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<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:710.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">C:\WINNT\Profiles\bredagi.000\Desktop\Necrophagous_OPINION_0209_FINAL.doc</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:534.00pt;top:711.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">1</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:163.10pt;top:90.65pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">EUROPEAN COMMISSION</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:163.10pt;top:104.35pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">HEALTH & CONSUMER PROTECTION DIRECTORATE-GENERAL</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:392.40pt;top:146.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Scientific Steering Committee</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:255.70pt;top:314.35pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><u><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 15.96pt">OPINION on :</FONT></FONT></u></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:95.30pt;top:365.75pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.96pt">NECROPHAGOUS BIRDS AS POSSIBLE TRANSMITTERS OF </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">TSE/BSE</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:260.90pt;top:460.65pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 15.96pt">A</FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.96pt">DOPTED BY</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:168.60pt;top:485.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 15.96pt">T</FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.96pt">HE </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 15.96pt">S</FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.96pt">CIENTIFIC </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 15.96pt">S</FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.96pt">TEERING </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 15.96pt">C</FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.96pt">OMMITTEE</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:168.70pt;top:509.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 15.96pt">A</FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.96pt">T ITS MEETING OF </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 15.96pt">7-8 N</FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.96pt">OVEMBER </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 15.96pt">2002</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<span style="color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;position:absolute;left:0.00pt;top:0.00pt;z-index:-1;"><img style="width:612pt;height:792pt;" src="outputfile74531641.htm_files\outputfile74531641_background0.png"></span>
<SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;left:71.76pt;top:792.00pt"> </SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:1502.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">C:\WINNT\Profiles\bredagi.000\Desktop\Necrophagous_OPINION_0209_FINAL.doc</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:534.00pt;top:1503.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">2</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:279.60pt;top:900.20pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><u><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">OPINION</FONT></FONT></u></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:939.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">B</FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.48pt">ACKGROUND AND MANDATE</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:959.40pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Concern has been raised to the theoretical risk that carrion or necrophagous birds could play a</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:359.15pt;top:957.40pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">1</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:973.20pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">role in the spread of TSE and exposure to TSE of humans by contracting the disease, by</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:987.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">spreading the agent passively in waste from their food or by exposure of persons involved in</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:1000.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">handling the birds and the direct release of the agent in the environment.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:431.95pt;top:1000.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">On  9  October  2001</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:1014.60pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">the CMIEET (Multidisciplinary</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:247.55pt;top:1014.60pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Scientific Committee for Research into Transmissible</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:1028.40pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Spongiform Encephalopathies, Spain), adopted a scientific opinion and report on </FONT></FONT><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Carrion birds</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:1042.20pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">as possible vectors of bovine spongiform encephalopathy and on possible alternatives to the use</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:1056.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">of ruminant carcasses as food for these animals. </FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The Scientific Steering Committee was</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:1069.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">subsequently requested to:</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:1089.60pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">(1)</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:96.00pt;top:1089.60pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Evaluate the opinion of the Spanish Scientific Committee on TSEs in relation to</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:96.00pt;top:1103.40pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">necrophagous birds being possible transmitters of BSE and</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:1123.20pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">(2)  Advise on the safety with regard to TSE risks for the use of dead ruminants containing</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:96.00pt;top:1137.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">specified risk material (SRM) for the feeding of necrophagous birds and, if appropriate,</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:96.00pt;top:1150.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">suggest examples of conditions under which such feeding can be carried out safely.</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:1170.60pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The opinion hereafter pays special attention to the above mentioned spanish report and is based</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:1184.40pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">on the discussions held by the TSE/BSE </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">ad hoc </FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Group at its meetings of 25 July and 5</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:1198.20pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">September 2002 (rapporetur: Dr.E.Vanopdenbosch),</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:363.70pt;top:1198.20pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">as well as contributions from</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:1212.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Prof.Dr.L.Bolis, Dr.P.Brown and Dr.R.Bradley.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:1244.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">O</FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.48pt">PINION</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:1263.60pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">1.</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:1263.60pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Necrophagous birds as possible transmitters of BSE.</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:1283.40pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The SSC considers that the evaluation  of necrophagous birds as possible transmitters of</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:1297.20pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">BSE, should theoretically</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:238.95pt;top:1297.20pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">be approached from a broader perspective of mammals and</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:1311.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">birds which prey on, or are carrion eaters (scavengers) of mammalian species. Thus,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:1324.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">carnivorous and omnivorous mammals, birds of prey (vultures,  falcons, eagles, hawks</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:1338.60pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">etc.), carrion eating birds (crows, magpies etc.) in general could be considered possible</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:1352.40pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">vectors of transmission and/or spread of TSE infectivity in the environment. In view also</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:1366.20pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">of the occurrence of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in various deer species it should not</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:1380.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">be accepted that domestic cattle and sheep are necessarily the only source of TSE agent</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:1393.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">exposure for carnivorous species. While some information is available on the susceptibility</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:1407.60pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">of wild/exotic/zoo animals to natural or experimental infection with certain TSE agents,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:1421.40pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">nothing is known of the possibility of occurrence of TSE in wild animal populations, other</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:1435.20pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">than among the species of deer affected by CWD in the USA.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;font-size:0;left:72pt;top:1473pt;width:144pt;height: 1pt;background-color:#000000;"></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:1478.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 6.48pt">1</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:1480.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">The carrion birds are animals whose diet regularly or occasionally includes the consumption of carcasses,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:1491.40pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">including possibly TSE infected ruminant carcasses.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;left:71.76pt;top:1584.00pt"> </SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:2294.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">C:\WINNT\Profiles\bredagi.000\Desktop\Necrophagous_OPINION_0209_FINAL.doc</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:534.00pt;top:2295.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">3</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:107.05pt;top:1674.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The SSC therefore took, in addition to the opinion of the Spanish CMIEET, also the</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:1688.25pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">following publications into account :</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:272.30pt;top:1686.