L 73/8 Official Journal of the European Union 19.3.2003 I (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COMMISSION COMMISSION DECISION of 18 March 2003 repealing Decision 2003/173/EC concerning protective measures in relation to a strong suspicion of avian influenza in Belgium (notified under document number C(2003) 879) (Text with EEA relevance) (2003/187/EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, (5)  In the light of the results of laboratory testing and epide- Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European miological situation in Belgium, Decision 2003/173/EC Comminity should be repealed. Having regard to Council Directive 90/425/EEC of 26 June (6)  The measures provi.dted for in this Dec.ision are ir.’ accor- 1990 concerning veterinary and zootechnical checks applicable dance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on in intra-community trade in certain live animals and products the Food Chain and Animal Health, with a view to the completion of the internal market (*), as last amended by Council Directive 2002/33/EC (3), and, in parti- cular, Article 10 thereof, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Whereas: Article 1 (1)  Late on 11 March 2003 the veterinary authorities of Belgium have informed the Commission about a strong Decision 2003/173/EC is repealed. suspicion of avian influenza in a poultry flock in the province of Antwerp. Article 2 (2)  Avian influenza is a highly contagious poultry disease that can pose a serious threat for the poultry industry. This Decision is addressed to the Member States. (3)  The Belgium authorities have immediately, before the official confirmation of the disease, implemented the measures foreseen in Council Directive 92/40/EEC () introducing Community measures for the control of Done at Brussels, 18 March 2003. avian influenza while further confirmatory diagnostic procedures were carried out. For the Commission (4)  For the sake of clarity and transparency the Commission David BYRNE adopted Decision 2003/173/EC (*). Member of the Commission () OJ L 224, 18.8.1990, p. 29. () OJ L 315,19.11.2002, p. 14. () OJL 167, 22.6.1992, p. 1. () OJL 69, 13.3.2003, p. 29.