8. 8. 96 Official Journal of the European Communities No L 198/49 COMMISSION DECISION of 6 August 1996 on protective measures in relation to Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis in Mexico (Text with EEA relevance) (96/486/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 organization 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 thereof, Having regard to Council Directive 90/426/EEC of 26 June 1990 on animal health conditions governing the movement and import from third countries of equidae (%), as last amended by the Act of Accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden, and in particular Article 12 thereof, Whereas the presence of Venezuelan equine encephalo- myelitis has been confirmed in Mexico; Whereas the appearance of Venezuelan equine encepha- lomyelitis in Mexico constitutes a serious threat to equidae of the Member States, taking into account the various movements of equidae; Whereas it is therefore necessary to prohibit the re-admission of registered horses after temporary export and the temporary admission and import of equidae from Mexico; Whereas, in view of the guarantees provided by the Mexican authorities, the re-admission of registered horses after temporary export to the metropolitan area of Monterrey (Mexico) and the temporary admission of regis- tered horses from that area of Mexico should be permitted; Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Committee, () OJ No L 268, 24. 9. 1991, p. 56. () O] No L 162, 1. 7. 1996, p. 1. () OJ No L 224, 18. 8. 1990, p. 42. HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 The Member States shall prohibit the temporary admis- sion of registered horses, the re-admission of registered horses after temporary export and the import of equidae from Mexico. Article 2 However, Member States shall authorize: — the re-admission of registered horses after temporary export to the metropolitan area of Monterrey, — the temporary admission of registered horses from the metropolitan area of Monterrey. Article 3 Member States shall amend the measures they apply in respect of Mexico to bring them into line with this Deci- sion. They shall inform the Commission thereof. Article 4 This Decision is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 6 August 1996. For the Commission Franz FISCHLER Member of the Commission