Here’s a breakdown of the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/902:
**1. Essence of the Act:**
This regulation amends Annex I of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594, which outlines special disease control measures for African swine fever (ASF). The key purpose is to update and redefine the restricted zones (Zones I, II, and III) in specific Member States due to new outbreaks of ASF in both wild and kept porcine animals. This aims to control the spread of the disease based on the latest epidemiological situation.
**2. Structure and Main Provisions:**
* **Amends Annex I:** The core of the regulation is the replacement of Annex I in the original Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594 with a new version. This annex lists the restricted zones I, II, and III within Member States.
* **Restricted Zones:** The annex details specific geographical areas within Member States, categorized into restricted zones based on the risk level associated with ASF outbreaks.
* **Zone I:** Areas with a lower risk.
* **Zone II:** Areas with a higher risk than Zone I.
* **Zone III:** Areas with the highest risk, typically where recent outbreaks have occurred.
* **Member States Affected:** The regulation specifically addresses changes in the ASF situation in Italy and Slovakia, leading to the demarcation of new restricted zones in these countries. It also includes changes in restricted zones in Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Hungary, Poland, Czechia and Greece.
* **Criteria for Zoning:** The amendments are based on:
* The epidemiological situation of ASF in affected areas.
* The overall ASF situation in the Member State.
* The risk of further spread.
* Scientifically agreed principles and criteria for zoning, as outlined in the EU’s ASF guidelines.
* International standards, such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
* Justifications provided by the competent authorities of the Member States.
* **Entry into Force:** The regulation enters into force the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
**3. Main Provisions Important for Use:**
* **Geographical Boundaries:** The most critical aspect is the precise definition of the restricted zones within each Member State. These are described using administrative boundaries (e.g., municipalities, districts) and, in some cases, specific geographical features (e.g., roads, railway lines, water bodies).
* **Disease Control Measures:** The designation of an area as a restricted zone triggers specific disease control measures as outlined in the original Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594. These measures may include:
* Restrictions on the movement of live pigs and certain pig products.
* Enhanced surveillance and testing for ASF.
* Biosecurity measures for pig farms.
* Measures to control wild boar populations.
* **Obligations for Member States:** Member States with areas listed in Annex I are obligated to implement the special disease control measures within the designated zones.
* **Dynamic Situation:** The regulation acknowledges that the ASF situation is dynamic, implying that the restricted zones may be subject to further changes as the epidemiological situation evolves.
* **Territorial Continuity:** The regulation highlights the importance of ensuring territorial continuity when defining restricted zones, meaning that the zones should be contiguous and not fragmented.
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This regulation has implications for Ukraine and Ukrainians, as African Swine Fever is a threat to pig farming and trade. Ukrainians involved in these activities within the EU should be aware of the restricted zones and comply with the relevant disease control measures.
