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Royal Decree 546/2003 Of May 9, Which Lays Down Specific Provisions For The Fight Against The African Swine Fever.

Original Language Title: Real Decreto 546/2003, de 9 de mayo, por el que se establecen disposiciones específicas de lucha contra la peste porcina africana.

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TEXT

Measures to combat African swine fever are contained in Royal Decree 791/1979 of 20 February on the control of the fight against African swine fever and other diseases of pig cattle, the Royal Decree 425/1985 of 20 March establishing the coordinated programme for the eradication of African swine fever and in Royal Decree 983/1987 of 24 July laying down additional rules for the coordinated programme for African swine fever the eradication of African swine fever.

In view of the very significant economic impact of this disease, Community measures to combat the disease have been established by Council Directive 2002/60/EC of 27 June 2002 laying down the conditions for the prevention of disease specific provisions for the control of African swine fever and amended, as regards the disease of Teschen and African swine fever, Directive 92 /119/EEC.

By this royal decree, Directive 2002/60/EC is incorporated into the internal legal order, the minimum measures for the fight against African swine fever are established and the Royal Decree 650/1994, of 15 April, laying down general measures for the control of certain animal diseases and specific measures against swine vesicular disease, in order to exclude Tessen's disease from the group of diseases against swine fever. the general measures of struggle established in that royal decree are applicable.

In the preparation of this provision, the autonomous communities and affected sectors have been consulted.

Under its virtue, on the proposal of the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in agreement with the Council of State and after deliberation by the Council of Ministers at its meeting on 9 May 2003,

D I S P O N G O:

Article 1. Object.

This royal decree aims to establish the minimum measures to combat African swine fever, which must be applied throughout the national territory.

Article 2. Definitions.

For the purposes of this royal decree, it is understood by:

(a) Pig: any animal of the family "Suidae", including wild boar.

b) Wild pig "wild boar": any pig not kept or reared on a holding.

(c) Exploitation: the premises, whether agricultural or not, in which pigs are kept or reared permanently or temporarily. This definition does not include slaughterhouses, means of transport, or the fenced areas in which Jabalis is maintained or may be hunted; these fenced areas must have a size and structure such that the measures are not applicable. provided for in Article 5.1.

(d) Diagnostic Manual: the African swine fever diagnostic manual, approved by the European Commission in accordance with Article 18.3 of Council Directive 2002/60/EC of 27 June 2002.

e) Pig suspected of being infected with African swine fever virus: any pig, pig carcass, present, clinical examination or autopsy, clinical symptoms or lesions, or reactions to the test laboratory carried out in accordance with the diagnostic manual indicating the possible presence of African swine fever.

(f) Case of African swine fever, or pig infected with African swine fever: any pig, or pig carcass, in which the presence, clinical examination or autopsy, of clinical symptoms has been officially ascertained or injury to African swine fever, or where the presence of the disease has been officially established as a result of a laboratory test performed in accordance with the diagnostic manual.

g) African swine fever mucus: the holding where one or more cases of African swine fever have been detected.

(h) Primary focus: the focus referred to in Article 4 (1) (a) (1) of Royal Decree 2459/1996 of 2 December 1996 establishing the list of notifiable animal diseases and giving the rules for their notification.

i) An infected area: an area where, following the confirmation of one or more cases of African swine fever in Jabalis, disease eradication measures are applied in accordance with Articles 15 or 16.

j) Primary case of African swine fever in Jabalis:

any case of African swine fever which is detected in wild boar in an area where measures are not applied in accordance with Articles 15 or 16.

k) Contact holding: any holding in which African swine fever may have been introduced as a result of its location, movement of persons, pigs or vehicles, or in any other manner.

(l) Owner: any natural or legal person who owns the pigs or is responsible for their rearing, with or without remuneration.

m) Competent authority: the competent bodies of the autonomous communities, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for trade with third countries.

n) Official veterinarian: the veterinarian designated by the competent authority.

n) Transformation: one of the treatments for Category 2 material provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 October 2002 laying down health rules applicable to animal by-products not intended for human consumption, applied in such a way as to avoid the risk of the spread of the African swine fever virus.

o) Matanza: the slaughter of pigs as defined in Article 2.f) of Royal Decree 54/1995 of 20 January on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing.

p) Sacrifice: the slaughter of pigs as defined in Article 2.g) of Royal Decree 54/1995.

q) Vector: a tick of the species Ornithodorus errticus.

Article 3. Notification of African swine fever.

1. The presence or suspicion of African swine fever shall be the subject of mandatory and immediate notification to the competent authority.

2. Without prejudice to the provisions of Royal Decree 2459/1996, the competent authority in the territory of which the presence of African swine fever is confirmed:

(a) Report the disease to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and inform the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, for the purpose of notifying the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and report to the European Commission, through the in accordance with Annex I, and to the other Member States, on the following:

1. The outbreaks of African swine fever which have been confirmed on holdings.

2. º Cases of African swine fever which have been confirmed in a slaughterhouse or means of transport.

3. The primary cases of African swine fever that have been confirmed in Jabalis.

4. The results of the epidemiological survey conducted in accordance with Article 8.

(b) Report to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for the purpose of informing the European Commission, through the appropriate channel, and the other Member States, of the subsequent confirmed cases in Jabalis in an area infected with African swine fever in accordance with paragraph 3 (a) and Article 16 (4).

Article 4. Measures in case of suspected African swine fever on a holding.

1. Where one or more pigs are suspected of being infected with the African swine fever virus on a holding, the competent authority shall immediately put into practice the official means of investigation intended to confirm or rule out the presence of such disease, in accordance with the procedures set out in the diagnostic manual.

When the holding is visited by an official veterinarian, a check shall also be carried out on the registration and identification marks of the pigs referred to in Articles 4, 5 and 7 of Royal Decree 205/1996, 9 February, establishing a system for the identification and registration of bovine, porcine, ovine and caprine animals.

2. Where the competent authority considers that suspicion of the presence of African swine fever on a holding cannot be ruled out, it shall place the operation under official surveillance and, in particular, provide that:

(a) The counting of all categories of pigs in the holding is carried out, and a list shall be established with the number of pigs in each category that are already sick or dead or may be infected.

The list will be updated to take account of pigs born and killed during the period of suspicion. The data in that list shall be displayed, if so requested, and may be monitored at each visit.

(b) All pigs in the holding shall remain in the premises where they are normally housed or confined elsewhere to allow their isolation.

(c) Any entry of pigs on the holding, as well as any exit from the holding, shall be prohibited. Where necessary, the competent authority may extend the ban on the use of animals of other species from the holding and require the application of appropriate measures to destroy rodents or insects.

(d) Any removal of the carcasses of pigs from the holding shall be prohibited unless an authorisation issued by the competent authority is provided.

(e) Any exit from the holding of meat, pork products, semen, ova or pig embryos, animal feed, utensils, materials and waste which may be transmitted by African swine fever shall be prohibited unless mediate an authorisation issued by the competent authority; and no meat, pork products, semen, ova or embryos from the holding for intra-Community trade shall be released.

(f) The movement of persons entering or leaving the holding shall be subject to the written consent of the competent authority.

g) The movement of vehicles entering or leaving the holding shall be subject to the written consent of the competent authority.

