Bivalve molluscs: minimum measures for the control of diseases

The proposal for a directive aimed to establish Community measures to control diseases affecting bivalve molluscs (oysters, mussels). The proposed control measures were designed to prevent the spread of diseases which were a source of substantial losses. To this end, it was important to establish a system to monitor molluscs at farms and in those areas where they grew naturally. This monitoring should help identify the locations where the problems arose. In this case, samples should be taken for examination in an approved laboratory. If diseases were found to be present, the official body in the Member State should take measures to control the situation. In order to guarantee the effectiveness of these arrangements, it was proposed that the diagnosis of diseases be harmonised and entrusted to approved laboratories whose work could be coordinated by a reference laboratory appointed and funded by the Community. �