The European Parliament, in its first reading, adopted the report drafted by Dagmar ROTH-BEHRENDT (PES, Germany) on Transmissible spongiform encephalopatheis (TSE), and made a number of amendments to the Commission's proposal. Some of these amendments ensure that the Parliament remains fully involved in TSE prevention. The other main amendments include:
-rapid diagnostic tests for TSEs. Testing methods should include these as far as possible. The test procedures to be used as rapid diagnostic tests within the meaning of the regulation is laid down in amendment to Annex X.
-the definition of "animals suspected of being infected" is amended.
-the BSE status of a Member State or third country or region will be determined by reference to criteria set out in the Regulation and the outcome of a risk analysis on the basis of all potential factors for the appearance of BSE. The risk analysis must include a conclusive statistical survey on the basis of rapid diagnostic tests.
-When a post-slaughter test gives a positive result, all bovine, ovine or caprine material produced in the same batch shall be destroyed.
-geographical areas will be defined by analogy with the concept of "health intervention areas" in the existing Animal Disease Notification System (ADNS).
-the management procedure is changed to a committee procedure.