(h) In the entrances and exits of the buildings where the pigs are housed, as well as those of the holding itself, adequate means of disinfection are used. Any person who enters or leaves a pig holding shall comply with the relevant hygiene measures necessary to reduce the risk of the spread of the African swine fever virus; in addition, all means of Transport must undergo careful disinfection before leaving the holding.

i) An epizootiological survey is carried out in accordance with Article 8.

3. Where required by the epidemiological situation, the competent authority shall:

(a) The measures provided for in Article 5 (1) may be applied to the holding referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article. However, the competent authority, if it considers that the conditions permit, may limit the application of those measures to pigs suspected of being infected or contaminated with the African swine fever virus and to the part of the the holding in which they are kept, provided that these pigs have been lodged, maintained and fully fed apart from the other pigs on the holding.

In any case, when these pigs are killed, a sufficient number of samples shall be taken from them to be able to confirm or rule out the presence of the African swine fever virus, according to the diagnostic manual.

(b) It may establish a temporary control area around the holding referred to in paragraph 2. All or some of the measures referred to in paragraphs 1 shall apply to pig holdings located in that area. 1 or 2.

4. The measures referred to in paragraph 2 shall not be suspended until the presence of African swine fever is officially ruled out.

Article 5. Measures in case of confirmation of African swine fever on a holding.

1. Where the presence of African swine fever on a holding is officially confirmed, the competent authority shall, in addition to the measures listed in Article 4.2, order that:

(a) All pigs on the holding shall be killed without delay, and under official control, in such a way as to avoid any risk of the spread of the African swine fever virus, both during transport and at the time of the killing.

(b) A sufficient number of samples of the pigs are taken, in accordance with the diagnostic manual, when they are killed, in order to be able to determine the manner of introduction of the African swine fever virus on the holding and the time that may have been present in the latter prior to notification of the disease.

(c) The carcasses of pigs that have died or have been killed are to be processed under official supervision.

(d) As far as possible, the meat of pigs slaughtered during the period included between the likely introduction of the disease on the holding and the adoption of the disease shall be located and processed under official supervision. the official measures.

e) The semen, ova or embryos of pigs, collected on the holding during the period included between the probable introduction of the disease in that and the adoption, are located and destroyed under official supervision of the official measures in such a way as to avoid any risk of the spread of the African swine fever virus.

f) Any substance or waste that may be contaminated, such as animal feed, is subjected to a transformation, and all material of a single use that may be contaminated is destroyed, and, in particular, used for the slaughter operations.

These measures must be implemented in accordance with the instructions of the official veterinarian.

g) After the removal of the pigs, the pigs shall be cleaned, disaffected if necessary, disinfect and treat in accordance with Article 12 all the constructions in which the pigs have been lodged, as well as the vehicles which have been used for the transport of pigs or their carcasses, and equipment, beds, manure and slurry which may be contaminated.

h) In the case of primary focus of the disease, the isolated strain of the African swine fever virus is subject to the laboratory procedures set out in the diagnostic manual to identify the genetic type.

i) An epizootiological survey is carried out in accordance with Article 8.

2. In the event of a confirmed outbreak in a laboratory, zoo, reserve of wild animals, or fenced area where pigs are kept for scientific purposes or related to the conservation of rare species or breeds, the the competent authority may provide for derogations as regards paragraphs (a) and (e) of paragraph 1, provided that fundamental interests of the European Union are not jeopardised.

The decision to establish these exceptions shall be notified immediately to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for shipment to the European Commission.

The competent authority shall, in this case, apply the measures that the European Commission may take, if necessary, to prevent the spread of the disease.

Article 6. Measures in case of confirmation of African swine fever in holdings consisting of several production units.

1. In the case of confirmation of African swine fever in holdings consisting of two or more separate production units, the competent authority may, in order for the fattening of pigs to be carried out, provide for derogations from the in the case of healthy pig production units of an infected holding, provided that the official veterinarian has confirmed that the structure, size and distance of such units of production, as well as the operations carried out there, are such that, from the point of view of the establishment, of care and power, the reference units are completely independent, so that the virus cannot spread from one production unit to another.

2. Where the derogations referred to in paragraph 1 are used, the competent authority shall lay down the detailed rules for the application of the animal health guarantees which may be offered and shall immediately inform the competent authority thereof. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

3. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in the event of recourse to these derogations, shall immediately inform the European Commission. The competent authority shall apply the measures which the European Commission may take, if necessary, to prevent the spread of the disease.

Article 7. Measures in contact holdings.

1. Contact holdings shall be recognised where the official veterinarian observes, or considers, on the basis of the epidemiological survey carried out in accordance with Article 8, that African swine fever has been introduced, either in the exploitation as referred to in Articles 4 or 5 from other holdings or from other holdings.

The provisions of Article 4 shall apply in such holdings until the presence of African swine fever is officially ruled out.

2. Where the epidemiological situation so requires, the competent authority shall apply the measures referred to in Article 5.1 in the contact holdings referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article.

A sufficient number of samples shall be taken from the pigs, in accordance with the diagnostic manual, at the time of killing, in order to be able to confirm or rule out the presence of the African swine fever virus on these holdings.

Article 8. Epidemiological survey.

The epidemiological survey on suspected cases or outbreaks of African swine fever shall be carried out on the basis of questionnaires prepared in the context of the emergency plan referred to in Article 21.

This survey will cover at least:

(a) The period during which the African swine fever virus may have been present on the holding before the disease was reported or suspected.

(b) The possible origin of African swine fever on the holding and the determination of other holdings in which pigs may have been infected or contaminated from the same origin.

(c) The movements of persons, vehicles, pigs, bodies, semen, meat or any materials which have been able to transport the virus to or from the holdings concerned.

d) The possibility that the cause of the dispersion of the disease radiuses in the vectors or in the Jabalis.

If the results of this survey suggest that African swine fever may have spread from holdings located in other Member States, or from Spain to holdings in other Member States, by the authority the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food shall be informed immediately for the purpose of this report to the European Commission and the Member States concerned.

Article 9. Establishment of protection and surveillance zones.

1. As soon as the diagnosis of African swine fever in pigs on a holding has been officially confirmed, the competent authority shall establish around the focus an area of protection of a minimum radius of three kilometres, including in turn a surveillance zone of a minimum radius of 10 kilometres.

The measures referred to in Articles 10 and 11 shall apply in the respective areas.

2. When establishing these areas, the competent authority shall take into account:

(a) The results of the epidemiological survey conducted in accordance with Article 8.

b) The geographical situation and in particular natural or artificial borders.

c) The location and proximity of the holdings.

d) The patterns of pig movements and trade, and the availability of slaughterhouses and facilities for the transformation of carcasses.

e) The facilities and personnel available to control any movement of pigs within the zones, especially if the pigs to be killed have to leave their holding of origin.

3. Where the protection zone or the surveillance zone is extended to France, Portugal or Andorra, the competent authority shall notify the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of this fact for the purpose of establishing the protection zone. or States which may be affected by appropriate collaboration in the delimitation of the zones.

If an area has to include parts of the territory of more than one autonomous community, the competent authority shall inform the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to coordinate the actions with the the other or other autonomous communities concerned, in order to establish the corresponding protection and surveillance zones.

4. The competent authority shall take all necessary measures, including the use of well-visible warning signs and posters, and of media such as the press and television, to ensure that all persons in the areas of protection and surveillance are fully aware of the restrictions in force in accordance with Articles 10 and 11, and shall take all appropriate measures to ensure the correct application of those measures.