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">2</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:101.90pt;top:1714.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">-</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:1714.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">SSC Opinion (1999) on the risks of non conventional transmissible agents,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:1727.85pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">conventional infectious agents or other hazards such as toxic substances entering the</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:1741.65pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">human food or animal feed chains via raw material from fallen stock and dead animals</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:1755.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">(including also: ruminants, pigs, poultry, fish, wild/exotic/zoo animals, fur animals,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:1769.25pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">cats, laboratory animals and fish) or via condemned materials.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:101.90pt;top:1789.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">-</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:1789.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">SSC Opinion (1999) on the risk born by recycling animal by-products as feed with</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:1802.85pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">regard to propagating TSE in non-ruminant farmed animals.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:1822.65pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">-</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:1822.65pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">SSC Opinion (2000) on the Scientific basis for import bans proposed by 3 member</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:1836.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">states with regard to BSE risks in France and the Republic of Ireland; on the Scientific</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:1850.25pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">basis for several measures proposed by France with regard to BSE risks and on the</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:1864.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Scientific basis for banning animal protein from feed for all farmed animals, including</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:1877.85pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">pig, poultry, fish and pet animals.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:1897.65pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">-</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:1897.65pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Scrimgeour, E. M., et al., 1996. Disposal of rendered offal. The Veterinary Record,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:1911.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">August 31, 219-220. This paper raises the issue of birds as uninfected vectors of</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:1925.25pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">infectivity from landfill carcass sites in 1996.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:1945.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">-</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:1945.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Tella,  J.L., 2001. Action is needed now, or BSE crisis could wipe out endangered</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:1958.85pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">birds of prey. Nature, </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><b><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">410</FONT></b><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">: 408.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:1984.65pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The SSC analysed the above literature from the following perspectives:</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2004.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">-</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:120.00pt;top:2004.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The risk of TSE infection and agent replication in birds in general and in necrophagous</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:120.00pt;top:2018.25pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">birds in particular;</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2038.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">-</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:120.00pt;top:2038.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Risk of passive spread of TSE</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2057.85pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">-</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:2057.85pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Human exposure risk</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2083.65pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">It concluded as follows:</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2103.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">-</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:120.00pt;top:2103.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The scientific basis (both literature and field data) for advising on the safety with</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:120.00pt;top:2117.25pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">regard to TSE risks, of the use of dead ruminants containing specified risk material</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:120.00pt;top:2131.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">(SRM) as bird feed, is very limited. As far as birds are concerned, most data relate to</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:120.00pt;top:2144.85pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">the domestic fowl. No literature could be found on aspects such as microscopic brain</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:120.00pt;top:2158.65pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">examinations in zoo carnivorous/omnivorous birds (often fed on waste bovine material</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:120.00pt;top:2172.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">that in the past may have been infected with BSE) nor on the epidemiology of TSEs as</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:120.00pt;top:2186.25pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">possibly influenced by the role of prey animals and carrion eaters (scavengers) .</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:497.50pt;top:2184.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">3</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;font-size:0;left:72pt;top:2242pt;width:144pt;height: 1pt;background-color:#000000;"></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:2247.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 6.48pt">2</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:83.90pt;top:2248.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">The opinion of 9 October 2001 of the CMIEET was originally prepared in Spanish and a translation of the</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:83.90pt;top:2260.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">opinion into English is therefore attached to this opinion for ease of reference. At certain places, comments made</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:83.90pt;top:2272.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">by the TSE/BSE </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">ad hoc </FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Group at its meeting of 25 July 2002 have been introduced and they are highlighted.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:2281.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 6.48pt">3</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:2283.40pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">It would hardly be possible to analyse this possible role with an epidemiological design.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;left:71.76pt;top:2376.00pt"> </SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:3086.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">C:\WINNT\Profiles\bredagi.000\Desktop\Necrophagous_OPINION_0209_FINAL.doc</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:534.00pt;top:3087.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">4</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2466.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">-</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:2466.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The possibility of </FONT></FONT><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">active replication of PrP</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:341.65pt;top:2464.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">Sc</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:354.85pt;top:2466.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">in birds is remote, if existing at all.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:2480.25pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">(Necrophagous and omnivorous) birds are nevertheless able to ingest BSE infectious</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:2494.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">material and to </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">spread </FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">the ingested infectious material through dissemination of faeces</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:2507.85pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">because it is unlikely that the pathological prion protein would be completely</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:2521.65pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">destroyed in the digestive tract. Moreover, plumage, claws and beak may also be</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:119.90pt;top:2535.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">contaminated with infectious material, which is then released into the environment.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2555.25pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">-</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:120.00pt;top:2555.25pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Although there is no data on TSE epidemiology indicating any significant role of any</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:120.00pt;top:2569.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">such pathways in the spread of scrapie, it cannot be excluded that they could play a</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:120.00pt;top:2582.85pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">part in the transportation of TSE infected materials, given that these birds can cover</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:120.00pt;top:2596.65pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">great distances and may also migrate.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:2622.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">2</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2622.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">safety with regard to TSE risks of the use of dead ruminants containing specified risk</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2636.25pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">material (SRM) for the feeding of necrophagous birds; examples of conditions under</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2650.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">which such feeding can be carried out safely.