange de vues et éventuellement avis du Comité sur un projet de Décision de la Commission sur l’évolution des maladies animales dans la Communauté et dans les pays tiers.

7. Exchange of views and possible opinion of the Committee on draft Commission decisions on the evolution of classical swine fever in Spain, Luxembourg, Germany (SANCO/665/2002, SANCO/666/2002, SANCO/667/2002) (A.L.)

Echange de vues et éventuellement avis du Comité sur des projets de Décision de la Commission concernant l’évolution de la peste porcine classique en Espagne, au Luxembourg et en Allemagne (SANCO/665/2002, SANCO/666/2002, SANCO/667/2002) (A.L.)

8. Exchange of views and possible opinion of the Committee on a draft Commission Decision concerning additional guarantees relating to Aujeszky's disease for pigs destined for Bavaria, Germany and amending Decisions 93/24/EEC, 93/244/EEC and 2001/618/EC (doc. SANCO/145/2002 – Rev.1) (A.L.) (see point 24 of SVC 2002/05 of 05-06/02/2002)

Echange de vues et éventuellement avis du Comité sur un projet de Décision de la Commission concernant des garanties supplémentaires relatives à la maladie d’Aujeszky pour les porcs destinés à la Bavière, Allemagne et modifiant les Décisions 93/24/CEE, 93/244/CEE et 2001/618/CE (doc. SANCO/145/2002 – Rév.1) (A.L.) (voir point 24 du CVP 2002/05 du 05-06/02/2002)

d145-2002-rev1-al.d

oc

9. Exchange of views and possible opinion of the Committee on a draft Commission Decision amending Commission Decisions 92/160/EEC and 93/197/EEC with regard to importation of registered horses from Turkey and repealing Decision 98/404/EC introducing protective measures with regard to equidae imported from Turkey (doc. SANCO/122/2002 – Rev.2) (AEF)

Echange de vues et éventuellement avis du Comité sur un projet de Décision de la Commission modifiant les Décisions 92/160/CEE et 93/197/CEE de la Commission concernant les importations de chevaux enregistrés de Turquie et abrogeant la Décision 98/404/CE concernant des mesures de protection à l'égard des équidés importés de Turquie (doc. SANCO/122/2002 – Rév.2) (AEF)

d122-2002-rev2-aef.

doc

10. Exchange of views and possible opinion of the Committee on a draft Commission Decision amending Decision 2000/666/EC and Decision 2001/106/EC as regards the establishment of a model for lists of approved quarantine facilities for imports of birds other than poultry in the Member States (doc. SANCO/4246/2001-Rev 4) (M.P.) (see point 17 of SVC 2002/02 of 15-16/01/2002 and point 16 of SVC 2002/05 of 05-06/02/2002)

Echange de vues et éventuellement avis du Comité sur un projet de Décision de la Commission modifiant la Décision 2000/666/CE et la Décision 2001/106/CE concernant établissant un modèle de liste des centres de quarantaine agréés pour les importations d’oiseaux autres que la volaille dans les Etats membres (doc. SANCO/4246/2001-Rev 4) (M.P.) (voir point 17 du CVP 2002/02 du 15-16/01/2002 et point 16 du CVP 2002/05 of 05-06/02/2002)

d4246-2001-rev4-mp

.doc

11. Exchange of views and possible opinion of the Committee on a draft Commission Decision amending Decision 2001/393/EC as regards the certification for the import of specified pathogen free eggs from third countries (doc. SANCO/267/2002 – Rev.2) (M.P.) (see point 27 of SVC 2002/05 of 05-06/02/2002)

Echange de vues et éventuellement avis du Comité sur un projet de Décision de la Commission modifiant la Décision 2001/393/CE concernant la certification requise à l'importation d'œufs exempts de micro-organismes pathogènes spécifiés en provenance de pays tiers (doc. SANCO/267/2002 – Rev.2) (M.P.) (voir point 27 du CVP 2002/05 du 05-06/02/2002)

d267-2002-rev2-mp.

doc

12. Exchange of views and possible opinion of the Committee on a draft Commission Regulation amending Annexes A, C and E to Council Directive 92/65/EEC laying down animal health requirements governing trade in and imports into the Community of animals, semen, ova and embryos not subject to animal health requirements laid down in specific Community rules referred to in Annex A (1) to Directive 90/425/EEC (Doc. SANCO/1971/2000 - Rev.11) (HLB) (see point 29 of SVC 2002/05 of 05-06/02/2002)

Echange de vues et éventuellement avis du Comité sur un projet de Règlement de la Commission modifiant les Annexes A, C et E de la Directive 92/65/CEE du Conseil définissant les conditions de police sanitaire régissant les échanges et les importations dans la Communauté d’animaux, de spermes, d’ovules et d’embryons non soumis, en ce qui concerne les conditions de police sanitaire, aux réglementations communautaires spécifiques visées à l’annexe A section I de la directive 90/425/CEE (Doc. SANCO/1971/2000 - Rev.11) (HLB) (voir point 29 du CVP 2002/05 du 05-06/02/2002)

d1971rev12dated25-

2-02.doc

13. Exchange of views and possible opinion of the Committee on a draft Commission Decision approving programmes with the view to obtaining the status of approved zones and of farms in non-approved zones with regard to viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) and infectious haematopoietic necrosis (IHN) (doc. SANCO/159/2002 – Rev.1) (L.B.) (see point 31 of SVC 2002/05 of 05-06/02/2002)

Echange de vues et éventuellement avis du Comité sur un projet de Décision de la Commission approuvant des programmes en vue d’obtenir le statut de zones approuvées et d’exploitations piscicoles dans des zones non-approuvées en ce qui concerne la septicémie hémorragique virale et la nécrose hématopoïétique infectieuse (doc. SANCO/159/2002 – Rév.1) (L.B.) (voir point 31 du CVP 2002/05 du 05-06/02/2002)

d159-2002-rev1-lb.d

oc

14. Exchange of views and possible opinion of the Committee on a draft Commission Decision establishing the list of approved zones with regard to one or more of the diseases Bonamia ostreae and Marteilia refringens (doc. SANCO/160/2002 – Rev.1) (L.B.) (see point 32 of SVC 2002/05 of 05-06/02/2002)

Echange de vues et éventuellement avis du Comité sur un projet de Décision de la Commission établissant la liste de zones approuvées en ce qui concerne une ou plusieurs des maladies Bonamia ostreae and Marteilia refringens (doc. SANCO/160/2002 – Rév.1) (L.B.) (voir point 32 du CVP 2002/05 du 05-06/02/2002)

d160-2002-rev1-lb.d

oc

EMBED Word.Document.8 \s

"d634 UK reponse

comments bonamia mart NI.doc"

15. Exchange of views and possible opinion of the Committee on a draft Commission Decision establishing the list of approved zones and approved fish farms in the European Community with regard to one or more of the diseases viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) and infectious haematopoietic necrosis (IHN) (doc. SANCO/32/2002-Rev.2) (L.B.) (see point 30 of SVC 2002/05 of 05-06/02/2002)

Echange de vues et éventuellement avis du Comité sur un projet de Décision de la Commission établissant la liste des exploitations piscicoles dans la Communauté européenne en ce qui concerne une ou plusieures des maladies septicémie hémorragique virale et nécrose hématopoïétique infectieuse (doc. SANCO/32/2002-Rev.2) (L.B.) (voir point 30 du CVP 2002/05 du 05-06/02/2002)

d32-2002-rev2-lb.do

c

EMBED Word.Document.8 \s

"d257 R1 outbreak

of VHS in France.doc"

EMBED Package

"d155 c applic Fr

farm SARL.zip"

16. Exchange of views and possible opinion of the Committee on a draft Commission Decision in relation to Community financial aid in the framework of the eradication of classical swine fever in Germany in 1999 (doc. SANCO/464/2002) (LVDB)

Echange de vues et éventuellement avis du Comité sur un projet de Décision de la Commission relative à une aide financière de la Communauté dans le cadre de l'éradication de la peste porcine classique en Allemagne en 1999 (doc. SANCO/464/2002) (LVDB)

d464-2002-lvdb.doc

17. Exchange of views and possible opinion of the Committee on a draft Commission Decision amending Decision 92/452/EEC as regards the lists of embryo collection teams and embryo production teams approved in third countries for export of bovine embryos to the Community (doc. SANCO/456/2002-Rev.1) (H.K.)