Article 10. Measures in the protection zone established.

1. The competent authority shall ensure that the following measures are applied in the protection zone:

(a) A census of all holdings shall be drawn up as soon as possible. After the establishment of the protection zone, these holdings shall be visited by an official veterinarian within the maximum period of seven days, to carry out a clinical examination of the pigs and to check the registration and identification marks. of the pigs referred to in Articles 4, 5 and 7 of Royal Decree 205/1996.

(b) The movement and transport of pigs shall be prohibited by public or private roads, with the exception, where appropriate, of the roads of service of the holdings, unless authorised by the competent authority to allow them to permit the movements referred to in paragraph (f) of this paragraph. This prohibition may not apply to the transit of pigs by road or rail, without unloading or stopping. All without prejudice to the derogation which may be granted by the European Commission in the case of slaughter pigs which do not come from the protection zone and which are directed to a slaughterhouse situated in that area for immediate slaughter.

(c) Trucks and other vehicles, and equipment for the transport of pigs, other animals or products which may be contaminated (such as carcasses, feed, manure, slurry, etc.) shall be cleaned, disaffected if necessary, disinfected and treated as soon as possible after contamination in accordance with the provisions and procedures laid down in Article 12. No truck or vehicle which has been used for the transport of pigs may leave the area without being cleaned and disinfected, and then inspected and authorised again by the competent authority for the purpose of transport.

(d) No other domestic animal may enter or leave the holding without the authorisation of the competent authority.

(e) All dead or sick pigs on a holding shall be immediately declared to the competent authority, which shall carry out appropriate investigations in accordance with the procedures laid down in the manual of diagnosis.

(f) pigs may not be removed from the holding in which they are located for at least 40 days from the end of the prior cleaning and disinfection operations and, if necessary, disinterment, from holdings infected. After 40 days, under the conditions laid down in paragraph 3, the competent authority may authorise the removal of pigs from that holding for direct shipment:

1. A slaughterhouse designated by the competent authority, preferably located in the protection or surveillance zone, for immediate slaughter.

2. A processing facility or an appropriate place where the pigs are immediately killed and their bodies processed under official supervision.

3. In exceptional circumstances, other premises located within the protection zone. In this case, the competent authority shall immediately inform the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for the purpose of its immediate transfer to the European Commission.

(g) The semen, ova or embryos of pigs may not leave the holdings located in the protection zone.

(h) Any person who enters or leaves a pig holding shall observe the hygienic standards necessary to reduce the risk of the spread of the African swine fever virus.

2. Where the prohibitions referred to in paragraph 1 are maintained after 40 days, due to the occurrence of new outbreaks of the disease, and this poses problems of animal or other welfare for the care of pigs, the competent authority, upon a reasoned request from the owner and under the conditions set out in paragraph 3, may authorise the removal of pigs from a holding located in the protection zone for direct transfer:

(a) A slaughterhouse designated by the competent authority, preferably situated in the protection or surveillance zone, for immediate slaughter.

(b) A processing facility or an appropriate place where the pigs are immediately killed and their bodies processed under official supervision.

c) In exceptional circumstances, to other premises located within the protection zone. In this case, the competent authority shall immediately inform the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for the purpose of its immediate transfer to the European Commission.

3. Where reference is made to this paragraph in this royal decree, the competent authority may authorise the removal of pigs from the holding concerned provided that:

(a) An official veterinarian has conducted a clinical examination of the pigs on the holding and, in particular, of those who are to leave, including the measurement of body temperature in accordance with established procedures. in the diagnostic manual, as well as a check of the registration and identification marks of the pigs referred to in Articles 4, 5 and 7 of Royal Decree 205/1996.

(b) The above checks and examinations have not revealed the presence of African swine fever and show compliance with the provisions of Royal Decree 205/1996.

(c) The pigs are transported in vehicles sealed by the competent authority.

(d) Vehicles and equipment used for the transport of pigs are cleaned and disinfected immediately after transport in accordance with the provisions of Article 12.

e) If the pigs are to be slaughtered or killed, then, in accordance with the diagnostic manual, a sufficient number of samples from the pigs should be taken to be able to confirm or rule out the presence of the swine fever virus. African on these farms.

f) If the pigs are to be transported to a slaughterhouse:

1. The competent authority responsible for the slaughterhouse shall be informed of the intention to send the pigs to the slaughterhouse and shall notify the competent authority of dispatch of the pigs.

2. On arrival at the slaughterhouse, these pigs shall be kept and slaughtered in places separated from those occupied by other pigs.

3. During "ante-mortem" and post-mortem inspections carried out at the designated slaughterhouse, the competent authority shall take into account any signs likely to reveal the presence of African swine fever.

4. The fresh meat from these pigs shall be processed or marked with the special stamp indicated in Chapter XI, paragraph 50, of Annex I to Royal Decree 147/1993 of 29 January establishing the sanitary conditions for the production and placing on the market of fresh meat, with two perpendicular traces in the form of an oblique cross which crosses the seal and whose intersection is situated in the centre, so that the indications are permitted to read placed inside. Subsequently, the meat will be treated separately in accordance with the provisions of Article 5 (1) of Royal Decree 1066/1990 of 27 July 1990 laying down the animal health requirements to be met by meat products intended for intra-Community trade and imported from third countries. This shall be done in an establishment designated by the competent authority. The meat shall be issued to that establishment on condition that the consignment is sealed before departure and is sealed throughout the transport.

4. The application of the measures in the protection zone shall be maintained at least until:

(a) The cleaning, disinfection and, if necessary, disinfection of the infected holdings have been carried out.

(b) The pigs on all holdings have been subject to clinical and laboratory examinations carried out in accordance with the diagnostic manual in order to detect the possible presence of the African swine fever virus.

The examinations referred to in subparagraph (b) shall not be carried out before 45 days have elapsed since the end of the previous operations for cleaning, disinfection and, where appropriate, disinterment of the holdings infected.

5. However, without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph 1 (f) and paragraphs 2 and 4, the 40-day time-limits laid down in that subparagraph and in paragraph 2 and 45 days laid down in paragraph 4 may be extended. reduced to 30 days, provided that the competent authority has applied, in accordance with the diagnostic manual, an intensive sampling and testing programme to allow the presence of the African swine fever virus to be ruled out in the operation in question.

Article 11. Measures in the established surveillance zone.

1. The competent authority shall ensure that the following measures are applied in the surveillance zone:

(a) A census of all pig holdings shall be drawn up.

(b) The movement and transport of pigs shall be prohibited by public or private roads, with the exception, if necessary, of the roads of service of the holdings, unless authorised by the competent authority. This prohibition may not apply to the transit of pigs by road or rail, without unloading or stopping, or to the case of slaughter pigs coming from outside the surveillance zone and directed to a slaughterhouse situated in that area for their purpose. Immediate sacrifice.

(c) Trucks and other vehicles, and equipment for the transport of pigs, other animals or products which may be contaminated (such as carcasses, feed, manure, slurry, etc.) shall be cleaned, disaffected if necessary, disinfected and treated as soon as possible after contamination in accordance with Article 12. No truck or vehicle that has been used for the transport of pigs may leave the area without being cleaned and disinfected.

