EU financing for survey in Cyprus of TSE-resistant genes in goats (OJ link)

Brussels, 24 February 2006

Commission Decision of 15 February 2006 concerning a specific financial contribution by the Community relating to the survey on TSE resistant PrP genes in goats presented by Cyprus for the year 2006 (notified under document number C(2006) 408) (OJ L54/44 24.2.2006).
Full text

(1) Eradication of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) in small ruminants, including bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) which is considered to be the cause of the fatal variant Creutzfeld Jacob disease in humans, is of major importance for animal health and consumer's protection.

(2) In sheep, selection towards resistant prion protein (PrP) genes is a major tool to achieve TSE eradication. Therefore minimum requirements for the establishment of breeding programmes for resistance to TSEs in sheep have been laid down in Commission Decision 2003/100/EC . Very limited information is however available on TSE resistant PrP genes in goats.

(3) Verification of the existence of TSE resistant genotypes in goats is necessary in order to develop community legislation in the veterinary field, in particular on the control and possible eradication of TSEs in such animals.

(4) A bi-annual survey on TSEs resistant genotypes in goats was submitted by the Cypriot authorities in 2005, with a view to obtain financial support from the Community. The objectives of the survey are to further investigate the PrP gene of the Cyprus goats in order to confirm the results of previous preliminary studies where specific PrP polymorphisms were found indicating resistance against TSEs and to evaluate the data in order to be able to determine the baseline prevalence of TSE resistant PrP genes in goats. Cyprus has a very high prevalence of TSEs in goats and is therefore the appropriate Member State to carry out such pilot project. The survey intends to start on 1 January 2006.

(5) The survey will be executed by the Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment of Cyprus. The Community Reference Laboratory for TSE will provide scientific supervision of the survey.

[...]

Article 1

1. The survey programme for TSE resistant PrP genes in goats presented by Cyprus is hereby approved for a period of 12 months starting from 1 January 2006.

2. The financial assistance from the Community for the programme referred to in paragraph 1 covers the costs (VAT excluded) incurred by Cyprus for laboratory testing up to 100% in accordance with the provisions in Chapter 1 of the Annex.

The total assistance shall be maximum EUR 47 500.

[...]

Article 4

This Decision shall apply from 1 January 2006.

Article 5

This decision is addressed to the Republic of Cyprus.