Echange de vues et éventuellement avis du Comité sur un projet de Décision de la Commission modifiant la Décision 92/452/CEE établissant la liste des équipes de collecte d'embryons agréées, dans les pays tiers, pour les exportations vers la Communauté d'embryons d'animaux de l'espèce bovine (doc. SANCO/456/2002-Rév.1) (H.K.)

d456-2002-rev1-hk.

doc

18. Exchange of views and possible opinion of the Committee on a draft Commission Decision amending for the eighth time Decision 2000/284/EC establishing the list of approved semen collection centres for imports of equine semen from third countries (doc. SANCO/471/2002 – Rev.1) (AEF)

Echange de vues et éventuellement avis du Comité sur un projet de Décision de la Commission modifiant pour la huitième fois la Décision 2000/284/CE établissant la liste des centres agréés de collecte de sperme pour les importations de sperme d'équidés en provenance de pays tiers (doc. SANCO/471/2002 – Rev.1) (AEF)

d471-2002-rev1-aef.

doc

SECTION CDraft presented for discussion - Projet présenté pour discussion - Zur Diskussion vorgestellter Entwurf

19. Exchange of views on a draft Commission Decision amending for the third time Decision 94/143/EC with regard to imports of equine serum (doc. SANCO/539/2002) (AEF)

Echange de vues sur un projet de Décision de la Commission modifiant pour la troisième fois la Décision 94/143/CE concernant l’importation de sérum d'équidés (doc. SANCO/539/2002) (AEF)

d539-2002-aef.doc

20. Exchange of views on a draft Commission Decision listing the units in the 'ANIMO' computer network and repealing Decision 2000/287/EC (doc. SANCO/618/2002) (D.C.)

Echange de vues sur un projet de Décision de la Commission fixant la liste des unités du réseau informatisé ANIMO et abrogeant la décision 2000/287/CE (doc. SANCO/618/2002) (D.C.)

d618-2002-dc.doc

21. Exchange of views on a draft Commission Decision on restrictions for poultry vaccinated against avian influenza in Italy (doc. SANCO/203/2002) (M.P.)

Echange de vues sur un projet de Décision de la Commission concernant les restrictions pour les volailles vaccinées contre l’influenza aviaire en Italie (doc. SANCO/203/2002) (M.P.)

22. Exchange of views on a draft Commission Decision amending Decision 2002/XXX/EC (Document SANCO/3787/2001-Rev.3) on financial aid from the Community for the operation of the Community reference laboratory for avian influenza in 2002 (doc. SANCO/528/2002) (M.P.)

Echange de vues et éventuellement avis du Comité sur un projet de Décision de la Commission modifiant la Décision 2002/XXX/EC (Document SANCO/3787/2001-Rev.3) concernant une aide financière de la Communauté pour le fonctionnement du laboratoire communautaire de référence pour l’influenza aviaire en 2002 (doc. SANCO/528/2002) (M.P.)

d528-2002-mp.doc

23. Exchange of views on a draft Commission Decision on the implementation of surveys for avian influenza in poultry and wild birds in the Member States (doc. SANCO/529/2002) (M.P.)

Echange de vues sur un projet de Décision de la Commission concernant la mise en œuvre des surveillances pour l’influenza aviaire dans les volailles et dans les oiseaux sauvages dans les Etats membres (doc. SANCO/529/2002) (M.P.)

d529-2002-mp.doc

24. Miscellaneous – Divers

The fax number for the meeting is 32 2 295 31 44

A toutes fins utiles, le numéro de télécopieur pour cette réunion est le 32 2 295 31 44

Die Faxnummer für die Sitzung ist 32.2. 295 31 44

For security reasons the participants are requested to present this invitation at the reception desk of the building.

Pour des raisons de sécurité, vous êtes priés de présenter cette invitation à la réception de l’immeuble.

Aus Sicherheitsgründen werden die Teilnehmer gebeten, diese Einladung am Empfangsbüro des Gebäudes vorzuzeigen.

Alejandro Checchi Lang

Director/Directeur/Direktor

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Sheet1

ADMIN B4SEGNALETICA FINANZIARIA - ITALIAIT

Ha già compilato questo documento in passato?NOSI

È stato convocato in qualità di rappresentante di un organismo governativo del Suo paese?

(In caso di mancata risposta, l'amministrazione considera che la risposta è affermativa).NOSI

1-ESPERTO (indirizzo postale)

COGNOME E NOME

INDIRIZZO

LUOGO

STATOCODICE POSTALE

TELEFONOTELEFAX

CELLULARE

E-MAIL

2-ORGANISMO DI APPARTENENZA

NOME

INDIRIZZO

LUOGOCODICE POSTALE

STATO

3-TITOLARE DEL CONTO (se il titolare del conto non è l'esperto)

NOME

INDIRIZZO

LUOGOCODICE POSTALE

PERSONA DI CONTATTO

TELEFONO

4-BANCA

NOME DELLA BANCA

INDIRIZZO DELL'AGENZIA

LUOGOCODICE POSTALE

CODICE ABICABCONTO

IBAN

5-OSSERVAZIONI

SIGILLO DELLA BANCADATA+FIRMA DEL TITOLARE DEL CONTO

FIRMA DEL RAPPRESENTANTE DELLA BANCA

TUTTI E DUE OBBLIGATORIOBBLIGATORIE

_1076160761.doc

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES

Brussels, SANCO/593/2002 LB

WORKING DOCUMENT

FISH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLANS FOR GREAT BRITAIN

This document does not necessarily represent the views of the Commission.

FISH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLANS FOR GREAT BRITAIN

The attached are the contingency plans for dealing with outbreaks of infectious salmon anaemia, infectious haematopoietic necrosis and viral haemorrhagic septicaemia in Great Britain in accordance with Article 15 of Directive 93/53/EEC

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

National Assembly for Wales Agriculture Department

Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department

2002

FISH DISEASE CONTINGENCY PLANS FOR GREAT BRITAIN

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 This document sets out the contingency plans for infectious salmon anaemia (ISA), infectious haematopoietic necrosis (IHN) and viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) in Great Britain. Separate contingency plans are being produced for Northern Ireland, reflecting the different domestic legislation and administrative structures which operate in that zone.

2. ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

England and Wales

2.1 Within England and Wales, fish disease controls are the responsibility of the following government departments:

For England:

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

For Wales:

National Assembly for Wales Agriculture Department (NAWAD). Reference to the Minister in relation to Wales means the Minister to whom the National Assembly for Wales has delegated its powers under the provisions identified in paragraph 11.1

2.2 Operational responsibilities are exercised by the Fish Health Inspectorate, part of the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science in Weymouth which is part of DEFRA and undertakes work both for that Department and for NAWAD. This laboratory is a designated national reference laboratory for fish diseases (under Annex A of Directive 93/53/EEC).

2.3 For fish in waters that are not a fish farm, the Environment Agency (EA) has specified fish disease responsibilities within England and Wales.

Scotland

2.4 In Scotland, fish disease controls are the responsibility of the Scottish Executive, Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD). Operational responsibilities are exercised by the Fisheries Research Services, Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen (FRS) which is part of SEERAD. This laboratory is a designated reference laboratory for fish diseases (under Annex A of Directive 93/53/EEC).