(d) No other domestic animal may enter or leave the holding without the authorisation of the competent authority for the seven days following the establishment of the zone.

(e) All dead or sick pigs on a holding shall be immediately declared to the competent authority, which shall carry out appropriate investigations in accordance with the procedures laid down in the manual of diagnosis.

(f) pigs may not be removed from the holding in which they are located for at least 30 days from the end of the previous operations for cleaning, disinfection and, if necessary, de- infected. After 30 days, under the conditions laid down in Article 10 (3), the competent authority may authorise the removal of pigs from that holding for direct shipment:

1. A slaughterhouse designated by the competent authority, preferably located in the protection or surveillance zone, for immediate slaughter.

2. A processing facility or an appropriate place where the pigs are immediately killed and their bodies processed under official supervision.

3. º In exceptional circumstances, to other premises located within the protection or surveillance zone.

In this case, the competent authority shall immediately inform the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for the purpose of its immediate transfer to the European Commission.

Without prejudice to the provisions of this paragraph, and if the pigs are to be transported to a slaughterhouse, derogations from the provisions of paragraph (e) and (f) may be granted by the European Commission. 4. Article 10 (3), in particular with regard to the marking of the meat of these pigs and their subsequent use, as well as the destination of the products resulting from the treatment. To this end, the competent authority shall forward to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the request, together with the relevant justification, for its transfer to the European Commission, for the purpose of the decision to be taken.

(g) The semen, ova or embryos of pigs may not leave the holdings situated in the surveillance zone.

(h) Any person who enters or leaves a pig holding shall observe the hygienic standards necessary to reduce the risk of the spread of the African swine fever virus.

2. Where the prohibitions referred to in paragraph 1 are maintained for more than 40 days, due to the occurrence of new outbreaks of the disease, and this poses problems of animal or other welfare for the care of pigs, competent, upon a reasoned request from the owner and under the conditions laid down in Article 10 (3), may authorise the removal of pigs from a holding situated in the surveillance zone for direct transfer:

(a) A slaughterhouse designated by the competent authority, preferably situated in the protection or surveillance zone, for immediate slaughter.

(b) A processing facility or an appropriate place where the pigs are immediately killed and their bodies processed under official supervision.

(c) In exceptional circumstances, other premises located within the protection or surveillance zone.

In this case, the competent authority shall immediately inform the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for the purpose of its immediate transfer to the European Commission.

3. The implementation of the measures in the surveillance zone shall be maintained at least until:

(a) The cleaning, disinfection and, if necessary, disinfection of the infected holdings have been carried out.

(b) The pigs on all holdings have been subject to clinical and, if necessary, laboratory examinations carried out in accordance with the diagnostic manual in order to detect the possible presence of the plague virus. African swine.

The examinations referred to in subparagraph (b) shall not be carried out before 40 days have elapsed since the end of the previous operations of cleaning, disinfection and, if necessary, disinterment of the holdings infected.

4. However, without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph 1 (f) and paragraphs 2 and 3, the 30-day time-limits laid down in that subparagraph and 40 days laid down in paragraphs 2 and 3 may be reduced, respectively, at 21, 30 and 20 days, provided that the competent authority has applied, in accordance with the diagnostic manual, an intensive sampling and testing programme to allow the presence of the swine fever virus to be ruled out African on the holding in question.

Article 12. Cleaning, disinfection and disinsation.

The competent authority shall take the necessary measures to ensure that:

(a) Disinfectants and insecticides to be used, as well as their concentration, are officially authorised.

(b) Cleaning, disinfection and, if necessary, disinterment operations are carried out under official supervision and in accordance with:

1. To the instructions of the official veterinarian.

2. The principles and procedures set out in Annex II.

Article 13. Restocking of pig holdings after outbreaks of the disease.

1. The replacement of pigs in the holdings referred to in Article 5 shall not be carried out at the earliest until 40 days after the end of the cleaning, disinfection and, if necessary, disinterment operations carried out in the holding that holding in accordance with paragraphs 2 to 5 of this Article.

2. The replacement of the pigs shall be carried out on the basis of the type of livestock farming carried out on the holding concerned, and shall be in accordance with one of the procedures laid down in paragraphs 3 and 4 below.

3. In the case of holdings where the occurrence of the disease has not been associated with vectors, the following procedure shall apply:

(a) In the case of open-air holdings, the replacement of pigs shall be initiated by the introduction of witness pigs which have been tested for antibodies against the African swine fever virus, with negative results, or which come from holdings not subject to any restriction in relation to African swine fever. The control pigs shall be distributed throughout the infected holding, under the conditions laid down by the competent authority, shall be subjected to sampling 45 days later and shall be tested for antibodies, agreement with the diagnostic manual.

No pig may leave the holding before the negative results of the serological tests are available; in the event that none of the pigs present antibodies against the African swine fever virus, the full restocking may be carried out.

(b) In case of any other form of breeding, the replacement of the pigs shall be carried out either in accordance with the measures set out in the preceding paragraph, either by means of a total restocking, provided that:

1. º All pigs arrive within 20 days and come from holdings not subject to any restriction in relation to African swine fever.

2. ° The pigs in the repopulated piara undergo a serological examination in accordance with the diagnostic manual. The samples for such examination shall not be taken before 45 days after the arrival of the last pigs.

3. No pig may leave the holding before the negative results of the serological test are available.

4. In the case of holdings where the occurrence of the disease has been associated with vectors, the replacement of animals shall not take place for at least six years, unless:

(a) Specific operations to eliminate the vector of the premises and enclosures in which the pigs are to be kept or in which the pigs may enter have been carried out under official supervision and with satisfactory results. in contact with the person.

b) It has been possible to demonstrate that the persistence of the vector no longer poses a significant risk of transmission of African swine fever.

The measures provided for in paragraph 3 (a) shall apply thereafter.

In addition to the above measures, however, no pigs may leave the holding considered after full restocking until they have undergone new serological tests for African swine fever, which have been negative, samples of the pigs from the holding taken at least 60 days after the repopulation, in accordance with the diagnostic manual.

5. Where the occurrence of the disease has not been associated with vectors, and if more than six months have elapsed since the completion of the operation of cleaning and disinfection of the holding, the competent authority may authorise derogations from the paragraph 3, in the light of the epidemiological situation.

6. The replacement of domestic animals of species other than pigs, on holdings referred to in paragraph 5, shall be subject to the authorisation of the competent authority, which shall take into account the risk of spreading the disease or persistence of the vectors that result in such replacement.

Article 14. Measures in case of suspicion or confirmation of African swine fever in pigs in a slaughterhouse or means of transport.

1. In the event of suspected African swine fever in a slaughterhouse or means of transport, the competent authority shall immediately implement the official means of investigation to confirm or rule out the presence of that disease, agreement with the procedures set out in the diagnostic manual.

2. Where a case of African swine fever is detected in a slaughterhouse or means of transport, the competent authority shall ensure that:

(a) All susceptible animals of the slaughterhouse or means of transport shall be immediately killed.

(b) The carcasses, offal and animal waste of animals which may be infected and contaminated are processed under official supervision.

(c) The cleaning, disinfection and, if necessary, disintering of the buildings and equipment, including vehicles, shall be carried out under the supervision of the official veterinarian in accordance with the provisions of Article 12.

