This Directive defines the minimum Community control measures to be applied in the event of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, whatever the type of virus concerned, without prejudice to the Community provisions governing intra-Community trade.

in accordance with the provisions of Article 13(3) of Council Directive 85/511/EEC of 18 November 1985 introducing Community measures for the control of foot-and-mouth disease (3), a decision may be taken to introduce emergency vaccination in a limited area, in circumstances where slaughter of the entire herd may not be sufficient to eliminate the virus;

The Community Coordinating Institute shall operate according to recognized conditions of strict disease security as indicated in 'Minimum standards for institutes working with foot-and-mouth disease virus in vitro and in vivo` - European Commission for the control of foot-and-mouth disease - 26th session, Rome, April 1985.

The requirements laid down in table 1 must be fulfilled in any laboratory where the ASF virus is to be amplified by replication in cell cultures. However, post-mortem examinations, processing of tissues for DIFT or PCR and serology using inactivated antigens, may be carried out at a lower containment level, provided that the minimum requirements of table 1 are fulfilled, basic hygiene is used and post-operational disinfection with safe disposal of carcases, tissues and sera are carried out.

In the event of an outbreak it may be necessary to apply control measures not only to infected animals of susceptible species, but also to contaminated animals of species not susceptible to the disease which may be mechanical vectors for the virus.

As a matter of precaution, in relation to the risks of a deliberate release of foot-and-mouth disease virus, it is appropriate to apply specific procedures to the procurement of antigens for the Community antigen and vaccine bank and to the publication of certain details relating to disease control measures.

In addition to the measures provided for in Articles 37 to 42, Member States may take additional national measures which are deemed necessary and proportionate to contain foot-and-mouth disease virus taking into account the particular epidemiological, animal husbandry, commercial and social conditions prevailing in the affected area.

Contingency Plans shall be prepared taking into account the resources needed to control a large number of outbreaks occurring within a short time and caused by several antigenically distinct serotypes or strains as it may be necessary amongst others in the case of deliberate release of foot-and-mouth disease virus.

In addition to the measures applicable in the protection zone in accordance with this Directive, Member States may take additional national measures which are deemed necessary and proportionate to contain the foot-and-mouth disease virus taking into account the particular epidemiological, animal husbandry, commercial and social conditions prevailing in the affected area.