L167/22 Official Journal of the European Communities 7.7.2000 COMMISSION COMMISSION DECISION of 4 July 2000 establishing diagnostic procedures, sampling methods and criteria for the evaluation of the results of laboratory tests for the confirmation and differential diagnosis of swine vesicular disease (notified under document number C(2000) 1805) (Text with EEA relevance) (2000/428EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Directive 92/119/EEC of 17 December 1992 introducing general Community measures for the control of certain animal diseases and specific measures relating to swine vesicular disease ('), as last amended by the Act of Accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden, and in par- ticular Annex II, paragraph 3 thereof, Whereas: 1) It is necessary to lay down at Community level dia- gnostic procedures, sampling methods and criteria for the evaluation of the results of laboratory tests for the confirmation of swine vesicular disease and a rapid differentiation from foot-and-mouth disease, in order that an improved control of both diseases can be ensured. Annex III of Council Directive 92/119/EEC lays down the functions and duties of the Community reference laboratory for swine vesicular disease in order to coord- inate, in consultation with the Commission, the methods employed in the Member States for diagnosing the disease; these functions and duties include the organ- isation of periodic comparative tests and the supplying of standard reagents at Community level. Laboratory tests have been recently developed to ensure that swine vesicular disease is quickly diagnosed and distinguished from foot-and-mouth disease. () O] L 62, 15.3.1993, p. 69. (4) The results of the most recent comparative tests performed at Community level suggest, in particular, that reliable tests have been developed to detect the antigen or the genome of swine vesicular disease virus and that these tests can successfully supplement the virus isolation test for the virological diagnosis of swine vesicular disease. The experiences gained in the control of swine vesicular disease in recent years have resulted in the identification of the most suitable sampling procedures and criteria for evaluation of the results of the laboratory tests for a proper diagnosis of this disease in different situations. The opinion and recommendations of the Scientific Committee on animal health and welfare on swine ves- icular disease have been taken into account. The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Veterinary Commiittee, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 1. Article 1 Member States shall ensure that the confirmation of swine vesicular disease and the differential diagnosis with foot-and-mouth disease are based on: (a) the detection of clinical signs of disease;