(d) An epidemiological survey is carried out in accordance with Article 8 for holdings.

e) The isolated strain of African swine fever virus is subject to the laboratory procedures set out in the diagnostic manual to identify the genetic type of the virus.

(f) The measures referred to in Article 7 shall apply on the holding of the infected pigs or carcasses and on other contact holdings. Unless otherwise indicated in the epidemiological survey, the measures provided for in Article 5 (1) shall apply to the holding of origin of the infected pigs or carcasses.

(g) No animals shall be re-introduced into the slaughterhouse or means of transport until at least 24 hours have elapsed since the end of the cleaning, disinfection and, if necessary, disinterment operations carried out from the compliance with the provisions of Article 12.

Article 15. Measures in case of suspicion or confirmation of the presence of African swine fever in Jabalis.

1. Immediately after having been informed of suspected infection in Jabalis, the competent authority shall take all appropriate measures to confirm or rule out the presence of the disease, inform the owners of pigs and the hunters, and shall submit to examination, including laboratory tests, all of the wild boar killed by shot or found dead.

2. As soon as a primary case of African swine fever in Jabalis has been confirmed and in order to contain the spread of the disease, the competent authority shall immediately proceed to:

a) Create a group of experts that includes veterinarians, hunters, wildlife biologists, and epidemiologists. The expert group shall assist the competent authority in the following tasks

1. To carry out a study of the epidemiological situation and to define the infected zone, in accordance with the provisions of Article 16.3.b).

2. Set the appropriate measures to be applied in the infected area, in addition to those referred to in paragraphs (b) and (c). These measures may include the suspension of hunting and the prohibition of feeding wild boar.

3. Develop the eradication plan, which will be submitted to the European Commission, in accordance with the provisions of Article 16.

4. Conduct inspections to verify the effectiveness of the measures taken to eradicate African swine fever from the infected area.

(b) Submit to official surveillance the pig holdings of the defined infected area and, in particular, order that:

1. An official census of all categories of pigs is carried out on all holdings. The census will be updated by the owner; the information contained in the census must be submitted whenever it is requested, and its veracity can be checked at each inspection. However, as regards pig holdings in the open air, the first census to be carried out may be carried out on the basis of an estimate.

2. º All pigs in the holding remain in the wells, or somewhere else where they may be isolated from the wild boar, which must not have access to any material that may subsequently come into contact with the pigs. with the pigs of the holding.

3. Do not enter or leave pigs on the holding, unless permitted by the competent authority, taking into account the epidemiological situation.

4. º In the entrances and exits of the buildings where the pigs are housed, as well as those of the holding itself, adequate means of disinfection are used and, if necessary, of disinterment.

5. º Any person who comes into contact with Jabalis complies with the relevant hygienic standards to reduce the risk of spreading the African swine fever virus.

6. No testing for the presence of African swine fever shall be carried out for all dead or sick pigs on a holding showing symptoms of African swine fever.

7. No part of a wild boar shall not be introduced into a pig holding, whether it has been shot down or found dead, or any material or equipment that may have been contaminated with the swine fever virus.

8. Do not leave the infected area pigs, or their sperm, eggs and embryos, for intra-Community trade.

c) Dispose that all abalds killed by shot or found dead in the defined infected zone are inspected by an official veterinarian and subjected to screening for African swine fever, according to the diagnostic manual. The bodies of all animals that test positive will be transformed under official supervision.

When these tests come back negative for African swine fever, the measures laid down in Article 10 (2) of Royal Decree 2044/1994 of 14 October 1994 laying down the animal health and animal health conditions applicable to the slaughter of wild game animals and the production and marketing of their meat.

Parts not intended for human consumption shall be transformed under official supervision.

(d) To ensure that the isolated strain of African swine fever virus is subject to the laboratory procedures set out in the diagnostic manual to identify the genetic type of the virus.

3. Where there are cases of African swine fever in wild boar in an area of an autonomous community close to the territory of France, Portugal or Andorra, the competent authority shall notify the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to this effect. the effect that appropriate collaboration in the establishment of measures to combat the disease can be established with the State or States concerned.

If there were cases of African swine fever in wild boar in an area of an autonomous community close to that of other communities or communities, the competent authority shall inform the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the actions are coordinated with the other or other autonomous communities concerned in order to establish measures to combat the disease.

Article 16. Plans for the eradication of African swine fever from a wild boar population.

1. Without prejudice to the measures laid down in Article 15, the competent authority of the autonomous community concerned shall draw up and submit to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for shipment to the European Commission within the maximum period of time. 70 days from the confirmation of a primary case of African swine fever in Jabalis, a plan indicating the measures taken to eradicate the disease in the area defined as infected, as well as the measures applied to them. holdings located in that area.

This plan will be examined by the European Commission to determine whether it can achieve the desired objectives, and may modify it, prior to its approval.

The plan may be modified or expanded later to take into account the evolution of the situation.

If these amendments concern the redefinition of the infected area, it shall be communicated immediately by the competent authority to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for the purpose of this report to the Commission. European and the other Member States.

If the modifications affect other provisions of the plan, the competent authority shall forward the amended plan to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for shipment to the European Commission for examination. and, if applicable, approve it.

2. Once approved, the measures contained in the plan referred to in paragraph 1 shall replace the initial measures referred to in Article 15 on the date to be determined when the approval is granted.

3. The plan referred to in paragraph 1 shall contain information about:

(a) The results of epidemiological investigations and controls carried out in accordance with Article 15, and the geographical distribution of the disease.

b) The definition of the infected zone defined within the territory of Spain. When defining the infected area, the competent authority shall take into account:

1. The results of the epidemiological investigations carried out and the geographical distribution of the disease.

2. º The population of Jabalis in the area.

3. The existence of natural or artificial obstacles of importance to the movements of the wild boar.

(c) The organisation of close cooperation between biologists, hunters and their organisations, services for the protection of wild animals and veterinary (animal health and public health) authorities.

d) The information campaign to be carried out to raise awareness among the hunters of the measures to be taken in the context of the eradication plan.

e) The specific activities carried out to determine the extent of the infection in the wild boar population, by examination of the wild boar killed by the shot of the hunters or found dead, and by means of tests laboratory, including epidemiological investigations by age groups.

f) The requirements that hunters must meet in order to prevent the spread of the disease.

g) The method of removal of shot or found dead wild boar, which will be based on:

1. º Transformation under official supervision.

2. Inspection by an official veterinarian and laboratory tests as provided for in the diagnostic manual. The bodies of all animals that test positive will be transformed under official supervision.

When these tests are negative for African swine fever, the competent authority shall apply the measures laid down in Article 10 (2) of Royal Decree 2044/1994; the parties not intended for the Human consumption shall be processed under official supervision.

h) The epidemiological survey carried out with each wild boar, shot dead or found dead. This survey will include responding to a questionnaire that information on:

1. The geographical area in which the animal was killed or found dead.

2. The date the animal was killed or found dead.

3. º The person who has found or killed the animal.

4. The age and sex of the animal.

5. º If the animal has been shot down, symptoms prior to shooting.

6. º If the animal has been found dead, state of the carcass.