</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2669.85pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">One could theoretically consider implementing rigorous health measures to prevent birds</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2683.65pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">from having access to carcasses of animal species susceptible to TSE, but in view of the</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2697.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">very limited human exposure risk this may bring about changes to the ecology created by</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2711.25pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">the traditional practices and could jeopardise the conservation of certain animal species.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2725.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">On the other hand, feeding practices should not lead to an artificial increase of the number</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2738.85pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">of  potential TSE transmission sources, and their possible spread. Whereas it is recognised</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2752.65pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">that the removal of fallen animals from remote wild areas is not a realistic option under all</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2766.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">circumstances, the SSC considers that feeding programmes of wild species such as</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2780.25pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">necrophagous birds should thus not become an alternative way of disposal of fallen</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2794.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">ruminant stock posing a TSE risk nor of specified risk materials.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2813.85pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The SSC considers that the above recommendations are for the time being also valid for</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2827.65pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">other prey animals and carrion eaters (scavengers), for which even less literature is</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2841.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">available.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:2867.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 11.04pt">3.</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2867.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 11.04pt">The above conclusions are consistent with the opinion of 9 October 2001 of the CMIEET and with</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.00pt;top:2880.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 11.04pt">its main conclusions.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;left:71.76pt;top:3168.00pt"> </SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:3878.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">C:\WINNT\Profiles\bredagi.000\Desktop\Necrophagous_OPINION_0209_FINAL.doc</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:534.00pt;top:3879.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">5</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:66.00pt;top:3258.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><u><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Anne</FONT></FONT></u><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">x:</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:78.00pt;top:3286.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">CMIEET</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:144.50pt;top:3286.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Multidisciplinary Scientific Committee for Research into</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:138.50pt;top:3299.85pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:141.50pt;top:3327.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Ministry of Science and Technology</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;font-size:0;left:68pt;top:3285pt;width: 1pt;height: 1pt;background-color:#000000;"></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;font-size:0;left:68pt;top:3285pt;width:67pt;height: 1pt;background-color:#000000;"></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;font-size:0;left:134pt;top:3285pt;width: 1pt;height: 1pt;background-color:#000000;"></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;font-size:0;left:68pt;top:3285pt;width: 1pt;height:55pt;background-color:#000000;"></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;font-size:0;left:68pt;top:3340pt;width:66pt;height: 1pt;background-color:#000000;"></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;font-size:0;left:134pt;top:3285pt;width: 1pt;height:55pt;background-color:#000000;"></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;font-size:0;left:134pt;top:3340pt;width: 1pt;height: 1pt;background-color:#000000;"></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:239.65pt;top:3380.75pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">SCIENTIFIC OPINION:</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:80.40pt;top:3400.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">REPORT ON CARRION BIRDS AS POSSIBLE VECTORS OF BOVINE SPONGIFORM</FONT></FONT></i></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:248.15pt;top:3414.35pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">ENCEPHALOPATHY</FONT></FONT></i></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:85.70pt;top:3434.15pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">(POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES TO THE USE OF RUMINANT CARCASSES AS FOOD</FONT></FONT></i></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:241.90pt;top:3447.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">FOR THESE ANIMALS)</FONT></FONT></i></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:113.65pt;top:3467.75pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Adopted by CMIEET during its meeting held in Madrid on 9 October 2001</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:260.05pt;top:3487.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">-----------------------</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:239.75pt;top:3514.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><u><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Translation into English of</FONT></u><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">:</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:238.70pt;top:3542.75pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">OPINIÓN CIENTÍFICA:</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:3562.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">INFORME SOBRE LAS AVES CARROÑERAS COMO POSIBLES VECTORES DE LA</FONT></FONT></i></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:180.50pt;top:3576.35pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">ENCEFALOPATÍA ESPONGIFORME BOVINA</FONT></FONT></i></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:86.05pt;top:3596.15pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">(POSIBLES ALTERNATIVAS AL USO DE CADÁVERES DE RUMIANTES PARA EL</FONT></FONT></i></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:188.05pt;top:3609.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">ABASTECIMIENTO DE ESTOS ANIMALES)</FONT></FONT></i></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:111.70pt;top:3629.75pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Adoptada por el Comité Científico Multidisciplinar para la Investigación en</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:95.65pt;top:3643.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Encefalopatías Espongiformes Transmisibles (CMIEET),   Ministerio de Ciencia y</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:121.90pt;top:3657.35pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Tecnología, en su reunión celebrada en Madrid, el 9 de Octubre de 2001</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:93.35pt;top:3746.75pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Note:</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:93.35pt;top:3760.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">When producing this report CMIEET concentrated on analysing and discussing</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:93.35pt;top:3774.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">information published in scientific reviews. Other technical documents, such as</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:93.35pt;top:3787.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">compilations of existing legislation and documents provided by organisations and</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:93.35pt;top:3801.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">persons involved in natural resources management, were also taken into consideration.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:93.35pt;top:3829.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Please note that opinions expressed by CMIEET are not necessarily binding on the</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:93.35pt;top:3843.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Ministry of Science and Technology.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<span style="position:absolute;font-size:0;left:89pt;top:3745pt;width: 1pt;height: 1pt;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="position:absolute;font-size:0;left:89pt;top:3745pt;width:432pt;height: 1pt;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="position:absolute;font-size:0;left:521pt;top:3745pt;width: 1pt;height: 1pt;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="position:absolute;font-size:0;left:89pt;top:3746pt;width: 1pt;height:110pt;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="position:absolute;font-size:0;left:89pt;top:3856pt;width:432pt;height: 1pt;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="position:absolute;font-size:0;left:521pt;top:3746pt;width: 1pt;height:110pt;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="position:absolute;font-size:0;left:521pt;top:3856pt;width: 1pt;height: 1pt;background-color:#000000;"></span><span style="color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;position:absolute;left:0.00pt;top:3168.00pt;z-index:-1;"><img style="width:612pt;height:792pt;" src="outputfile74531641.htm_files\outputfile74531641_background4.png"></span>
<SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;left:71.76pt;top:3960.00pt"> </SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:4670.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">C:\WINNT\Profiles\bredagi.000\Desktop\Necrophagous_OPINION_0209_FINAL.doc</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:534.00pt;top:4671.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">6</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:287.30pt;top:4119.60pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">INDEX</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:495.25pt;top:4153.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Page</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:90.00pt;top:4181.15pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">I.</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:126.00pt;top:4181.15pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Executive Summary</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:512.50pt;top:4181.15pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">3</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:90.00pt;top:4208.75pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">II.</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:126.00pt;top:4208.75pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Subject matter</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:512.50pt;top:4208.75pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">4</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:90.00pt;top:4236.35pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">III.</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:126.00pt;top:4236.35pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Definitions and Abbreviations</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:512.50pt;top:4236.35pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">4</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:90.00pt;top:4263.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">IV.</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:126.00pt;top:4263.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Background</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:512.50pt;top:4263.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">4</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:90.00pt;top:4291.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">V.</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:126.00pt;top:4291.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Analysis of Scientific Evidence and Discussion</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:4318.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">V.1.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:140.65pt;top:4318.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Information on TSEs in necrophagous birds</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:4332.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">V.2.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:140.65pt;top:4332.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Information on TSEs in birds in general</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:4346.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">V.3.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:137.65pt;top:4346.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Digestive physiology of necrophagous birds with possible effects</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:4360.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">on the viability of the agent</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:4374.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">V.4. </FONT></FONT><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Evaluation of uncertainties surrounding the possibility of</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:4388.15pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">necrophagous birds becoming infected by or spreading the BSE agent</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:4401.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">V.5.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:137.65pt;top:4401.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Practical proposals for action regarding the use of carcasses</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:4415.75pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">from other species to feed these birds</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:4429.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">V.6.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:137.65pt;top:4429.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The potential role of other wild species in the spread of TSEs</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:512.50pt;top:4291.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">5</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:512.50pt;top:4319.15pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">5</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:512.50pt;top:4332.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">5</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:512.50pt;top:4360.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">6</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:512.50pt;top:4388.15pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">7</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:512.50pt;top:4415.75pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">9</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:506.50pt;top:4443.35pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">11</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:90.00pt;top:4470.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">VI.</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:126.00pt;top:4470.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Conclusions</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:506.50pt;top:4470.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">13</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:90.00pt;top:4498.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">VII.</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:126.00pt;top:4498.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">References</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:506.50pt;top:4498.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">14</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:90.00pt;top:4526.15pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">VIII.</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:126.00pt;top:4526.15pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Annexes</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:4553.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">VIII.1. </FONT></FONT><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Annex I.   Carrion bird numbers</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:4567.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">VIII.2. </FONT></FONT><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Annex II. Specific information required</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:506.50pt;top:4553.75pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">16</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:506.50pt;top:4567.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">17</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<span style="color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;position:absolute;left:0.00pt;top:3960.00pt;z-index:-1;"><img style="width:612pt;height:792pt;" src="outputfile74531641.htm_files\outputfile74531641_background5.png"></span>
<SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;left:71.76pt;top:4752.00pt"> </SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:286.30pt;top:4824.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="ff0000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">DRAFT</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5462.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">C:\WINNT\Profiles\bredagi.000\Desktop\Necrophagous_OPINION_0209_FINAL.doc</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:534.00pt;top:5463.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">7</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:4844.15pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">I.</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:4844.15pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">EXECUTIVE SUMMARY</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:4869.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The eradication of TSEs will require the removal of potential sources of the agent, such as</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:4883.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">bovine (and ovine) carcasses, from the natural environment. This will result in the elimination, or</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:4897.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">at least the reduction, of food sources for necrophagous species, for the conservation of which</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:4911.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Spain has responsibilities unique in Europe.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:4936.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">There are no studies on the presence of TSE in necrophagous birds, nor is there any solid</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:4950.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">evidence that such processes affect birds in general. In fact, it has not even been possible to</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:4964.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">demonstrate birds’ sensitivity to BSE under test conditions. This absence of observations can</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:4978.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">theoretically be explained by the low level of similarity — only 30% — between prion protein</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:4992.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">sequences of birds and mammals.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5017.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The possibility of necrophagous birds’ digestive systems being somehow adapted to breaking</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5031.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">down and extracting nutrients from prion proteins could be of great importance, not only in the</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5045.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">interests of ensuring environmental biosafety but also as a potential final stage in the elimination</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5059.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">of TSE risks: there is therefore a case for research into this issue.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5085.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">There are two alternatives to deal with the immediate problem of food for necrophagous birds: a)</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5098.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">keep using bovine carcasses, but on the condition that rapid test results are negative b) replacing</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5112.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">them by other species not susceptible to BSE. The first alternative will not result in any</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5126.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">substantial increase in costs since tests on all dead bovines have been obligatory since 1 July</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5140.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">2001 (Order of 26 July 2001). The second could create complex logistical problems and be</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5154.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">considerably more expensive in regions where numbers of such species are low.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5179.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Consideration should be given to a moratorium on the use of sheep carcasses until it can be</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5193.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">demonstrated that any cases of scrapie emerging in this country are unrelated to processes caused</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5207.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">by the BSE agent.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5233.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">If we take the global view of the issue of prions in the environment, we should also pay special</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5247.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">attention to the possible problems related to other wild species documented as being susceptible</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5260.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">to TSEs, such as mustelids (occasional carrion eaters) and cervids. We must also not lose sight of</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5274.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">the potential for disaster if the Iberian lynx, a unique and endangered species, were to become</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5288.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">involved in a possible wild BSE cycle.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5314.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">We must also draw attention to the need for detailed studies of costs and of the uncertainties</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5328.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">surrounding the numbers of domestic species and carrion animals, and for research into their</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5341.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">susceptibility to TSEs and into the role which other wild species may play in the survival and</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5355.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">spread of TSEs in the natural environment.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