2.5 For fish in waters that are not a fish farm, the local District Salmon Fishery Board (DSFB) has specified fish disease responsibilities within Scotland.

3. NATIONAL CRISIS CENTRE

3.1 In the event of an outbreak of ISA, IHN or VHS a National Crisis Centre will be established to co-ordinate all control measures against the disease in question. The National Crisis Centre will be:

In the case of an outbreak

in England or Wales:

Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS)

Barrack Road

The Nothe

Weymouth

Dorset

DT4 8UB

Telephone: 01305 206600

Fax: 01305 206602

Email: Fish.Health.Inspectorate@cefas.co.uk

In the case of an outbreak

in Scotland:

Scottish Executive, Environment and Rural Affairs Department

Fisheries Research Services

The Marine Laboratory

PO Box 101

Victoria Road

Aberdeen

AB9 8DB

Telephone: 01224 876544

Fax: 01224 295620

4. LOCAL DISEASE CONTROL CENTRES

4.1 In the event of an outbreak of ISA, IHN or VHS it will be necessary to co-ordinate the disease control measures at a local level. In England and Wales the first point of contact will be the Environment Agency, National Fisheries Laboratory who will liase with the appropriate regional Environment Agency site to set up a local disease control centre. Contacts are listed in Appendix 1 to this document. In the event of an outbreak of any of the diseases in Scotland local disease control measures will co-ordinated from the Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen.

5. STAFF INVOLVED IN CONTROL MEASURES

England and Wales

5.1 The response to an outbreak of ISA, IHN or VHS in England and Wales will be co-ordinated by Head of the National Crisis Centre or, in his absence, by his Deputy.

5.2 The operation of control measures at a local level will be the responsibility of the Fish Health Inspectorate which consists of 14 inspectors each of whom holds a degree or equivalent qualification in a subject relevant to fish disease control.

5.3 Inspectors will be responsible for:

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hinvestigating suspected disease outbreaks;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \htaking samples of fish, or other materials and submitting them for laboratory analysis;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \happlying the disease control measures in accordance with the detailed contingency arrangements set out in the Appendices to this document;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hensuring compliance with all controls which are applied.

5.4 The Fish Health Inspectorate will be supported, as necessary, by suitably qualified fisheries staff of the Environment Agency. The qualifications of the staff used will depend on the nature of the task involved.

Scotland

5.5 The response to an outbreak of ISA, IHN or VHS in Scotland will be co-ordinated by the Head of the National Crisis Centre, FRS, Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen or, in his absence, by his Deputy.

5.6 The operation of control measures at a local level will be the responsibility of the Fish Health Inspectorate which consists of 15 inspectors each of whom holds a degree or equivalent qualification in a subject relevant to fish disease control.

5.7 Inspectors will be responsible for:

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hinvestigating suspected disease outbreaks;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \htaking samples of fish, or other materials and submitting them for laboratory analysis;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \happlying the disease control measures in accordance with the detailed contingency arrangements set out in the Appendices to this document;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hensuring compliance with all controls which are applied.

5.8 The Fish Health Inspectorate will be supported, as necessary, by suitably qualified SEERAD staff and persons appointed by the District Salmon Fisheries Boards. The qualifications of the staff used will depend on the nature of the tasks involved.

6. COMMUNICATIONS

6.1 Each local disease control centre, specified in Appendix 1, will be equipped with telephones and fax machines so as to enable rapid contact with persons and organisations directly or indirectly involved in an outbreak. Lists covering names, addresses, telephone and fax numbers of such relevant contacts will be maintained centrally for immediate use in the event of an outbreak.

6.2 Wherever possible, and appropriate, inspectors who are engaged in field operations in relation to an outbreak of ISA, IHN or VHS will be equipped with a mobile telephone.

6.3 Arrangements will be made for dealing with the media, both for the purposes of publicising an outbreak and the controls which have been applied, and for answering enquiries in relation to the outbreak.

6.4 The Commission and other Member States will be notified of suspicion of disease, and whether subsequently it is ruled out or confirmed, as set out in Appendices 2 and 3 to this document, and in accordance with the relevant provisions of Directive 91/67/EEC.

7. EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS

7.1 Equipment and materials will be available to carry out the disease control measures properly.

7.2 Inspectors will carry with them at all times:

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hproof of their identity and authority to act under the relevant legislation;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hany kits which are available to carry out rapid diagnostic tests for ISA, IHN or VHS;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hsuch instruments and materials which are necessary to allow them to take and submit samples of fish or other material for analysis;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hthe legal documents necessary to impose immediate restrictions on the movement of fish, eggs and gametes into or from premises or waters suspected of being infected with ISA, IHN or VHS.

7.3 The National Crisis Centres referred to in Section 3 will be equipped to the standards referred to in Section 10.

8. DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS

8.1 The detailed instructions on action to be taken on suspicion and confirmation of infection or contamination are set out in Appendices 2 and 3 to this document. These instructions will be kept under review and updated as and when necessary.

9. TRAINING PROGRAMMES

9.1 Training programmes are being established to ensure that all relevant persons are able to develop and maintain their skills in field and administrative procedures.

10. LABORATORY FACILITIES

10.1 The National Crisis Centres referred to in Section 3 are equipped to carry out laboratory tests for ISA, IHN and VHS using the most up-to-date procedures possible. They have facilities for undertaking:

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hpost-mortem examination;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \h serological and histological examinations; and

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hrapid diagnostic techniques.

10.2 To this end they will maintain in stock supplies of materials necessary for the conduct of such procedures.

10.3 Arrangements have been made for the rapid transmission of samples so that they arrive at the relevant National Crisis Centre in accordance with the requirements of Commission Decision 2001/183/EC. Depending on the circumstances, inspectors or suitably qualified staff will either hand-deliver the sample or a commercial carrier will be used. In either case, samples will be maintained in a secure state unfrozen at < 10oC throughout the period of transport.

11. LEGAL POWERS

11.1 The legal powers to implement these contingency plans are contained in:

SYMBOL 108 \f "Wingdings" \s 7 \hThe Diseases of Fish Act 1937 (as amended by the Diseases of Fish Act 1983 );

SYMBOL 108 \f "Wingdings" \s 7 \hThe Registration of Fish Farming and Shellfish Farming Businesses Order 1985 (SI 1985 No 1319)

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hThe Fish Health Regulations 1997

SYMBOL 108 \f "Wingdings" \s 7 \hThe Diseases of Fish (Control) Regulations 1994 (SI 1994 No 1447)

· The Diseases of Fish (Control) (Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (SI 2000 No.330)

11.2 Legal instruments, which are necessary to implement the relevant controls, for example to designate areas as infected, will be maintained on a "model" basis so that they can be produced rapidly in the event of an outbreak of ISA, IHN or VHS.