7. The results of lab tests.

i) the surveillance programmes and preventive measures applicable to holdings located in the defined infected area and, where necessary, in surrounding areas, including those affecting the transport and movement of animals within that area, towards her and from her. These measures must include at least the prohibition of the leaving of the infected area pigs, their semen, ova or embryos, for intra-Community trade, and may include a temporary ban on the production of pigs and the creation of new holdings.

j) Other criteria that apply to suspend the measures taken.

k) The authority responsible for monitoring and coordinating the departments responsible for the execution of the plan.

(l) The information system established for the group of experts appointed in accordance with Article 15.2.a) to be able to review the results of the eradication plan on a regular basis.

m) The disease monitoring measures to be applied when a period of at least 12 months has elapsed after the verification of the last case of African swine fever between Jabalis in the defined infected area. These monitoring measures shall be in force for at least 12 months and shall include at least the measures already implemented in accordance with paragraphs (e), (g) and (h).

4. Every six months, the competent authority shall report on the epidemiological situation in the defined area, as well as the results of the eradication plan, to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, which shall communicate the data to the Commission. Europe and the rest of the Member States. In the event that more detailed rules are adopted by the European Commission with regard to the information to be provided on this aspect, the information to be submitted by the competent authority shall be in accordance with those rules.

Article 17. Measures to prevent the spread of African swine fever virus through vectors.

1. In case of presence, possible or presumed, of vectors on a holding where an outbreak of African swine fever has been confirmed, the competent authority shall take the necessary measures to ensure that:

(a) The presence of vectors in and around the infected building shall be considered by physical inspection and, if necessary, by the placement of traps for the capture of specimens in accordance with Annex III.

b) If vector presence is confirmed:

1. The appropriate laboratory tests are carried out to confirm or rule out the presence of the African swine fever virus in the vectors.

2. Other appropriate monitoring, control and control measures are established at the holding and located around the holding.

(c) If the presence of vectors is confirmed, but cannot be combated, pigs are not kept in the holding and, if necessary, other domestic animals for at least six years.

2. The competent authority shall report on the application of paragraph 1 to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, which shall communicate such data to the European Commission and to the other Member States.

3. In the event that other measures for the monitoring and control of the vectors and for the prevention of African swine fever are adopted by the European Commission, they shall be implemented by the competent authority.

Article 18. Diagnostic procedures and biosecurity requirements.

1. The competent authority shall ensure that diagnostic procedures, sampling and laboratory testing for the presence of African swine fever are carried out in accordance with the diagnostic manual.

2. The coordination of the rules and methods of diagnosis shall correspond to the national reference laboratory set out in Annex IV, the functions of which shall be those laid down therein. That national laboratory shall cooperate with the Community reference laboratory referred to in Annex V, the privileges and duties of which shall be as set out in that Annex.

3. In order to ensure appropriate biosecurity conditions for the protection of animal health, the African swine fever virus, its genome, antigens and vaccines for research, diagnosis or manufacture shall be handled or exclusively used in places, establishments or laboratories approved by the General Administration of the State. The list of places, establishments or laboratories approved by other bodies of the General Administration of the State other than the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food shall be sent to the Ministry for referral to the European Commission together with the list of those approved by that ministry, before 1 January 2004, and subsequently act in the same way with their updates.

Article 19. Use, manufacture and sale of vaccines against African swine fever.

1. The use of vaccines against African swine fever is prohibited.

2. The handling, manufacture, storage, supply, distribution or sale of vaccines against African swine fever in the national territory shall be carried out under official control of the competent authority.

Article 20. Community controls.

1. In carrying out the checks carried out by the experts of the European Commission, representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food shall accompany the representatives of the competent bodies of the autonomous communities.

2. When such checks are carried out, the competent bodies of the autonomous communities and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in the field of their powers, shall provide the experts of the European Commission with all the aid necessary for the performance of his/her duties.

3. The competent authorities shall take the necessary measures to take account of the results of the checks carried out.

Article 21. Emergency plan.

1. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will prepare an emergency plan, in coordination with the autonomous communities, where they will specify the national measures to be implemented in the event of an outbreak of African swine fever, taking into account local factors such as, in particular, swine density which may influence the spread of African swine fever.

This plan, in which the criteria set out in Annex VI of this royal decree will be taken into account, must allow access to the facilities, equipment, personnel and other appropriate material, which are necessary for the the rapid and effective eradication of the outbreak.

2. Once the plan has been drawn up, it will be submitted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to the approval of the European Commission, which will be able to make the necessary amendments, in particular to ensure compatibility with the plans from other Member States, as well as to amend or supplement it later in order to adapt it to the development of the situation.

3. The plan will be updated every five years, and will be submitted, as provided for in the previous paragraph, to the approval of the European Commission.

4. The implementation of the plan, once approved, corresponds to the competent authorities.

Article 22. Disease control centres and expert groups.

1. In the event of an outbreak of African swine fever, the National Committee of the Veterinary Health Alert System provided for in Royal Decree 1440/2001 of 21 December establishing the veterinary health alert system may act as a national centre for the fight against the disease, in a fully functional way.

2. Without prejudice to the powers of the autonomous communities, the national disease control centre referred to in the preceding paragraph shall be responsible for directing and supervising the operation of the centres for the fight against the disease. referred to in paragraph 3. In particular, you will be responsible for:

a) Define the necessary fighting measures.

(b) Ensure the rapid and effective implementation of the above measures by local disease control centres.

c) Assign staff and other resources to local disease control centers.

(d) Provide information to the European Commission, the other Member States, national veterinary school organisations, the authorities of the Autonomous Communities and the agricultural and commercial bodies.

e) Being in contact with diagnostic laboratories.

f) Be in contact with the press and other media.

g) Be in contact with law enforcement authorities to ensure compliance with specific legal measures.

3. In the event of an outbreak of African swine fever, the competent authority of the autonomous community may immediately set up a local disease control centre, fully operational.

4. By agreement of the National Committee of the Veterinary Health Alert System, functions of that national centre may be attributed to the local centre, provided that the objectives of the national centre for combating the disease.

5. A group of experts shall be established, on a permanent basis, in the field of African swine fever, in order to maintain the necessary expertise to help the competent authorities to be prepared for any possible occurrence of African swine fever. the disease.

In the event of the occurrence of the disease, the group of experts shall assist the competent authorities at least in the following tasks:

a) The epidemiological survey.

b) sampling, testing, and interpreting the results of laboratory tests.

c) The adoption of measures to combat the disease.

6. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the competent bodies of the autonomous communities shall ensure, in the field of their respective powers, that the national control centre, the local centres and the group of experts are provided with personnel, facilities and equipment, including communication systems, which are necessary, and a clear and effective chain of command and management system ensuring the rapid implementation of the planned disease control measures in this royal decree. In the emergency plan referred to in Article 21, details relating to staff, facilities, equipment, chain of command and the management system of the national centre and local centres, and to the working group shall be detailed. experts.

Article 23. Infringements and penalties.

In the event of non-compliance with the provisions of this royal decree, the regime of infringements and penalties laid down in Law 8/2003 of 24 April of animal health shall apply, without prejudice to any possible liability. civil, criminal or other order that may be present.

Single additional disposition. Compulsory slaughter allowance.

The compulsory slaughter of animals for African swine fever, ordered by the competent authority, shall be entitled to the corresponding compulsory slaughter allowance, in accordance with the provisions laid down for that purpose. the rules in force. Only those owners of livestock who have complied with current animal health regulations shall be entitled to compensation.

Single repeal provision. Regulatory repeal.