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<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:286.30pt;top:5616.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="ff0000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">DRAFT</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6254.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">C:\WINNT\Profiles\bredagi.000\Desktop\Necrophagous_OPINION_0209_FINAL.doc</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:534.00pt;top:6255.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">8</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5636.15pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">II.</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:5636.15pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><u><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">SUBJECT MATTER</FONT></FONT></u></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5661.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Carrion birds as possible vectors of bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Possible alternatives to</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5675.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">the use of ruminant carcasses as food for such animals</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5701.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">III.</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:5701.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5727.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Carrion or necrophagous animals: Carnivorous or omnivorous animals whose diet regularly or</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5740.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">occasionally includes the consumption of carcasses. Annex I contains a list of the specific</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5754.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">carrion birds referred to in this report.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5780.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">AC: Autonomous Community</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5806.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">TSE: Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5832.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">BSE: bovine spongiform encephalopathy</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5857.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">SRM: specific risk materials</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5883.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">PrP: Prion protein</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5909.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">PrP : normal prion cellular protein</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:89.40pt;top:5907.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">C</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5935.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">PrP</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:89.40pt;top:5933.35pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">SC</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:99.25pt;top:5935.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">: Resistant or pathological prion protein associated with scrapie and considered to be</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5949.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">responsible for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:5974.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">SEO: Sociedad Española de Ornitología (Spanish Ornithological Society)</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6000.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">CNS: Central Nervous System</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6026.75pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">IV.</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:6026.75pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">BACKGROUND</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6052.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The European programme for the eradication of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies in</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6066.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">animals requires all sources of contagion to be monitored and destroyed. This implies that</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6079.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">carcasses of animals which may potentially have been infected should be removed from the</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6093.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">environment and destroyed under the correct conditions. This measure, which is of primary</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6107.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">importance for TSE control, has an unwanted side effect – namely, the disappearance of</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6121.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">traditional sources of food for necrophagous species. This group includes mammals and birds,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6135.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">although the latter have received more public attention because of their higher visibility and</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6148.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">because some of them are endemic species in danger of extinction (Directives 79/409/EEC and</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6162.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">91/244/EEC, Law 4/1989). In this connection we must point out that Spain is the main reserve</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6176.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">for carrion birds in Europe since it is home to more than 80-90% of the populations of these birds</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6190.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">(Annex I), plus one unique species, the lammergeier or bearded vulture. Implementing rigorous</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6204.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">health measures to remove animal carcasses would bring about changes to the traditional semi-</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6217.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">natural equilibrium and could jeopardise the conservation of an irreplaceable part of our natural</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6231.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">heritage.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;left:71.76pt;top:6336.00pt"> </SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:286.30pt;top:6408.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="ff0000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">DRAFT</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7046.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">C:\WINNT\Profiles\bredagi.000\Desktop\Necrophagous_OPINION_0209_FINAL.doc</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:534.00pt;top:7047.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">9</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6421.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">In this context of biological conservation, we must draw attention to the potential problem of</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6435.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">circulation of TSE agents in wild species since some of these species, such as mustelids and</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6449.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">cervids, have proven susceptible to TSE. As far as the former are concerned, we must stress that</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6463.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">even though these animals rarely feed on carrion they cannot be discounted as possible carriers</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6477.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">of TSEs given our lack of knowledge of TSE epidemiology. It should also be borne in mind that</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6490.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">there are other land species apart from carrion birds which feed on animal carcasses and whose</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6504.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">role has gone ignored until now. These species, some of which are of immense biological value,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6518.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">could also be affected if this food source were to disappear. Finally, although cervids may not</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6532.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">appear to present an immediate problem they should be taken into consideration as part of a</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6546.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">complete analysis of the issue of TSEs in the natural environment.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6572.15pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">V.</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:6572.15pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">ANALYSIS OF SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE AND DISCUSSION</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6597.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">V.1. Information on TSE in necrophagous birds</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6623.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">There is no information of any kind on the presence of TSE in necrophagous birds. This situation</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6637.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">does not necessarily mean that they are not affected, since, first, it would be difficult to observe</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6651.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">infected birds and, second, no post-mortem studies have been carried out to date. We must not</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6664.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">forget that these types of birds are not present in Great Britain, which has seen the highest</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6678.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">number of cases, and that so far the Spanish situation cannot be considered very serious. Even</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6692.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">so, and if such birds were susceptible to the scrapie agent, one would expect to see over time a</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6706.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">higher mortality rate related to the consumption of sheep, which has not so far been recorded.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6720.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Thus, if the source of BSE were an ovine strain or a pre-existent and very rare process, we could</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6733.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">even accept that these species might be resistant to such processes, or at least that they would not</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6747.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">play a major role in their spread, since they certainly could have been exposed to these agents at</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6761.