L 6/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 11.1.2001 COMMISSION DECISION of 27 December 2000 concerning a specific financial contribution by the Community relating to the surveillance programme of campylobacter in broilers presented by Sweden (notified under document number C(2000) 4154) (Only the Swedish text is authentic) (2001/29/EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Decision 90/424[EEC of 26 June 1990 on expenditure in the veterinary field (!), as last amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 1258/1999 of 17 May 1999 on the financing of the common agricultural policy () and, in particular, Article 19 and Article 20 thereof, Whereas: 1) () ) The protection of human health against diseases and infections directly or indirectly transmissible from animals to man (zoonoses) is of paramount importance. The Community is currently in the process of reviewing its policy on the control and prevention of zoonoses. In this framework, the Scientific Committee on Veter- inary Measures relating to Public Health was requested to express an opinion on the basis of zoonosis control policies, where special attention should be paid to the assessment of risks related to zoonotic diseases causing major concern to public health. In its conclusions of the opinion of 12 April 2000, the Scientific Committee on Veterinary Measures relating to Public Health identified salmonella and campylobacter as the most important food-borne zoonosis currently, if referring to the number of reported human cases. It is recognised that a number of gaps exist in the knowledge of the epidemiology of campylobacter as a food-borne zoonosis and the opinion indicated in partic- ular that the efficiency of establishment of strict hygiene barriers at poultry farm level should be documented and the efficiency of procedures to lower the prevalence of campylobacter at farm level needs further scrutiny. A surveillance programme for broilers operated by the Swedish poultrymeat industry association started in 1991. The surveillance programme, which included sampling of slaughter groups at the abattoir and volun- tary measures in farms, showed some success in reducing the prevalence of campylobacter in the slaughter groups of broilers. L 224, 18.8.1990, p. 19. L 160, 26.6.1999, p. 103. ) (10) (11) (12) The Swedish authorities presented on 31 May 2000 a national surveillance programme of campylobacter in broilers, and a revised programme on 13 October 2000, to estimate the baseline prevalence both in primary production and in the food chain and to progressively reinforce implementation of hygienic measures in farms with a view to lower the prevalence at farm level and subsequently along the food chain. The programme can provide technical and scientific information potentially valuable for the development of Community veterinary legislation. In the light of the importance of campylobacter as a zoonosis, it is appropriate to provide financial assistance to cover certain costs incurred by Sweden. The financial assistance provided shall be up to a maximum of EUR 120000 for the period to 31 December 2001. Pursuant to Article 3, paragraph 2, of Regulation (EC) No 1258/1999, veterinary and plant health measures undertaken in accordance with Community rules shall be financed under the Guarantee Section of the Euro- pean Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund. For financial control purposes, Articles 8 and 9 of Regula- tion (EC) No 1258/1999 apply. A financial contribution from the Community shall be granted in so far as the actions provided for are effec- tively carried out and provided that the authorities furnish all the necessary information within the time limits provided for. The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Commiittee, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 1. Article 1 The surveillance programme for campylobacter in broilers presented by Sweden is hereby approved for a period of six months starting from 1 July 2001.