31.8.2006 Official Journal of the European Union L 237/1 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COMMISSION COMMISSION DECISION of 4 August 2006 approving a Diagnostic Manual for avian influenza as provided for in Council Directive 2005/94/EC (notified under document number C(2006) 3477) (Text with EEA relevance) (2006/437EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to Council Directive 2005/94/EC  of 20 December 2005 on Community measures for the control of avian influenza and repealing Directive 92/40/EEC ('), and in particular the second subparagraph of Article 50(1) thereof, Whereas: (1)  Directive 2005/94/EC provides for certain preventive measures relating to the surveillance and early detection of avian influenza and also minimum control measures to be applied in the event of an outbreak of that disease in poultry and other captive birds. (2) It is necessary to lay down at Community level diag- nostic procedures, sampling methods and criteria for the evaluation of the results of laboratory tests for the confirmation of an outbreak of avian influenza. (3)  Annex VII to Directive 2005/94/EC lays down the func- tions and duties of the Community reference laboratory for avian influenza in order to coordinate, in consulta- tion with the Commission, the methods employed in the Member States for diagnosing that disease. Those func- tions and duties include the organisation of periodic comparative tests and the supplying of standard reagents at Community level. () OJ L 10, 14.1.2006, p. 16. (4)  Laboratory tests have recently been developed to ensure a quick diagnosis of avian influenza. (5)  The experience gained in the control of avian influenza in recent years has resulted in the identification of the most suitable sampling procedures and criteria for evaluation of the results of the laboratory tests for a proper diagnosis of this disease in different situations. (6)  The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 The diagnostic manual, as provided for in Directive 2005/94[EC and set out in the Annex to this Decision, is approved. Atticle 2 Member States shall apply the diagnostic manual from the date they transpose Directive 2005/94/EC or from 1 July 2007, whichever date is the earlier.