17.7.2001 Official Journal of the European Communities L 193/31 COMMISSION DECISION of 16 July 2001 amending Decision 93/402/EEC concerning animal health conditions and veterinary certification for imports of fresh meat from South American countries to take account of the animal health situation in Uruguay (notified under document number C(2001) 2205) (2001/538/EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Directive 72[462/EEC of 12 December 1972 on health and veterinary inspection problems upon importation of bovine, ovine and caprine animals and swine, fresh meat or meat products from third countries (1), as last amended by Directive 97/79/EC (), and in particular Articles 14 and 22 thereof, Whereas: (1) The animal health conditions and veterinary certification for imports of fresh meat from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay and Uruguay are laid down by Commission Decision 93/402/EEC (*), as last amended by Decision 2001/537[EC (4). (2)  Outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease were confirmed in Uruguay starting on 23 April 2001 and a program of vaccination of bovines against foot-and-mouth disease has been introduced. (3)  The Commission suspended the importation into the Community of all categories of fresh meat from those species susceptible to foot-and-mouth disease by Commission Decision 2001/388/EC (°). (4) A Commission mission took place, from 25 to 29 June 2001, in order to examine the epidemiological situation regarding foot-and-mouth disease and the control meas- ures in place. (5)  The findings of this mission raise some concerns in relation to certain control measures in place in Uruguay concerning the current foot-and-mouth disease situation, in particular concerning the number of outbreaks, the control of animal movements and of the meat matura- tion process. (6)  The competent veterinary authorities of Uruguay are addressing these concerns and it is therefore necessary to prolong the suspension of imports into the Community of all categories of fresh meat from those species 1 () O] L 302, 31.12.1972, p. 28. () O L 24, 30.1.1998, p. 31. () O] L 179, 22.7.1993, p. 11. (*) See page 29 of this Official Journal. () O] L 137, 19.5.2001, p. 33. susceptible to foot-and-mouth disease in conformity with Decision 2001/388/CE, at least until the deficien- cies found have been rectified and the disease situation has further stabilised. (7)  In order to clarify the import conditions, it is necessary to repeal Decision 2001/537EC and to amend Decision 93/402/EEC accordingly. (8)  This Decision will be reviewed in the light of the evolu- tion of the situation. (99  The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Commiittee, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 Annex II to Decision 93/402/EEC is replaced by the Annex to this Decision. Article 2 Decision 2001/537/EC is repealed. Article 3 This Decision shall apply as from 16 July 2001. Atrticle 4 This Decision is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 16 July 2001. For the Commission David BYRNE Member of the Commission