26. 11. 96 Official Journal of the European Communities No L 302/27 COMMISSION DECISION of 22 November 1996 on protective measures in relation to Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever in South Africa (Text with EEA relevance) (96/659/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 or- ganization of veterinary checks on animals entering the Community from third countries and amending Direc- tives 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC and 90/675/EEC ('), as last amended by Directive 96/43/EC (%), and in particular Article 18 (1) thereof, Having regard to Council Directive 90/675/EEC of 10 December 1990 laying down the principles governing the organization of veterinary checks on products entering the Community from third countries (%), as last amended by Directive 96/43/EC and in particular Article 19 (1) thereof, Whereas the presence of Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever has been confirmed in South Africa; Whereas the appearance of Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever in South Africa constitutes a serious threat to animal and public health in the Member States; Whereas it is therefore necessary to prohibit the importa- tion of live ratites, and meat of ratites from South Africa until the situation is clarified; 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 The Member States shall prohibit the importation of live ratites and ratite meat from South Africa. Article 2 Member States shall amend the measures they apply in respect of South Africa to bring them into line with this Decision. They shall inform the Commission thereof. Article 3 This Decision shall be reviewed before 15 February 1997, Article 4 This Decision is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 22 November 1996. For the Commission Franz FISCHLER Member of the Commission () OJ No L 268, 24. 9. 1991, p. 56. o L 162, 1. 7. 1996, p. 1. J () OJ N () OJ No L 373, 31. 12. 1990, p. 1.