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Aquatic animals
EU rules on aquatic animals are part of the broader animal health framework established by Regulation (EU) 2016/429, the Animal Health Law, which covers transmissible diseases affecting both terrestrial and aquatic animals. Under Article 4(3) of that Regulation, aquatic animals include fish, aquatic molluscs and aquatic crustaceans, at all life stages, including eggs, sperm and gametes.
The purpose of this framework is to ensure a harmonised EU system for the prevention, surveillance and control of aquatic animal diseases, especially in aquaculture and in the movement of aquatic animals within the Union and into the EU. The current legal regime has applied in all Member States since 21 April 2021, when Regulation (EU) 2016/429 replaced Directive 2006/88/EC.
The legislation covers several core areas. These include the rules on listed diseases, categorisation and listed species, the regulation of aquaculture establishments, the recognition of disease-free status and the management of eradication programmes for category C diseases, as well as rules on the movements of aquatic animals and their entry into the Union. The framework also includes disease awareness, preparedness and control measures, supported by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687, which supplements the Animal Health Law for the prevention and control of certain listed diseases.
A further important component of the system is the use of specialised EU Reference Laboratories, which support the scientific and technical management of aquatic animal diseases across the Union. Overall, the EU framework for aquatic animals is intended to protect animal health, support aquaculture, and ensure safe trade and movements through a common set of sanitary rules.
The purpose of this framework is to ensure a harmonised EU system for the prevention, surveillance and control of aquatic animal diseases, especially in aquaculture and in the movement of aquatic animals within the Union and into the EU. The current legal regime has applied in all Member States since 21 April 2021, when Regulation (EU) 2016/429 replaced Directive 2006/88/EC.
The legislation covers several core areas. These include the rules on listed diseases, categorisation and listed species, the regulation of aquaculture establishments, the recognition of disease-free status and the management of eradication programmes for category C diseases, as well as rules on the movements of aquatic animals and their entry into the Union. The framework also includes disease awareness, preparedness and control measures, supported by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687, which supplements the Animal Health Law for the prevention and control of certain listed diseases.
A further important component of the system is the use of specialised EU Reference Laboratories, which support the scientific and technical management of aquatic animal diseases across the Union. Overall, the EU framework for aquatic animals is intended to protect animal health, support aquaculture, and ensure safe trade and movements through a common set of sanitary rules.
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