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">any time.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6787.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><u><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">[</FONT></FONT></i></u><i><u><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Note</FONT></FONT></u></b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">: At its meetings of 25 July and 5 September 2002, The TSS/BSE ad hoc Group noticed that there is</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:6798.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">no scientific information available on the presence of TSE in necrophagous birds, and agrees that</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:6810.25pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">this absence of evidence does not necessarily mean that they cannot be affected. The Group</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:6821.75pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">further considered While vultures do not occur in several other Community countries, carrion</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:6833.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">eaters do, and so if a wider consideration is to given to the possibility of such species providing</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:6844.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">transport of TSE agents, even as mechanical vectors, a broader perspective of the issue is</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:6856.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">required.]</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6880.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">V.2. Information on TSE in birds in general</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6905.60pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Various bibliographical searches have only discovered two works describing suspected clinical</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6919.40pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">symptoms, where a confirming diagnosis was not obtained, and one experimental attempt at</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6933.20pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">infection, where transmission was not demonstrated.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6958.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">In 1991, Schoon </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">et al</FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">. described three cases where symptoms compatible with spongiform</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6972.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">encephalopathies were observed in ostriches in two zoos in northern Germany, in 1986, 1988 and</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:6986.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">1989. The birds displayed symptoms of a nervous disorder with ataxia, changes to balance,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7000.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">uncoordinated movements during feeding and microscopic lesions on the brain stem and medulla</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7014.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">oblongata similar to those observed in cases of TSE described in mammals. One notable aspect is</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7027.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">that the birds’ feed included meat from livestock animals which had been the subject of</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
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<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:286.30pt;top:7200.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="ff0000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">DRAFT</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7838.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">C:\WINNT\Profiles\bredagi.000\Desktop\Necrophagous_OPINION_0209_FINAL.doc</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:528.00pt;top:7839.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">10</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7213.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">emergency slaughter. However, no conclusive diagnosis could be made since it was not possible</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7227.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">to rule out toxic or nutritional aetiology. The authors referred to the existence of other animals, in</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7241.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">both zoos, which died displaying the same symptoms but could not be examined post-mortem.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7267.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">In 1996, on a farm in Kent (UK) with cases of BSE in its livestock, a 30-month old hen (allowed</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7281.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">the free run of the farm) displayed symptoms of behavioural change: the animal had trouble</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7294.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">entering the coop and became panicked and lost its balance in stressful situations. The process</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7308.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">lasted at least 10 weeks and during the final phase it displayed noticeable weight loss,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7322.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">progressive ataxia and violent trembling of the body and limbs. The histological lesions observed</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7336.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">correspond to neuronal death, more obvious in the Purkinje cells, and minimal vacuolation.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7350.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Consequent immunohistochemical studies did not shed any light on the aetiology of this process,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7363.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">due to the differences of opinion between the teams which had studied the case (Cawthorne,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7377.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">1997; Narang, 1997).</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7403.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Dawson </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">et al</FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">. in 1991 carried out an experiment on domestic birds, hamsters, pigs and cows,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7417.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">which were intravenously administered with a homogenised preparation of BSE-infected brain</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7431.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">tissue. The preparation was also administered, orally, to the pigs and birds. Results confirmed</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7444.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">that the disease spread to the cattle and pigs. It was not demonstrated that it had spread to</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7458.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">hamsters and birds although tests on these species had not been completed when the results were</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7472.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">published. No further references from these authors clarifying these data have been found.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7492.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><u><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">[Note</FONT></FONT></u></b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">:  On the basis of the above and of previous opinions of the SSC, the TSE/BSE ad hoc Group</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:7503.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">concluded at its meetings of 25 July and 5 September 2002 that there is no evidence from the</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:7515.25pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">world literature that a natural TSE exists in poultry. Unpublished, but completed experimental</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:7526.75pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">studies, of the transmissibility of the BSE agent to the domestic fowl have not detected evidence</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:7538.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">of transmission.  These studies included primary parenteral and oral exposures of domestic fowl</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:7549.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">chicks to BSE affected brain tissue and subpassage of nervous systems tissue (into further</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:7561.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">chicks, intracerebrally and into a panel of inbred mice) from selected survivors of both primary</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:7572.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">exposure experiments (G. A. H. Wells, personal communication). .  The possibility that poultry,</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:7584.25pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">under field conditions, could after oral exposure,act as healthy carriers in the spread of TSE-</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:7595.75pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">agents is l hypothetical and no results of experiments conducted as yet are available to support</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:7607.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">this hypothesis.]</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7643.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">V.3. Digestive physiology of necrophagous birds with possible effects on the viability of the</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7656.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">agent</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7682.40pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The fact that necrophagous birds are now able to ingest highly infectious materials suggests that</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7696.20pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">they may over time have developed resistance to many infectious agents  (Houston and Cooper,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7710.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">1975) and may even be able to extract nutrients from them. TSEs documented over the past 200</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7723.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">years could be included in this adaptation. Although the capacity for individual immune response</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7737.60pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">may be an important mechanism for the species as a whole, a highly efficient digestive</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7751.40pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">physiology which destroyed pathogenic agents would be much more significant in the interests</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7765.20pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">of the environment, since this would prevent the passive spread of these agents to sensitive</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7779.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">species.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7804.