APPENDIX 1

LOCAL DISEASE CONTROL CENTRES

EA SITES FOR LOCAL DISEASE CONTROL CENTRES (ENGLAND AND WALES) (Section 4 refers)

FIRST POINIT OF CONTACT

CONTACT NUMBERS

LOCATION

NATIONAL FISHERIES LABORATORY

Tel: 01480 414581

Fax: 01480 433873

Bromholme Lane

Brampton

Huntingdon

Cambridgeshire

PE28 4NE

REGION

ANGLIAN

Tel: 01733 371811

Fax: 01733 464372

Kingfisher House

Goldhay Way

Orton Goldhay

Peterborough

PE2 5ZR

NORTH EAST

Tel: 0113 2440191

Fax: 0113 2461889

Rivers House

21 Park Square South

Leeds

LS1 2QG

NORTHWEST

Tel: 01925 653999

Fax: 01925 243589

Richard Fairclough House

Knutsford Road

Warrington

WA4 1HG

MIDLANDS

Tel: 0121 711 2324

Fax: 0121 711 5824

Sapphire East

550 Streetbrook Road

Solihull

West Midlands

B91 1QT

SOUTHERN

Tel: 01903 832000

Fax: 01903 832211

Guildbourne House

Chatsworth Road

Worthing

West Sussex

BN11 1LD

SOUTH WESTERN

Tel: 01392 444000

Fax: 01392 442038

Manley House

Kestral Way

Exeter

Devon

EX2 7LQ

THAMES

Tel: 0118 9535000

Fax: 0118 9587151

Kings Meadow House

Kings Meadow Road

Reading

RG1 8DQ

WELSH

Tel: 02920 770088

Fax: 02920 798555

Rivers House

St Mellons Business Park

St Mellons

Cardiff

CF3 OYE

APPENDIX 2

Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA)

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS ON ACTION TO BE TAKEN ON SUSPICION AND CONFIRMATION OF INFECTION OR CONTAMINATION

Note: The following abbreviations are used in this Appendix:

"DAO" means a Designated Areas Order made under section 2 of the Diseases of Fish Act 1937.

"30 day notice" means a notice served under section 4 or 4A of the Diseases of Fish Act 1937.

"the relevant NCC" means the relevant National Crisis Centre i.e.,

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hthe Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth for outbreaks in England or Wales; or

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hthe Fisheries Research Services, Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen for outbreaks in Scotland.

"Head of the relevant NCC" means the Chief Advisor for Fish and Shellfish Health for England and Wales or, the Head of the Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health Programme for Scotland. If absent, the relevant deputy will take over the role.

"CVO" means Chief Veterinary Officer.

"the relevant Policy Division" means the Policy Division responsible for fish disease control policies in either DEFRA, NAWAD or SEERAD depending on whether the outbreak or suspected outbreak has arisen is in England, Wales or Scotland respectively.

" a water catchment area" means an entire river system, including all tributaries, from source to estuary.

" a coastal zone or area" generally consists of a part of a coast or an estuary with a precise geographical delimitation (and homogeneous hydrological system) or an island and its adjoining waters, or on the mainland, an area from headland to headland or otherwise constituting a discrete hydrological zone.

“Official service” means the veterinary service or other service of equivalent level designated by the competent authority of the and responsible for carrying out the measures set out in this contingency plan

PART 1: ACTION IN RELATION TO FISH FARMS

Section 1. Initial investigation

1.1 If there is any cause for concern or suspicion that a fish farm may be infected with ISA an inspector must immediately visit and carry out an on-site investigation. Such concern or suspicion may arise, for example:

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hfollowing a report of suspicious mortalities or symptoms;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hfollowing a report that fish have been introduced illegally from a country with a history of ISA;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hduring an investigation of farms which have received fish from, or have supplied fish to, a known infected site or which are in close proximity to a known infected site;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hduring routine laboratory testing of samples, where dubious reactions indicate that covert infection may be present.

1.2 If, following the on-site investigation, that concern appears to be justified, the inspector or suitably qualified staff will take a sample of fish and will ensure that it reaches the relevant NCC for laboratory examination as speedily as possible (and certainly within 24 hours) either by delivering it personally or by using a commercial carrier. Pending the establishment of sampling plans or diagnostic methods established under Article 15 of Directive 91/67/EEC, all sampling and testing for ISA will be carried out in accordance with the latest scientific knowledge. Diagnosis will be carried out in accordance with the published Commission Decision. This method will be kept under review in the light of any new diagnostic techniques emerging from the Community Reference Laboratory, Norway, or elsewhere.

Section 2: Action on "suspicion of infection"

2.1 If fish from the farm are found to have clinical signs of ISA, or to show post mortem lesions, or to produce dubious reactions in laboratory tests (or in any tests carried out on site) they shall be regarded as fish suspected of being infected. Laboratory tests will be completed as quickly as possible on a sample of fish in order to confirm or rule out the presence of disease. In addition, if fish have been introduced from a site which is known or suspected to have ISA, or from a site which is in close proximity to a known suspected site, then the fish should also be regarded as being suspected of being infected.

2.2 The Head of the relevant NCC will immediately inform the relevant Policy Division of the finding of fish suspected as being infected, and will provide a full report explaining all the circumstances and the action taken. All disease control centres will be placed on full alert. The relevant Policy Division will, in turn notify the findings to the following bodies:

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hOther Fisheries Departments and approved zones in the United Kingdom;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hThe Environment Agency (in England and Wales)

SYMBOL 108 \f "Wingdings" \s 7 \hThe relevant District Salmon Fishery Board (in Scotland)

The relevant policy Division in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will notify:

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hThe EU Commission;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hOIE;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hThe EC Reference Laboratory.

The CVO will inform CVOs in other Member States.

2.3 The Head of the relevant NCC will ensure that the following action is taken immediately and concurrently:

2.3.1 That a 30 day notice is served or a DAO is made. By serving a notice or by making a DAO, the Minister is empowered to exercise controls under the Diseases of Fish Act 1937 and the Diseases of Fish (Control) Regulations 1994. These controls require the occupier to take specified disinfection measures at the entrances and exits to the farm and require any person to obtain the written permission of the relevant Minister or Secretary of State in order to:

(a) bring on to or remove from the farm all fish, whether alive or dead, eggs or gametes; or

(b) dispose of any dead fish or their offal except under the supervision of the relevant official service;

(c) bring on to or take from the farm any equipment, material or substances liable to transmit disease; or

(d) enter on to or exit from the farm; or

(e) bring any vehicle on to or take a vehicle from the farm; or

(f) remove any fish, whether alive or dead, eggs or gametes from a farm

(i) which is in the same coastal area or water catchment area as the farm at

which the outbreak of disease is suspected: and

(ii) whose owner or occupier has been notified that their farm is under

surveillance for disease.

and to take any other measures deemed necessary to prevent the spread of infection from the infected site.

2.3.2 That one or more inspectors are seconded to the relevant local disease control centre to co-ordinate the disease control measures at a local level, and to ensure compliance with those controls.

2.3.3 That a census is made by an inspector which shows:

(a) the species of fish present on the farm and the disease with which they are suspected of being infected;

(b) categories of fish;

(c) number of dead fish;

(d) number of infected fish;

(e) number of fish suspected of being infected or contaminated.

2.3.4 That a copy of the census is left with the owner or occupier who will be informed of the obligation:

(a) to update the census regularly to take account of any increased population or new mortality;

(b) to keep the census available for regular inspection by an inspector;

(c) to retain the census for a period of 4 years after the expiry of the 30 day notice or the revocation of any DAO.

2.3.5 That an epizootic investigation is carried out by an inspector which deals with:

(a) the likely length of time during which the disease may have existed on the farm before being notified or suspected;

(b) the possible origin of the disease on the farm and the identification of other farms on which there are eggs and gametes and fish of susceptible species which may have become infected;

(c) the movement of fish, eggs or gametes, vehicles or substances and persons likely to have carried the disease agent to or from the farms in question;

(d) the possible existence of carriers of the disease and their distribution.

2.3.6 That all of the farms situated in the same coastal area or water catchment area are placed under official surveillance. The owner or occupier of these farms shall be notified that this means that no fish, eggs or gametes may leave the premises without the written authorisation of the relevant official service.

2.4 If the epizootic investigation referred to in paragraph 2.3.5 reveals that the disease could have been introduced to or from another coastal area or water catchment area, the farms in the second area shall be considered as suspect and treated as set out in paragraph 2.3.

Section 3 Action on "reasonable grounds for suspicion"

3.1 There may be circumstances where there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that fish on a fish farm may be infected with ISA but they do not meet the criteria of "fish suspected of being infected" referred to in paragraph 2.1 above. For example, stocks may be known, or strongly suspected, to have been exposed to infection but may fail to show any clinical signs or reaction to laboratory tests. This may be due, for example, to an initially low level of infection or the tests may have been conducted at a sub-optimal time for detection of infection.