As many provisions of equal or lower rank are repealed, they are opposed to what was established in this royal decree, and expressly:

(a) The second, third, third, sixth and ninth articles of Royal Decree 791/1979 of 20 February on the control of the fight against African swine fever and other diseases of porcine animals, as well as the rules established in that provision concerning African swine fever, as soon as they object to the provisions of this royal decree.

(b) Royal Decree 425/1985 of 20 March establishing the coordinated programme for the eradication of African swine fever.

(c) Royal Decree 983/1987 of 24 July laying down additional rules for the coordinated programme for the eradication of African swine fever.

(d) The Order of 31 May 1985 for the development of Royal Decree 425/1985 of 20 March establishing the coordinated programme for the eradication of African swine fever.

Final disposition first. Competence title.

This royal decree is of a state basic regulation and is dictated by the provisions of Article 149.1.16.a of the Constitution, which attributes to the State exclusive competence in the field of bases and general coordination. of health, with the exception of the first subparagraph of Article 9 (3) and the first subparagraph of Article 15 (3), which fall within the exclusive competence of the State on the external health of the same Article 149.1.16.a.

Final disposition second. Amendment of Royal Decree 650/1994 of 15 April.

Annex I to Royal Decree 650/1994 of 15 April 1994 laying down general measures for the control of certain animal diseases and specific measures against swine vesicular disease, as follows:

" ANNEX I

List of notifiable diseases

Disease/maximum incubation period.

Bovina/21 day plague.

Plague of small ruminants/21 days.

Vesicular Disease porcina/28 days.

Blue language/40 days.

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease of the deer/40 days.

Sheep and goat pox/21 days.

Vesicular stomatitis/21 days.

African swine fever/40 days.

Dermatosis nodular infection/28 days.

Rift/30 day Valley fever. "

Final disposition third. Faculty of development.

1. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is empowered to make, in the field of his powers, the provisions necessary for the application of the provisions of this royal decree.

2. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is empowered to amend the contents of the Annexes to this royal decree for adaptation to Community legislation.

Final disposition fourth. Entry into force.

This royal decree will enter into force on July 1, 2003.

Given in Madrid, 9 May 2003.

JOHN CARLOS R.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food,

MIGUEL ARIAS CANETE

ANNEX I

Notification of the disease and other epidemiological information to be provided in the event of confirmation of African swine fever

1. As soon as possible, which shall not exceed 24 hours from the confirmation of each primary focus, primary case in Jabalis, or case in a slaughterhouse or means of transport, the competent authority shall notify the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Feeding, through the system of notification of animal diseases established in Royal Decree 2459/1996, for immediate delivery to the European Commission and the other Member States, the following data:

a) Date of issue.

b) Issue time.

c) Autonomous Community in question.

d) Name of the disease.

e) Focus or case number.

f) Date on which the presence of African swine fever was suspected.

g) Confirmation date.

h) Methods used for confirmation.

i) If the disease has been confirmed in Jabalis or in pigs from a holding, slaughterhouse or means of transport.

j) The geographical location of the site where the focus or case of African swine fever has been confirmed.

k) Applied disease control measures.

2. In the event of the occurrence of primary outbreaks or cases in slaughterhouses or means of transport, in addition to the data referred to in paragraph 1, the following information shall also be provided in the form and conditions provided for in that paragraph:

(a) Number of susceptible pigs in the focus, slaughterhouse or means of transport.

(b) Number of dead pigs of each category on the holding, slaughterhouse or means of transport.

(c) For each category, disease morbidity and number of pigs in which African swine fever has been confirmed.

(d) Number of pigs slaughtered in the focus, slaughterhouse or means of transport.

e) Number of transformed corpses.

f) If this is a focus, your distance to the nearest pig holding.

g) If African swine fever has been confirmed in a slaughterhouse or means of transport, site of the holding or holdings of origin of the infected pigs or carcasses.

3. In the case of secondary outbreaks, the information referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be communicated on the first working day of each week.

4. The information to be provided by the competent authority in relation to an outbreak or case of African swine fever in a holding, slaughterhouse or means of transport pursuant to paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 shall be followed, as soon as possible, by a the written report which the competent authority shall send to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for referral to the European Commission and to the other Member States, including at least the following:

(a) Date on which the pigs have been killed on the holding, slaughterhouse or means of transport and where their carcasses have been processed.

(b) Results of the tests carried out on samples taken at the time of killing of the pigs.

(c) Where the derogation provided for in Article 6 (1) has been applied, the number of pigs which have been killed and processed and the number of pigs to be slaughtered at a later date and fixed for carry out such a sacrifice.

d) Any data concerning the possible origin of the disease, or its effective origin when it has been determined.

(e) Information on the control system established to ensure the effective implementation of the measures provided for in Articles 10 and 11 in relation to the control of movements of animals.

f) In case of primary focus or case of African swine fever in a slaughterhouse or means of transport, genetic type of virus responsible for the focus or case.

g) In the event that pigs have been killed in contact holdings, or in holdings with pigs suspected of being infected with African swine fever virus, information on:

1. The date of death and the number of pigs in each category killed on each holding.

2. The epidemiological link between the outbreak or case of African swine fever and each of the contact holdings, or any other reasons which led to the suspicion of African swine fever in each suspicious exploitation.

3. The results of laboratory tests carried out on samples taken from pigs on holdings and at the time of killing.

In the event that the pigs are not killed on the contact holdings, the reasons for such a decision should be informed.

ANNEX II

Principles and procedures for cleaning, disinfection and treatment with insecticides

1. General principles and procedures:

(a) The cleaning and disinfection operations and, if necessary, those for the destruction of rodents and insects with officially approved products shall be carried out under official supervision and in accordance with the instructions from the official veterinarian.

(b) The disinfectants to be used, and their concentrations, shall be officially approved in accordance with the provisions of Royal Decree 1054/2002 of 11 October 2002 governing the evaluation process for the registration, authorisation and placing on the market of biocidal products to ensure the destruction of the African swine fever virus.

c) The effectiveness of the disinfectants shall be checked regularly before use, as in some cases it decreases under prolonged storage conditions.

(d) The choice of disinfectants, insecticides and methods of disinfection and disinterment shall be made according to the nature of the premises, vehicles and objects to be treated.

(e) The conditions for the use of degreasing products, disinfectants and insecticides must be such that they do not diminish their effectiveness; in particular, the technical parameters communicated by the manufacturer must be observed, as pressure, minimum temperature, and required contact time.

f) Regardless of the disinfectant used, the following general rules apply:

1. The bed and the fecal materials must be fully soaked with the disinfectant.

2. It is necessary to wash and clean, by brushing and scrubbing, the soil, the floors, the ramps and the walls, after having been removed or disassembled, when

possible, equipment or facilities not to hinder cleaning and disinfection operations.

3. The disinfectant is then to be reapplied during the minimum contact time referred to in the manufacturer's recommendations.

4. The water used for cleaning operations should be disposed of in such a way as to avoid any risk of spreading the virus, and in accordance with the instructions of the official veterinarian.

g) When washing is done with pressure-applied liquids, the recontamination of previously cleaned parts should be avoided.