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The digestive system of carrion birds presents conditions of extreme acidity, around pH 1-1.2 in</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:7818.60pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">the stomach (Houston and Cooper, 1975; Farner, 1967), capable of dissolving bone calcium</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;left:71.76pt;top:7920.00pt"> </SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:286.30pt;top:7992.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="ff0000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">DRAFT</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8630.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">C:\WINNT\Profiles\bredagi.000\Desktop\Necrophagous_OPINION_0209_FINAL.doc</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:528.00pt;top:8631.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">11</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8005.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">completely. Faecal matter, moreover, is mixed in the cloaca with products consisting almost</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8019.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">exclusively of uric acid excreted by the kidneys. While these conditions ensure a high level of</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8033.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">sterilisation in respect of the vast majority of biological pathogenic agents, their effect on prions</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8047.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">has not been fully confirmed, since prion proteins are more sensitive to alkalinity (pH > 10</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8061.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">quickly deactivates them) than to acidity. It is for this exact reason — this possibility of</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8074.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">deactivation by alkalis such as NaOH or sodium hypochlorite — that the effects of acid pH do</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8088.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">not appear to have been investigated. The bibliographical research carried out for this report</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8102.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">found only references to slight deactivation of the scrapie prion at pH 2-10 (Mould </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">et al</FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">., 1965)</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8116.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">and even at pH 0.1 for one hour in hydrochloric acid (Brown </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">et al</FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">., 1986). However, these</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8130.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">observations contradict the widely recommended practice when handling of material for</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8143.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">histology, namely that it should be deactivated using formic acid (Brown </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">et al</FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">., 1990, Taylor,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8157.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">1995, Taylor </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">et al</FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">., 1997). This last point suggests that levels of deactivation in acid media may</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8171.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">vary depending on other factors. In this connection, one could extrapolate that conditions in the</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8185.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">digestive tract of carrion birds probably provide these helpful factors both as a means to extract</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8199.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">nutritious proteins and as a form of protection against biological agents.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8224.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">As far as proteolytic enzymes of the digestive system such as trypsin and pepsin are concerned,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8238.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">these do not appear to be capable of effectively destroying prions under test conditions (Taylor,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8252.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">2000), although it cannot be ruled out that under the specific conditions of a combination of</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8266.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">proteolytic factors in carrion birds’ digestive system their activity could be completely efficient.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8292.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">No specific information has been found concerning these points, so any studies on this subject</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8305.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">should be considered as being of great interest. If the existence of such a mechanism with an</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8319.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">effect on pathological prion proteins were to be confirmed it would be of great relevance as it</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8333.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">would offer a complementary ecological and low-cost alternative for the destruction of SRM.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8359.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">V.4. Evaluation of uncertainties surrounding the possibility of necrophagous birds</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8373.35pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">becoming infected by or spreading the BSE agent</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8398.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">As far as carrion birds are concerned there are principally three types of risks associated with</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8412.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">TSE: a) the risk that they contract the disease, b) the risk of spreading the agent passively in</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8426.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">waste from their food, and c) exposure of persons involved in handling carrion and the direct</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8440.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">release of the agent into the natural environment.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8466.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">a) C</FONT></FONT><u><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">ontracting the disease</FONT></FONT></u></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8491.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">If these birds were to contract the disease, the agent would be much more widely spread since the</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8505.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">majority of these birds are migratory. According to studies carried out in the Iberian Peninsula,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8519.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">approximately 50% of young griffon vultures migrate to Africa, some to settle and some to</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8533.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">return. Kites and Egyptian vultures are also migratory species, spending winter (80% of the</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8547.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">European population of red kites) and summer respectively in Spain.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8572.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The existence of a prion protein in birds has been demonstrated, although research has shown</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8586.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">that it has a very low level of similarity — around 30% — to that found in mammals (Gabriel </FONT></FONT><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">et</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8600.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">al</FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">., 1992; Wopfner </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">et al</FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">., 1999). However new research is necessary since the limited number of</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8614.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">birds tested did not allow categorical conclusions to be reached (Wopfner </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">et al</FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">., 1999).</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;left:71.76pt;top:8712.00pt"> </SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:286.30pt;top:8784.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="ff0000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">DRAFT</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9422.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">C:\WINNT\Profiles\bredagi.000\Desktop\Necrophagous_OPINION_0209_FINAL.doc</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:528.00pt;top:9423.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">12</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8797.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Moreover, other aspects must be taken into consideration. Studies of different species of</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8811.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">mammals show that, for example, PrP in pigs is very similar to PrP in cattle: the potential for</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8825.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">infection is therefore very high. But while pigs are easily infected by intercerebral contact they</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8839.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">are not infected orally, which clearly suggests that other factors contribute to the development of</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8853.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">PrP</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:89.40pt;top:8851.15pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">SC</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:102.25pt;top:8853.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">in an animal (Wopfner </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">et al</FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">., 1999).</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8878.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The potential for transmission can therefore be considered as relatively low, and given the</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8892.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">knowledge of the epidemiology of these diseases, would not require special measures to be taken</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8906.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">as it suggests that it can only be passed on once the infected animal has died — only once in a</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8920.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">lifetime, in other words.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8946.