L 22216 Official Journal of the European Union 28.8.2007 II (Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is not obligatory) DECISIONS COMMISSION COMMISSION DECISION of 27 August 2007 on introducing preventive vaccination against highly pathogenic avian influenza and related provisions for movements in the Netherlands (notified under document number C(2007) 3977) (Only the Dutch text is authentic) (2007/590/EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, 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, Article 57(2) thereof; Whereas: Avian influenza is an infectious viral disease in poultry and other birds, causing mortality and disturbances which can quickly take epizootic proportions liable to present a serious threat to animal health and under certain circumstances to human health and also to reduce the profitability of poultry farming. The highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus of subtype H5N1 has been isolated from poultry and wild birds in certain parts of the Community and in third countries. The likelihood of the spread of that virus to poultry flocks, in particular by wild birds, is increasing within the Community. () O] L 10, 14.1.2006, p. 16. (3) Early detection systems and biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of transmission of avian influenza to poultry flocks are in place in the whole territory of the Netherlands. In its scientific opinions on avian influenza with respect to animal health and welfare aspects, the role of wild birds in the spread of avian influenza and on vaccination of poultry, captive birds and zoo birds against avian influenza, the Animal Health and Welfare Panel of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommended that preventive vaccination can be considered, if a high risk of virus introduction is identified in particular in densely populated poultry areas. In addition, EFSA states that during an avian influenza epidemic there is always a significant risk that hobby and pet birds are hidden and constitute an ongoing risk of infection. This eventuality should be considered, and instead of the mass culling of such birds, a policy of increased surveillance and biosecurity may be rec- ommended. Quarantine and preventive vaccination may also be considered as options for these types of birds. However, such a practice should not jeopardise the strict biosecurity and other measures that should be in force in such areas aimed at eradicating any introduction of the virus. In particular, preventive vaccination may be applied in flocks in which the general flock management systems that are used preclude birds being permanently housed indoors or sufficiently protected against contacts with wild birds.