3.2 In such cases, consideration should be given to applying controls on suspicion of infection for the purposes of the Diseases of Fish Act 1937. The degree of suspicion which allows action to be taken under the 1937 Act is less than that required by Council Directive 93/53/EEC. The 1937 Act allows controls to be applied "on reasonable grounds for suspecting" whereas the EC Directive requires that fish must show clinical signs, or post mortem lesions, or dubious reactions in laboratory tests.

3.3 If there are "reasonable grounds for suspecting" a fish farm to be infected with ISA, the Head of the relevant NCC and the relevant Policy Division will consider whether movement controls should be applied under the 1937 Act. Controls will be applied by means of a 30 day notice or a DAO. The notice or DAO will normally prohibit the movement of live fish, eggs or foodstuffs for fish to, or from, or within the area covered.

Section 4: Action on results of testing

4.1 The Head of the relevant NCC will ensure that further tests are conducted as quickly as possible to either confirm or rule out the presence of infection. If the presence of infection is confirmed, the Head will ensure that the action specified in Section 5 is undertaken. If the presence of infection is ruled out, the Head will ensure that any 30 day notice or DAO is lifted as quickly as possible. The Local Disease Control Centre will stand down. The relevant Policy Division(s) will inform the bodies listed at paragraph 2.2 above of these findings.

Section 5: Action on confirmation of infection

5.1 If, following the completion of tests, the presence of ISA is confirmed, the Head of the relevant NCC will immediately inform the relevant Policy Division in DEFRA, NAWAD or SEERAD (as appropriate) and will provide a full report explaining all the circumstances and the action taken so far.

5.2 The relevant Policy Division will ensure that, if it has not already been done, a DAO is made. By making a DAO, the Minister is empowered to exercise controls, under the Diseases of Fish Act 1937 and the Diseases of Fish (Control) Regulations 1994, in respect of waters covered by the Order. The area covered by the DAO will depend on all the circumstances of the case but is likely to cover the whole coastal area or water catchment area, in which the infection has been found.

5.3 The relevant Policy Division shall take appropriate action for ensuring that the

requirements of the DAO are brought to the attention of persons affected by it.

This will include some or all of the following:

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hadvertisements in the London Gazette or Edinburgh Gazette and in local newspapers;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hwriting to known occupiers of land or waters within the area covered;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hwriting to fish farming and anglers organisations

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hplacing notices on, for example, river banks;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hnotifying local Sea Fisheries Committees/local fishing organisations where the designated area is a coastal area.

5.4 The relevant Policy Division will also notify the following bodies of the confirmation of infection:

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hOther Fisheries Departments and approved zones in the United Kingdom;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hThe Environment Agency (in England and Wales);

SYMBOL 108 \f "Wingdings" \s 7 \hThe relevant District Salmon Fishery Board (in Scotland)

The relevant Policy Division in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will notify:

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hThe EU Commission;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hOIE;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hThe EC Reference Laboratory.

The CVO will notify CVOs in other Member States.

5.5 The farm will remain subject to the controls on movements etc. referred to in paragraph

2.3.1 above, and the occupier will be required to continue to keep and update the official census referred to in paragraphs 2.3.3 and 2.3.4 above.

5.6 The Head of the relevant NCC will ensure that a notice is served on the occupier of the farm which requires him or her:

(a) to remove all fish from the waters on the farm in line with the withdrawal scheme approved by Commission Decision 2001/872/EC;

(b) if it is an inland fish farm, to drain, clean and disinfect all pools;

(c) to destroy all eggs, gametes, dead fish and live fish showing clinical infection under the supervision of an inspector and in accordance with the provisions of Directive 90/667/EEC;

(d) to allow those fish not showing clinical signs of disease to reach commercial size for slaughter for human consumption the operation to be carried out in accordance with the appropriate safeguards set out in Article 6 (a) of Directive 93/53/EEC.

(e) to clean and disinfect or destroy any equipment, materials or substances liable to be contaminated with the disease pathogen, under the supervision of an inspector; and

(f) to repopulate the farm only when authorised by the relevant Minister or Secretary of State.

The Head of the relevant NCC may authorise an inspector to carry out any of the above actions, or to engage a contractor to do so, if the occupier of the fish farm fails to comply with the requirements of the notice. Costs may be recovered from the occupier.

5.7 The Head of the relevant NCC will ensure that, if it has not already been done, a full epizootic investigation is carried out as set out in Section 2.3.5, and which includes the taking of samples for laboratory examination.

5.8 All farms situated in the same coastal area or water catchment area shall be inspected and eradication action taken as set out above, if the disease is confirmed to be present. An epizootic investigation shall be undertaken for each confirmed site. Fish in waters that are

not a fish farm in the same coastal area or water catchment area in close proximity to a known infected site will also be considered suspect (see Part 2).

PART 2: ACTION TO BE TAKE IN RESPECT OF WATERS WHICH ARE NOT THE WATERS OF A FISH FARM

Section 1: Initial investigation

1.1 If there is any cause for concern or suspicion that fish in waters that are not a fish farm may be infected with ISA an inspector must immediately visit and carry out an on the spot investigation. Such concern or suspicion may arise, for example:

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hfollowing a report of suspicious mortalities or symptoms;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hfollowing a report that fish have been introduced illegally from a country with a history of ISA ;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hafter an escape of fish from an infected or suspected fish farm.

1.2 If, following the field investigation, that concern appears to be justified, the inspector will take a sample of fish and will ensure that it reaches the relevant NCC for laboratory examination within 24 hours, either by delivering it personally or by using a commercial carrier. Pending the establishment of sampling plans or diagnostic methods established under Article 15 of Directive 91/67/EEC, all sampling and testing for ISA will be carried out in accordance with the latest scientific knowledge. Diagnosis will be carried out in accordance with the published Commission Decision. This method will be kept under review in the light of any new diagnostic techniques emerging from the Community Reference Laboratory, Norway, or elsewhere.

Section 2: Action on suspicion or confirmation of infection

2.1 This section applies where fish in waters that are not a fish farm are:

suspected of being infected with ISA (because they have clinical signs of infection, or show post mortem lesions, or produce dubious reactions in laboratory tests (or in any tests carried out on site); or

confirmed by laboratory test as being infected with ISA.

2.2 On suspicion or confirmation of infection, the Head of the relevant NCC will immediately inform the relevant Policy Division and will provide a full report explaining all the circumstances and the action taken so far. The local disease control centre will be placed on full alert/take appropriate action.

2.3 The relevant Policy Division will ensure that a DAO is made immediately. The area covered by the DAO will depend on all the circumstances of the case but is likely to cover the whole coastal area or water catchment area, in which the infection has been found.

2.4 The relevant Policy Division will also notify the following bodies of the suspicion and /or confirmation of infection:

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hOther Fisheries Departments and approved zones in the United Kingdom;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hThe Environment Agency (in England and Wales)

SYMBOL 108 \f "Wingdings" \s 7 \hThe relevant District Salmon Fishery Board (in Scotland) and the DSFB Association

The relevant Policy Division in the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs will notify:

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hThe EU Commission;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hOIE;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hThe EC Reference Laboratory.

The CVO will notify CVOs in other Member States.

2.5 The making of a DAO requires the occupier of the land or waters covered by the order to take specified disinfection measures at appropriate entrances and exits within the designated area and requires any person to obtain the written permission of the relevant Minister in order to:

(a) bring into, or remove from, the designated area, any fish, eggs or foodstuffs for fish;

(b) bring into, or take from, the designated area any equipment, materials or substances liable to transmit disease;

(c) enter into, or exit from, the designated area; or

(d) bring any vehicle, including boats, into, or take a vehicle from, the designated area.

and to take any other measures deemed necessary to prevent the spread of infection from the infected site.

