L 166/22 Official Journal of the European Union 1.7.2010 COMMISSION DECISION of 25 June 2010 on the implementation by Member States of surveillance programmes for avian influenza in poultry and wild birds (notified under document C(2010) 4190) (Text with EEA relevance) (2010/367/[EU) THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Having regard to Council Directive 90/425/EEC of 26 June 1990 concerning veterinary and zootechnical checks applicable in intra-Community trade in certain live animals and products with a view to the completion of the internal market (!), and in particular Article 10(4) thereof, 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 4(2) thereof, Whereas: (1)  Avian influenza is an infectious viral disease in birds, including poultry. Infections with avian influenza viruses in domestic poultry cause two main forms of that disease that are distinguished by their virulence. The low pathogenic form generally only causes mild symptoms, while the highly pathogenic form results in very high mortality rates in most poultry species. That disease may have a severe impact on the profitability of poultry farming. (2)  Directive 2005/94/EC sets out measures for the control of outbreaks, in poultry and other captive birds, of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and low pathogenic avian influenza caused by avian influenza viruses of the H5 and H7 subtypes (LPAI), as defined in that Directive. Directive 2005/94EC also provides for certain preventive measures relating to the surveillance and the early detection of avian influenza viruses. (3)  Directive 2005/94/EC  provides that compulsory surveillance programmes are to be implemented by the Member States. Those surveillance programmes aim at identifying the circulation of LPAI viruses in poultry, in particular in waterfowl poultry species, before they become widespread in the poultry population, so that () O] L 224, 18.8.1990, p. 29. () O] L 10, 14.1.2006, p. 16. () () control measures can be taken to possibly prevent a mutation into a HPAI virus which might have devastating consequences. Directive 2005/94/EC also provides for surveillance programmes to be carried out in wild birds in order to contribute, on the basis of a regularly updated risk assessment, to the current knowledge on the threats posed by wild birds in relation to any influenza virus of avian origin in birds. Commission Decision 2007/268/EC of 13 April 2007 on the implementation of surveillance programmes for avian influenza in poultry and wild birds to be carried out in the Member States and amending Decision 2004/450[EC (}) was adopted in order to lay down guidelines for the implementation of such surveillance programmes. Since the date of adoption of that Decision, the experience gained in the Member States in carrying out surveillance programmes and advances in scientific knowledge and research conclusions, indicate that certain poultry species and poultry production categories are at a higher risk of becoming infected with avian influenza viruses than others, also taking into account the location of the holding and other risk factors. The threat of the introduction of the HPAI virus of the H5NI1 subtype from South East Asia to Europe by its westward spread during 2005 has prompted the adoption of additional measures for preparedness and early detection of that virus type in poultry and wild birds. Commission Decision 2005/731/EC of 17 October 2005 laying down additional requirements for the surveillance of avian influenza in wild birds (%) requires that Member States arrange for the notification to the competent authorities of any abnormal mortality or significant disease outbreaks occurring in wild birds and in particular wild water birds. Sampling and laboratory testing for avian influenza virus must also be carried out. 115, 3.5.2007, p. 3. 0J L 0] L 274, 20.10.2005, p. 93.