9.12.98 Official Journal of the European Communities L 333/29 COMMISSION DECISION of 26 November 1998 approving the programmes for the eradication of animal diseases presented for 1999 by the Member States and fixing the level of the Community’s financial contribution (notified under document number C(1998) 3645/2) (Only the Spanish, German, Greek, English, French, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Finnish and Swedish texts are authentic) (98/703/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 Decision 94/370/EC (*), and in particular Article 24 thereof, Whereas Council Decision 90/424/EEC provides for the possibility of financial participation by the Community in the eradication and surveillance of animal diseases; Whereas the Member States have submitted programmes for the eradication of animal diseases in their countries; Whereas after examination of the programmes they were found to comply with all Community criteria relating to the eradication of these diseases in conformity with Council Decision 90/638/EEC of 27 November 1990 laying down Community criteria for the eradication and monitoring of certain animal diseases (°), as last amended by Council Directive 92/65/EC (¥); Whereas these programmes appear on the priority list of programmes for the eradication and surveillance of animal diseases which can benefit from financial parti- cipation from the Community in 1999 and which was established by Commission Decision 98/584/EC (%); Whereas in the light of the importance of the programmes for the achievement of Community objec- tives in the field of animal health and public health, it is appropriate to fix the financial participation of the Community at 50 % of the costs incurred by the Member States concerned for the measures up to a maximum amount of money for each programme; Whereas a financial contribution from the Community shall be granted insofar as the actions provided for are carried out and provided that the authorities supply all OJ L 224, 18. 8. 1990, p. 19. OJ L 168, 2. 7. 1994, p. 31. OJ L 347, 12. 12. 1990, p. 27. OJ L 268, 18. 10. 1997, p. 11. OJ L 281, 17. 10. 1998, p. 41. the necessary information within the time limits provided for; Whereas the approval of some of those programmes shall not prejudge a decision of the Commission on rules for eradication of those diseases based on scientific advice; Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: CHAPTER 1 (Rabies) Article 1 1. The programme for the eradication of rabies presented by Austria is hereby approved for the period from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 1999. 2. Financial participation by the Community shall be at the rate of 50 % of the costs of purchase and distribution of vaccine plus baits by Austria up to a maximum of ECU 250 000. Article 2 1. The programme for the eradication of rabies presented by Belgium is hereby approved for the period from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 1999. 2. Financial participation by the Community shall be at the rate of 50 % of the costs of purchase and distribution of vaccine plus baits by Belgium up to a maximum of ECU 180 000. Article 3 1. The programme for the eradication of rabies presented by Germany is hereby approved for the period from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 1999.