2.6 The relevant Policy Division shall take appropriate action for ensuring that the requirements of the DAO are brought to the attention of persons affected by it. This will include some or all of the following:

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hadvertisements in the London Gazette or Edinburgh Gazette and in local newspapers;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hwriting to known occupiers of land or waters within the area covered;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hwriting to fish farming and anglers organisations;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hplacing notices on, for example, river banks.

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hnotifying local Sea Fisheries Committees/ local fishing organisations where the designated area is a coastal area.

2.7 The Head of the relevant NCC will ensure that the following action is taken immediately and concurrently:

2.7.1 That one or more inspectors are seconded to the relevant local disease control centre to co-ordinate the disease control measures at a local level, and to ensure compliance with those controls.

2.7.2 That all farms situated in the same coastal area or water catchment area are placed under official surveillance. The owner or occupier of these farms must be notified that this means that no fish, live or dead, eggs or gametes may leave the premises without the authorisation of the relevant official service.

2.8 The DSFB or EA will be required, wherever possible, to take all practicable steps to remove dead and dying fish from suspected or infected waters, including waters within a ½ mile radius of an infected site/area, and keep records. The DSFB or EA shall dispose of dead fish or their offal under the supervision of the relevant Official Service. If ISA is confirmed, the DSFB or EA shall destroy any fish so removed in accordance with the provisions of Directive 90/667/EEC.

2.9 If ISA is confirmed, the Head of the relevant NCC will ensure that, if it has not already been done, a full epizootic investigation is carried out. In addition, all farms situated in the same coastal area or water catchment area shall be inspected and eradication action taken as set out above if the disease is confirmed to be present. An epizootic investigation shall be undertaken for each confirmed area. (see Part I).

Section 3: Action on "reasonable grounds for suspicion"

3.1 There may be circumstances where there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that wild fish may be infected with ISA but they do not meet the criteria of "fish suspected of being infected" referred to in paragraph 2.1 above. For example, stocks may be known, or strongly suspected, to have been exposed to infection but may fail to show any clinical signs or reaction to laboratory tests. This may be due, for example, to an initially low level of infection - especially likely in wild stocks given the degree of "dilution" - or the tests may have been conducted at a sub-optimal time for detection of infection.

3.2 In such cases, consideration should be given to applying controls on suspicion of infection for the purposes of the Diseases of Fish Act 1937. The degree of suspicion which allows action to be taken under the 1937 Act is less than that required by Council Directive 93/53/EEC. The 1937 Act allows controls to be applied "on reasonable grounds for suspecting" whereas the EC Directive requires that fish must show clinical signs, or post mortem lesions, or dubious reactions in laboratory tests.

3.3 If there are "reasonable grounds for suspecting" wild fish to be infected with ISA, the Head of the relevant NCC and the relevant Policy Division will consider whether movement controls should be applied by means of a DAO. The DAO will normally prohibit the movement of live fish, eggs or foodstuffs for fish to, or from, or within the area covered.

3.4 The DSFB/EA may be required wherever possible to take all practicable steps to remove dead and dying fish from waters suspected of being infected; to dispose of dead fish and their offal under the supervision of the relevant Official Service, and to keep records.

Section 4: Action on results of testing

4.1 The Head of the relevant NCC will ensure that further tests are conducted as quickly as possible either to confirm or rule out the presence of infection. If the presence of infection is confirmed, the Head will ensure that the action specified in Section 2 is undertaken. If the presence of infection is ruled out, the Head will ensure that any DAO is revoked as quickly as possible. The local disease control centre will stand down. The CVO and/or relevant Policy Division will inform the bodies listed at paragraph 2.4 above of these findings.

PART 3: Arrangements for Vaccination in the event of an outbreak of Infectious Salmon Anaemia

Section 1: Nature of the Disease

Infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) is a serious viral disease affecting Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). The disease had not been diagnosed outside Norway (first reported in 1984) until 1996/97 where it was detected in New Brunswick, Canada. In the European Community ISA is perceived as an exotic disease which demands common action to eradicate outbreaks. However in May 1998 an outbreak of ISA occurred on a marine farm in Scotland. Subsequently 11 farms where confirmed, which were all connected back to the original outbreak by contact tracing and genetic analysis of the virus. The last confirmed case in Scotland was in May 1999.

The ISA virus is transmitted horizontally (i.e. from fish to fish) principally by exposure to contaminated water. Experimental evidence suggests that vertical transmission (i.e. from egg to adult) does not occur (Melville and Griffiths 1999).

Effectiveness of immune response and vaccine efficacy. Little work has been done on immune protection against ISAV but Falk & Dannevig (1995) showed that fish which had survived experimental infection with ISAV were significantly more resistant to subsequent infection than were previously unexposed fish. Furthermore, serum from convalescent fish was able to neutralise the infectivity of ISA-infective tissue and also able to confer passive protection to native fish. (Falk & Dannevig, 1995). Scientific evidence for vaccine efficacy comes from Jones, MacKinnon & Salonius, 1999 who observed that inactivated Canadian strain of ISAV induced significant protection against challenge with the homologous virus (Vaccination of freshwater reared Atlantic salmon reduces mortality associated with ISAV. Bull. Eur. Ass. Fish Pathol. 19,98 101). Although no licensed vaccine is currently available field trials of a killed-virus vaccine have been undertaken in Canada under emergency procedures albeit with equivocal results. These studies indicated both the potential efficacy of an ISA vaccine and interest of some fish vaccine companies to develop a vaccine/vaccines against ISA as soon as possible.

Section 2: Purpose of vaccination and specification of the types of vaccine to be used

Since ISA is a List I disease, the legal and preferred control strategy is to eradicate the disease by withdrawal of fish and by putting in place strict hygiene and disease control measures on infected farms. However vaccination is a useful risk reduction measure which will complement sanitary measures in farms, particularly on farms in the coastal zone which are sharing waters and therefore have the potential to share disease. This puts additional requirements on the vaccine/vaccines which will need to meet the following requirements.

a. The vaccine/vaccines to be used will be products authorised for use in the UK by either:

(i) the competent national licensing authority (the Veterinary Medicines Directorate) in accordance with the requirements of Directive 81/851/EEC; or

(ii) through the centralised procedure (via the European Medicines Evaluation Agency) in accordance with the requirements of Regulation 2309/93.

b. The vaccine/vaccines will be conventional inactivated ISA vaccines or may consist of specific ISA viral antigens. They may contain an adjuvant and may be combined with other fish vaccinal preparations for welfare reasons but only if the combination has been authorised by the competent regulatory authority.

c. The authorised claims for the vaccines indicate the benefits to be gained from their use and vaccines to be used will be those which have known benefit in reducing the pressure of infection.

Section 3:Vaccination Strategies

Salmon are anadromous species in which eggs are laid down in freshwater but the adults live in seawater. Following hatch, the alevin, fry and parr stages are spent in freshwater before the animal undergoes a morphological and physiological transformation to become a smolt adapted to life in seawater. Most of the physical growth of the fish occurs in seawater. Salmon farming has to fit this natural cycle with a hatchery and freshwater farming stage producing smolts for on growing in seawater. Most vaccination of fish occurs in freshwater and although it is possible to vaccinate in seawater this is less common. The reasons for this are ease of handling and size of the fish, the time it takes for immunity to develop (generally 700-800o days) and the fact that the critical period of susceptibility to infectious agents is in the months immediately following transfer to seawater. In terms of risk reduction there are three situations when vaccination may be used when an area is confirmed as being infected with ISA as set out in Section 5.

a. Administration of the vaccine to fish already at sea within an infected zone or the surveillance area around an infected zone. The purpose of such vaccination would be to protect stocks in non-affected cages on an infected farm or to protect farms adjacent to an infected farm which are already stocked.

b. Vaccination of smolts destined for transfer into a surveillance zone established to combat an outbreak of Infectious Salmon Anaemia.

c. To provide a booster vaccination to fish vaccinated in (a) or (b) above.

