L 176/32 Official Journal of the European Communities 20.6.98 COMMISSION DECISION of 29 May 1998 repealing Decision 98/85/EC concerning certain protective measures with regard to live birds coming from or originating in Hong Kong and China (notified under document number C(1998) 1415) (Text with EEA relevance) (98/396/EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Directive 91/496/EEC of 15 July 1991 laying down the principles governing the organisation of veterinary checks on animals entering the Community from third countries and amending Direct- ives 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC and 90/675/EEC ('), as last amended by Directive 96/43/EC (%), and in particular Article 18(7) thereof, Whereas the Commission, further to an outbreak of influ- enza H.N, in humans in Hong Kong, and in view of a possible epidemiological connection between humans and poultry, has taken Decision 98/85/EC of 16 January 1998 concerning certain protective measures with regard to live birds coming from or originating in Hong Kong and China (); Whereas the purpose of that Decision was to prevent the introduction of the influenza HN, virus into the Community through consignments of live birds; Whereas in accordance with information form the WHO, it appears that it is unlikely that the virus is still present either in humans or in animals; Whereas it is therefore appropriate to repeal Decision 98/85/EC; () OJ L 268, 24. 9. 1991, p. 56. @) O] L 162, 1. 7. 1996, p. 1. () OJ L 15, 21. 1. 1998, p. 45. Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 Decision 98/85/EC is hereby repealed. Article 2 Member States shall alter the measures they apply to trade in order to bring them into line with this Decision. They shall immediately inform the Commission thereof. Article 3 This Decision is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 29 May 1998. For the Commission Franz FISCHLER Member of the Commission