Introduction of new control for emerging disease of farmed oysters

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A decision made 26 March 2010 regarding: Introduction of new control for emerging disease of farmed oysters.

Decision Reference: MD-PE-2010-0038
Decision Summary Title :	Introduction of new control for emerging disease of farmed oyster		Date of Decision Summary:	12March 2010
Decision Summary Author:	States Veterinary Assistant		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:
Written Report Title :	Introduction of new control for emerging disease of farmed oyster		Date of Written Report:	12 March 2010
Written Report Author:	States Veterinary Assistant		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Subject: Legislation to administer and enforce EU legislation for Ostreid herpes virus OsHV -1uvar of farmed oysters of the species Crassostrea gigas.
Decision(s): Instruct Law Drafting Officer to draft a Regulation to implement measures to control increased mortality in oysters to detect Ostreid herpes virus OsHV -1uvar as laid out in Sanco 6463/2009 rev 5 draft Commission Regulation
Reason(s) for Decision: To ensure Jersey is compliant with EU legislation to report mortality and comply with containment zone restrictions. Introduction of the Regulation will provide compliance for trade with UK, France, Ireland and other Member States.
Resource Implications: Certain exports may require certification by States staff with pre-export sampling and testing paid for by oyster farmers.
Action required: States Veterinary Officer to request that the Law Draftsman to prepare a draft Regulation for consideration by the Minister.
Signature:		Position:
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

Introduction of new control for emerging disease of farmed oysters

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT

ENVIRONMENT DIVISION

Introduction of new control for emerging disease of farmed oyster

(Public)

Purpose of the Report

To ensure compliance with EU animal health requirements of Council Directive 2006/88 in relation to emerging disease of aquatic animals, as required by Protocol 3 of the Act of Accession of the United Kingdom to the European Communities 1972 and EU Regulation 706/73, new legislation must be introduced.

Background

Council Directive 2006/88/EC lays down the animal health requirements to be applied for aquaculture animals. Article 41 requires that appropriate measures are taken to control emerging disease and prevent the spread of disease.

In 2008 increased mortality in oysters were detected in several areas in France and in Ireland. The presence of Ostreid herpes virus OsHV -1uvar which can cause up to 90% mortality was detected. In 2009 increased mortality was again detected in France and Ireland and also for the first time, in Jersey.

Containment measures taken by the Member States and Jersey to control the emerging disease were mainly based on restriction of movement out of the affected areas.

Measures have been laid out in Sanco 6463/2009 rev 5 draft Commission Regulation concerning Ostreid herpes virus OsHV -1uvar.

Regulations are required to ensure measures taken provide sufficient protection against further spread whilst not imposing unnecessary restrictions on movement of Crassostrea gigas oysters. Certain derogations will allow movement intended for relaying areas in another containment area or intended for human consumption. To ensure traceability for relaying in another containment area, consignments must be accompanied by an animal health certificate.

Conclusion

To enable continued trade between Jersey and Member States Regulations are to be drafted for consideration by the Minister to implement and enforce Sanco 6463/2009.

Recommendation

The Minister is recommended to introduce measures to control increased mortality in Crassostrea gigas oysters by implementing legislation to administer and enforce EU Regulations.

Written by:	States Veterinary Assistant

Approved by:	Chief Officer Planning and Environment

[File Ref]

Ministerial Decision ref: MD-PE-2010-XXXX

5 March 2010