Section 4:Bio-security and Conditions of Use

The following conditions of use will apply and aim to provide bio-security to prevent vaccinated fish from being introduced out-with zones established for the control of infectious salmon anaemia.

a. Vaccination shall be prohibited unless authorised by the official service in accordance with the arrangements set out in this Fish Disease Contingency Plan of GB.

b. Vaccines shall be available as prescription only medicines which shall be administered only under veterinary supervision.

c. Vaccinated stocks must be kept separate from other stocks on site and shall be identifiable by means of tank or batch numbers. Records must contain the following information:

(i) the date of the vaccination;

(ii) the vaccine used and its batch number;

(iii) the species vaccinated;

(iv) the number of fish vaccinated;

(v) the tank or lot number containing the vaccinated fish; and

(vi) the name of the veterinarian responsible for the care and welfare of the fish.

d. Vaccinated animals may only be moved under the supervision of the official services:

(i) When fish are vaccinated in a hatchery they shall only be allowed to move into a surveillance or control zone established for the purposes of combating an outbreak of ISA. Fish will require to be accompanied by a movement document (appended at Annex 2) signed by an inspector of the official service following an inspection of the fish 48 hours prior to the movement.

(ii) Seawater to seawater movements of animals vaccinated at sea or vaccinated smolts introduced into seawater from a hatchery shall be prohibited although under exceptional circumstances derogation may be obtained from the official service. If derogation has been granted only movements within the zone or to another zone of equal status will be allowed.

(iii) Vaccinated animals may be slaughtered for marketing or processing for human consumption.

(iv) Vaccinated animals which cannot be placed in a surveillance or control zone established for combating an outbreak of Infectious Salmon Anaemia and which are not suitable for marketing or processing for human consumption shall be destroyed under the provision of Directive 90/667/EEC.

(v) Movement records as specified under Part 1 of Schedule 3 of the Registration of Fish Farming and Shellfish Business Order 1985 (as amended) shall be kept separately for vaccinated and non-vaccinated stocks of fish.

A flow chart detailing the sequence of actions required for vaccination in hatcheries and within a marine zone established to combat an outbreak of infectious salmon anaemia is indicated in Figure 1.

Figure 1

Section 5: Definition of the Marine Area in Which Vaccinated Animals Can Be Introduced

Infectious Salmon Anaemia is a disease of salmon in seawater. Vaccinated animals will therefore be introduced into defined coastal zones or areas from hatcheries or if vaccination is to be performed in situ then animals within a defined coastal area will be vaccinated at sea.

The coastal zone or area will consist of a part of a coast or sea loch with a precise hydrographic and geographical delimitation in which farms are sufficiently close for infection to transmit from one farm to another as a consequence of tidal flow. Vaccination will be allowed both in the control zone established around a confirmed or suspected farm and also in the surrounding surveillance zone. The control zone around a confirmed or suspect infected farm will extend to include waters likely to be infected by tidal transport from the farm. In practice this is a region enclosed by a circle of radius equal to one tidal excursion. The surveillance zone will be the coastal zone defined by overlapping tidal excursions of all farms in the vicinity. The edge of the zone will occur when the gap between two farms is greater than two tidal excursions which provides a gap large enough to prevent the transmission from farm to farm when water is the vector. The basis for the definitions of these zones has been described in detail elsewhere (Anon Final Report of the Joint Government/Industry Working Group on Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA) January 2000) and is the basis of the control and surveillance zones which have been effective in the control of ISA in Scotland. An example is given in Fig.2). No vaccination will be allowed other than in a control or surveillance zone established around an infected or suspect infected farm.

Surveillance zone defined above is considered to be the same as the buffer zone described in paragraph 2 of Annex E in Council Directive 2000/27/EC of 2 May 2000 amending Directive 93/53/EEC.

Section 6: Criteria for Ceasing the Vaccination Program

Vaccination may only be permitted when there are suspected or confirmed cases of ISA in the zone. The introduction of newly vaccinated animals will cease when all suspect and confirmed sites have completed the statutory fallowing and disinfection of the farms as specified under Directive 93/53/EC. Movement restrictions and bio-security measures will be maintained until all vaccinated animals have been slaughtered for marketing and processing.

Figure 2.Example zoning arrangements established around confirmed and suspect sites infected with ISA which define the area where vaccinated fish may be established.

MOVEMENT DOCUMENT FOR VACCINATED FISH FROM A HATCHERY TO A MARINE ZONE ESTABLISHED TO COMBAT AN OUTBREAK OF INFECTIOUS SALMON ANAEMIA

1. Farm of Origin:.........................................................................................................

2. Animals or Products:................................................................................................

Family

(common and scientific name)

Species

(common and scientific name)

Number

Total Weight

Average Weight

3. Farm of Destination: ...............................................................................................

4. Means of transport (nature and identification): .........................................................

...............................................................................................................................

5. Vaccination attestation

I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the animals or products forming the present consignment have been vaccinated against ISA using an approved vaccine (Batch No:....................................) in accordance with the criteria laid down in Part 3 of the Fish Disease Contingency Plan for Great Britain.

Name:.................................................

Date:.....................................

(Veterinarian)

6. The movement is hereby approved

Name:................................................

Date:...................................

(Signed by an Inspector under the Disease of Fish Act 1937 as amended by the Diseases of Fish Act 1983)

APPENDIX 3

Infectious Haematopoietic Necrosis (IHN)

and

Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (VHS)

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS ON ACTION TO BE TAKEN ON SUSPICION AND CONFIRMATION OF INFECTION OR CONTAMINATION

Note: The following abbreviations are used in this Appendix:

"DAO" means a Designated Areas Order made under section 2 of the Diseases of Fish Act 1937.

"30 day notice" means a notice served under section 4 or 4A of the of the Diseases of Fish Act 1937.

"the relevant NCC" means the relevant National Crisis Centre i.e.,

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hthe Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth for outbreaks in England or Wales; or

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hthe Fisheries Research Services, Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen for outbreaks in Scotland.

"Head of the relevant NCC" means the Chief Advisor for Fish and Shellfish Health for England and Wales or, the Head of the Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health programme for Scotland. If absent the relevant deputy will take over the role.

"CVO" means Chief Veterinary Officer

"the relevant Policy Division" means the Policy Division responsible for fish disease control policies in either DEFRA, NAWAD or SEERAD depending on whether the outbreak or suspected outbreak has arisen in England, Wales or Scotland respectively.

" a water catchment area" means an entire river system, including all tributaries, from source to estuary.

" a coastal zone or area" generally consists of a part of a coast or an estuary with a precise geographical delimitation (and homogeneous hydrological system) or an island and its adjoining waters, or on the mainland, an area from headland to headland or otherwise constituting a discrete hydrological zone.

PART 1: ACTION IN RELATION TO FISH FARMS

Section 1. Initial investigation

1.1 If there is any cause for concern or suspicion that a fish farm may be infected with IHN or VHS an inspector must immediately visit and carry out an on-site investigation. Such concern or suspicion may arise, for example:

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hfollowing a report of suspicious mortalities or symptoms;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hfollowing a report that fish have been introduced illegally from a non-approved zone or equivalent ;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hduring an investigation of farms which have received fish from, or have supplied fish to a known infected site or which are in close proximity to a known infected site;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hduring routine laboratory testing of samples dubious reactions indicating covert infection may be present.

1.2 If, following the on-site investigation, that concern appears to be justified, the inspector or suitably qualified staff will take a sample of fish and will ensure that it reaches the relevant NCC for laboratory examination as speedily as possible (and certainly within 48 hours) either by delivering it personally or by using a commercial carrier. All sampling and testing for IHN or VHS will be carried out in accordance with Commission Decision 2001/183/EEC, and/or any subsequent amendments made in accordance with Article 15 of Directive 91/67/EEC.