(h) The washing, disinfection or destruction of equipment, installations, articles or compartments that may be contaminated shall be included.

i) After disinfection, recontamination should be avoided.

j) The cleaning, disinfection and disinterment imposed in the area of this royal decree must be documented in the register of the holding or the vehicle and, where official approval is required, be certified by the veterinary official veterinarian.

2. Special provisions on cleaning and disinfection of infected holdings:

a) Previous cleaning and disinfection:

1. On the occasion of the slaughter of animals, all necessary measures shall be taken to prevent or minimise the spread of the African swine fever virus, including the installation of temporary equipment of the African swine fever. disinfection, supply of protective clothing, showers, decontamination of equipment, instruments and facilities used, as well as the interruption of the electrical supply to the ventilation system.

2. º The carcasses of the killed animals must be sprayed with disinfectant.

3. When carcasses are to be removed from the holding for processing, capped and watertight containers shall be used.

4. As soon as the carcasses of the pigs are removed for processing, the parts of the holding in which the animals have been kept, as well as any part of other buildings, pens, etc., contaminated during the killing or autopsy, shall be sprayed with authorised disinfectants in accordance with Article 12.

5. ° The tissues or blood that have been shed during the slaughter or the autopsy, or the visible contamination of the buildings, pens, utensils, etc., must be carefully collected and transformed together with the dead bodies.

6. The disinfectant used shall remain on the surface treated for at least 24 hours.

b) Final cleaning and disinfection:

1. The manure and beds used shall be withdrawn and treated as provided for in paragraph 3 (a) of this Annex.

2. ° The grease and dirt must be removed from any surface with a degreasing product, and the surfaces will be washed with water.

3. After washing with cold water, surfaces with disinfectant will be sprayed again.

4. º After seven days, the premises must be treated with a degreasing product, rinsed with water, sprayed with disinfectant and rinsed again with water.

3. Disinfection of contaminated beds, manure and slurry:

(a) The manure and used beds must be piled up to generate heat, spray with a disinfectant and be left for at least 42 days or be destroyed by incineration or burial.

(b) Purines shall be kept for at least 60 days after the last addition of infectious material, unless the competent authority allows for a reduced retention period for the intended purines effectively, in accordance with the instructions of the official veterinarian, to ensure the destruction of the virus.

4. By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Annex, in the case of open-air holdings, the competent authority may establish specific cleaning and disinfection procedures, taking into account the type of operation and the type of operation. climatic conditions.

ANNEX III

Guidelines for detecting vectors

1. The search for vectors must be carried out at the premises where the pigs live and stay, as well as in their vicinity.

Normally the vectors are in old buildings, in the light of daylight, in which favorable conditions of temperature and humidity are present.

The search will have better results if done at the end of spring, during the summer or early fall, periods when the vectors are most active.

2. Two search methods must be used:

a) Search for the vectors on earth, sand or dust, extracted by means of a brush or any other appropriate instrument of the spaces between the stones (in the case of premises built in stone) or of the interstices or Cracks existing on the walls under the roof tiles or on the floor of the premises. If necessary, the soil and sand must be tamely. The use of a magnifying glass to detect young larvae may be appropriate.

b) Search for the vectors by CO2 traps. The traps must be placed for several hours in the pigs ' premises, preferably during the night and, in any case, in places in the light of daylight. The traps must be constructed in such a way that the vectors are as close as possible to the source of CO2 and can no longer return to their shelter.

ANNEX IV

National reference laboratory for African swine fever

1. It is designated as the national reference laboratory for African swine fever to the Animal Health Research Centre, 28130, Valdeolmos, Madrid.

2. The national laboratory shall be responsible for ensuring that laboratory tests for the presence of African swine fever, and for identifying the genetic type of isolates of the virus, are in accordance with the diagnostic manual. For this purpose, special agreements may be established with the Community reference laboratory, or with other national reference laboratories in other Member States.

3. The national laboratory shall be responsible for the coordination of the standards and methods of nostic diag used by each laboratory for the diagnosis of African swine fever authorised by the Autonomous Communities, and for this purpose:

a) You can provide diagnostic reagents to the various laboratories.

b) Control the quality of all diagnostic reagents used in Spain.

c) You will periodically organize comparative tests.

d) Keep isolated strains of African swine fever virus from cases and outbreaks confirmed in Spain.

ANNEX V

Community reference laboratory for African swine fever

1. The Community reference laboratory for African swine fever is as follows: Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal, 28130, Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain.

2. The privileges and duties of the Community reference laboratory for African swine fever shall be as follows:

(a) Coordinate, in consultation with the European Commission, the methods of diagnosis of African swine fever used in the Member States, in particular by:

1. The conservation and supply of cell cultures for diagnosis.

2. The classification, conservation and supply of strains of African swine fever virus for serological testing and preparation of antisera.

3. The supply of standard sera, conjugated sera and other reference reagents, to national laboratories, to harmonise the tests and reagents used in the Member States.

4. The creation and conservation of a collection of African swine fever viruses.

5. The periodic community comparative testing organization of diagnostic procedures.

6. The collection of data and information about the diagnostic methods used and the results of the tests performed.

7. The characterization of isolated strains of the virus using the most advanced methods available to achieve a better understanding of the epizootiology of African swine fever.

8. The monitoring of developments throughout the world of surveillance, epizootiology and prevention of African swine fever.

9. The accumulation of specialized knowledge about African swine fever virus and other relevant viruses, in order to make a rapid differential diagnosis.

b) Adopt the necessary arrangements for the training and recycling of laboratory diagnostic experts to harmonise diagnostic techniques.

c) Dispose of qualified personnel for possible emergency situations in the European Union.

d) Develop and, where possible, coordinate research activities aimed at improving the fight against African swine fever.

e) Establish technical protocols concerning the procedures for checking the effectiveness of disinfectants against the African swine fever virus.

3. The Community reference laboratories for classical swine fever and African swine fever shall organise their activities in such a way as to ensure appropriate coordination of comparative tests organised at Community level for the diagnosis of both diseases.

ANNEX VI

urgency plan criteria and requirements

1. The urgency plan shall at least comply with the following criteria and requirements:

(a) Provisions shall be made in order to ensure the legal capacity necessary for the implementation of the emergency plan, and to enable a rapid and effective eradication campaign.

(b) Provisions shall be made to ensure access to emergency funds, budgetary resources and financial resources to cover all aspects of the fight against an epizootic of African swine fever.

(c) A chain of command shall be established to ensure the speed and effectiveness of the decision-making process in the case of an epizootic. If appropriate, the chain of command in each autonomous community shall be under the authority of a single decision centre which shall be responsible for directing the various strategies for combating the disease and liaising with the national centre of the fight against the disease referred to in Article 22.

(d) Measures shall be taken in order to provide adequate resources to enable a rapid and effective campaign, including personnel, equipment and laboratory equipment, to be carried out.

e) An updated instruction manual shall be provided in which all the procedures, instructions and control measures to be applied to a outbreak of swine fever are described in a detailed, comprehensive and practical manner.

f) Staff will periodically take part in:

1. Training actions on clinical signs, epidemiological survey and fight against African swine fever.

2. National alert exercises at national level, which will take place at least twice a year.

3. Training actions on communication techniques, for the organisation of awareness campaigns on the disease for the authorities, livestock farmers and veterinarians.

2. The criteria and requirements referred to in the previous paragraph may be amended or supplemented by the European Commission to address the specific nature of African swine fever and the progress of measures to combat the disease.