29.1.2000 Official Journal of the European Communities L 24/53 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COMMISSION COMMISSION DECISION of 20 December 1999 concerning a specific financial contribution by the Community relating to epidemiological surveil- lance of certain animal diseases in areas at risk in Greece (notified under document number C(1999) 4680) (Only the Greek text is authentic) (2000/71EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Decision 90/424[EEC of 26 June 1990 on expenditure in the veterinary field (!), as last amended by Council Decision 94/370/EC (?) and, in particular, Article 6 thereof; Whereas: (1)  in 1994 and in 1996 the foot-and-mouth disease virus was introduced into Greece from abroad; (2 in 1996, 1997 and 1998 sheep pox was introduced into Greece from abroad; (3) in 1998 and in 1999 bluetongue entered Greece from abroad; (4) viral diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, rinderpest, sheep and goat pox, bluetongue and small ruminant pest should be considered as exotic diseases on the territory of the Member States of the EU; (5)  the appearance of exotic diseases is a serious threat to the Community's livestock and the presence of these diseases causes obstacles to trade at national and inter- national level; (6)  the Community has the possibility of providing financial assistance to Member States in order to rapidly eradicate certain animal diseases including foot-and-mouth L 224, 18.8.1990, p. 19. (" o] () O L 168, 2.7.1994, p. 31. (10) (11) disease, rinderpest, sheep and goat pox, bluetongue and small ruminant pest; it is necessary that Greece has a high level of disease surveillance and preparedness for the eradication of exotic diseases and in particular in areas considered to be at a special epidemiological risk; an epidermo-surveillance programme entitled EVROS (Epidemo-vigilance rotational system), designed to detect foot-and-mouth disease, rinderpest, sheep and goat pox, bluetongue and small ruminant pest, for areas of Greece considered as special risk areas, has been prepared by Greece; the said programme when carried out can provide valuable information on the disease situation in the areas covered by the programme; the programme has been designed for implementation in special epidemiological risk areas; in the light of the importance of a high level of preparedness at all levels engaged in disease surveillance and eradication it is appropriate to provide financial assistance to cover certain costs incurred by Greece; for budgetary reasons this Decision shall consider finan- cial aspects for a period of 12 months; the financial assistance provided shall be up to a maximum of EUR 300 000;