Section 2: Action on "suspicion of infection"

2.1 If fish from the farm are found to have clinical signs of IHN or VHS, or to show post mortem lesions, or to produce dubious reactions in laboratory tests (or in any tests carried out on site) they shall be regarded as fish suspected of being infected. Laboratory tests will be completed as quickly as possible on a sample of fish in order to confirm or rule out the presence of disease. In addition, if fish have been introduced from a site which is known or suspected to have VHS or IHN, or from a site which is in close proximity to a known suspected site then the fish should also be regarded as being suspected of being infected.

2.2 The Head of the relevant NCC will immediately inform the relevant Policy Division of the finding of fish suspected as being infected, and will provide a full report explaining all the circumstances and the action taken. All disease control centres will be placed on full alert. The relevant Policy Division will, in turn, notify the finding to the following bodies:

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hOther Fisheries Departments and approved zones in the United Kingdom;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hThe Environment Agency (in England and Wales)

SYMBOL 108 \f "Wingdings" \s 7 \hThe relevant District Salmon Fishery Board (in Scotland)

and suspend approved zone status for the affected area as provided for in Directive

91/67/EEC.

The relevant policy Division in the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs will notify:

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hThe EU Commission

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hOIE;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hThe EC Reference Laboratory.

The CVO will notify CVOs in other Member States.

2.3 The Head of the relevant NCC will ensure that the following action is taken immediately and concurrently:

2.3.1 That a 30 day notice is served or a DAO is made on the whole water catchment area. The service of a notice, or making of a DAO, requires the occupier to take specified disinfection measures at the entrances and exits to the farm and requires any person to obtain the written permission of the relevant Minister or Secretary of State in order to:

(a) bring on to or remove from the farm all fish, whether alive or dead, eggs or gametes; or

(b) dispose of any dead fish or their offal except under the supervision of the relevant official service; or

(c) bring on to or take from the farm any equipment, material or substances liable to transmit disease; or

(d) enter on to or exit from the farm; or

(e) bring any vehicle on to or take a vehicle from the farm; or

(f) remove any fish, whether alive or dead, eggs or gametes from a farm

(i) which is in the same water catchment area or coastal area as the farm at

which the outbreak of disease is suspected: and

(ii) whose owner or occupier has been notified that his farm is under

surveillance for disease.

and to take any other measures deemed necessary to prevent the spread of infection from the infected site.

2.3.2 That one or more inspectors are seconded to the relevant local disease control centre to co-ordinate the disease control measures at a local level, and to ensure compliance with those controls.

2.3.3 That a census is made by an inspector which shows:

(a) the species of fish present on the farm and the disease with which they are suspected of being infected;

(b) categories of fish;

(c) number of dead fish;

(d) number of infected fish;

(e) number of fish suspected of being infected or contaminated.

2.3.4 That a copy of the census is left with the owner or occupier who will be informed of the obligation:

(a) to update the census regularly to take account of any increased population or new mortality;

(b) to keep the census available for regular inspection by an inspector;

(c) to retain the census for a period of 4 years after the expiry of the 30 day notice or the revocation of any DAO.

2.3.5 That an epizootic investigation is carried out by an inspector which deals with:

(a) the likely length of time during which the disease may have existed on the farm before being notified or suspected;

(b) the possible origin of the disease on the farm and the identification of other farms on which there are eggs and gametes and fish of susceptible species which may have become infected;

(c) the movement of fish, eggs or gametes, vehicles or substances and persons likely to have carried the disease agent to or from the farms in question;

(d) the possible existence of carriers of the disease and their distribution.

2.3.6 That all of the farms and fisheries situated in the same water catchment area or coastal area are placed under official surveillance. The owner or occupier of these farms or fisheries must be notified that this means that no fish, eggs or gametes may leave the premises without the written authorisation of the relevant official service.

2.4 If the epizootic investigation referred to in paragraph 2.3.5 reveals that the disease could have been introduced to or from another water catchment area or coastal area, the farms in the second area shall be considered as suspect and treated as set out in paragraph 2.3.

Section 3 Action on "reasonable grounds for suspicion"

3.1 There may be circumstances where there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that fish on a fish farm may be infected with IHN or VHS but they do not meet the criteria of "fish suspected of being infected" referred to in paragraph 2.1 above. For example, stocks may be known, or strongly suspected, to have been exposed to infection but may fail to show any clinical signs or reaction to laboratory tests. This may be due, for example, to an initially low level of infection or the tests may have been conducted at a sub-optimal time for detection of infection (e.g. during the summer for VHS).

3.2 In such cases, consideration should be given to applying controls on suspicion of infection for the purposes of the Diseases of Fish Act 1937. The degree of suspicion which allows action to be taken under the 1937 Act is less than that required by Council Directive 93/53/EEC. The 1937 Act allows controls to be applied "on reasonable grounds for suspecting" whereas the EC Directive requires that fish must show clinical signs, or post mortem lesions, or dubious reactions in laboratory tests.

3.3 If there are "reasonable grounds for suspecting" a fish farm to be infected with IHN or VHS, the Head of the relevant NCC and the relevant Policy Division will consider whether movement controls should be applied under the 1937 Act. Controls will be applied by means of a 30 day notice or a DAO. The notice or DAO will normally prohibit the movement of live fish, eggs or foodstuffs for fish to, or from, or within the area covered

.

Section 4: Action on results of testing

4.1 The Head of the relevant NCC will ensure that further tests are conducted as quickly as possible to either confirm or rule out the presence of infection. If the presence of infection is confirmed, the Head will ensure that the action specified in Section 5 is undertaken. If the presence of infection is ruled out, the Head will ensure that any 30 day notice or DAO is lifted as quickly as possible. The Local Disease Control Centre will stand down. The CVO and/or relevant policy Division(s) will inform the bodies listed at paragraph 2.2 above of these findings, and restore the suspended areas approved zone status under the provisions of Directive 91/67/EEC.

Section 5: Action on confirmation of infection

5.1 If, following the completion of tests, the presence of IHN or VHS is confirmed, the Head of the relevant NCC will immediately inform the relevant Policy Division in DEFRA, NAWAD or SEERAD (as appropriate) and will provide a full report explaining all the circumstances and the action taken so far.

5.2 The relevant Policy Division will ensure that, if it has not already been done, a DAO is made. By making a DAO, the Minister or Secretary of State is empowered to exercise controls, under the Diseases of Fish Act 1937 and the Diseases of Fish (Control) Regulations 1994, in respect of waters covered by the Order. The area covered by the DAO will depend on all the circumstances of the case but is likely to cover the whole water catchment area, or coastal area, in which the infection has been found.

5.3 The relevant Policy Division shall take appropriate action for ensuring that the requirements of the DAO are brought to the attention of persons affected by it . This will include some or all of the following:

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \h advertisements in the London Gazette or Edinburgh Gazette and in local newspapers;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \h writing to known occupiers of land or waters within the area covered;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \h writing to fish farming and anglers organisations;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \h placing notices on, for example, river banks;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hnotifying local Sea Fisheries Committees/local fishing organisations where the designated area is a coastal area.

5.4 The relevant Policy Division will also notify the following bodies of the confirmation of infection:

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hOther Fisheries Departments and approved zones in the United Kingdom;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hThe Environment Agency (in England and Wales);

SYMBOL 108 \f "Wingdings" \s 7 \hThe relevant District Salmon Fishery Board (in Scotland)

The relevant Policy Division in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will notify the following bodies;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hThe EU Commission;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hOIE;

SYMBOL 183 \f "Symbol" \s 10 \hThe EC Reference Laboratory.

The