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">b) Passive spread</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;font-size:0;left:84pt;top:8958pt;width:70pt;height: 1pt;background-color:#000000;"></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8971.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Passive spread can take place in two ways:</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:8997.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">-</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:90.05pt;top:8997.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">through ingestion of infectious tissue and capacity to destroy the pathological prion protein in</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:90.00pt;top:9011.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">digestive processes</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9037.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">-</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:90.05pt;top:9037.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">through transport in the crop, plumage, claws and beak</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9063.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Large carrion birds do not normally consume bovine central nervous tissue, but do consume their</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9076.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">intestines and, occasionally, ovine CNS tissue (or at least the spinal medulla).</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9102.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">In any case it must be stressed that some less specialised species, such as corvids — which,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9116.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">moreover, are very numerous — are more likely to contribute to spread since one of their</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9130.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">favourite foods is eyes, clearly considered to be specified risk material. Some species of rodents</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9144.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">could more realistically constitute carriers than could carrion birds since they can more easily</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9157.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">consume nervous tissue, which is more highly contaminated.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9183.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">As has already been pointed out, and although all seems to indicate the opposite, the capacity of</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9197.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">carrion birds’ digestive system to destroy prion proteins has not yet been formally demonstrated:</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9211.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">if the principle of precaution is to be applied, it must be assumed that they can act as passive</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9225.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">vectors until it can be proven otherwise. These birds may play a relatively important part in</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9238.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">dissemination, given that they can cover great distances and may even migrate long distances.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9252.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Consequently, the potential for transmission can be considered medium to high since one single</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9266.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">meal could be scattered as faecal matter over several areas. Moreover, transmission would take</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9280.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">place each time an individual bird ate infected tissues, which could happen several times during</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9294.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">its life.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9319.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">As far as the transportation of contaminated material in the crop, feathers, claws and beak is</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9333.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">concerned, only the first appears to be of any importance since it is part of the species’ normal</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9347.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">method of storing food, but might be more exceptional in other cases (except in that of the</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9361.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">bearded vulture). Material transported in the crop is fed to chicks during the reproductive phase,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9375.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">if it is not digested, and thus, leaving aside any occasional wastage, enters a digestive cycle</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9388.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">similar to that of adults but with the added security of by-products being confined to the nest and</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9402.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">surrounding areas. The potential for transmission in this manner should be considered to be low.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;left:71.76pt;top:9504.00pt"> </SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:286.30pt;top:9576.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="ff0000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">DRAFT</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10214.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">C:\WINNT\Profiles\bredagi.000\Desktop\Necrophagous_OPINION_0209_FINAL.doc</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:528.00pt;top:10215.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">13</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9589.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">In all cases, the only reasonable step to take would be to monitor known and accessible sources</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9603.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">of agents, namely cases of TSE in domesticated animals.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9623.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">[</FONT></FONT></i><i><u><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Note</FONT></FONT></u></b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">:</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:111.55pt;top:9623.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">At its meetings of 25 July and 5 September 2002, the TSE/BSE ad hoc Group considered that</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:9635.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">with the advent of the BSE epidemic, necrophagous birds may now have the potential to ingest</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:9646.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">highly BSE infectious materials and that this could contribute to spread of infectious tissue, as it is</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:9657.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">unlikely that the pathological prion protein will be destroyed completely in the avian alimentary</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:9669.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">tract. Further possible mechanical transport of agent could also occur in the crop, plumage, claws</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:9681.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">and beak. Theoretically, the transportation of BSE or TSE infected materials could play a</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:9692.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">relatively important part in dissemination, given that such birds can cover great distances and</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:9704.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">may even migrate long distances. Therefore this potential source of transmission should be</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:9715.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">eliminated, as far as is possible, by testing of all possibly TSE affected dead bovines and small</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:9726.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">ruminants and by the effective destruction of all SRM and all animals found to be positive.]</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9762.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">c) Ex</FONT></FONT><u><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">posure of persons involved in handling carrion and direct release of the agent into the</FONT></FONT></u></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9776.25pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><u><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">environment</FONT></FONT></u></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9802.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Persons involved in handling and transporting animals with BSE can be exposed to risk.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9815.85pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Moreover, if the security of the methods of transport cannot be guaranteed, there may be losses</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9829.65pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">during the journey. Moreover, leaving contaminated material in the natural environment implies</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9843.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">leaving an extremely resistant agent — and one which, it has been suggested, may contaminate</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9857.25pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">aquifers — uncontrolled.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9883.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">This potential source of transmission could be almost completely eliminated through tests on all</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9896.85pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">dead bovines and the effective destruction of all found to be positive.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9922.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><u><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">[Note</FONT></FONT></u></b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">:  The TSE/BSE ad hoc Group at its meetings of 25 July and 25 September 2002 considered that</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:9934.20pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">necrophagous birds transporting BSE infected materials could, possibly, lead to exposure of</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:9945.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">persons involved in their handling and transporting. This risk can be considered to be negligible,</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:9957.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">but potential sources of transmission should be eliminated as previously suggested.]</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9980.85pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">V.5.  Practical proposals for action regarding the use of carcasses from other species to feed</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:9994.65pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">these birds</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10020.20pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">a) Consumption fig</FONT></FONT><u><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">ures, vulture numbers and current status of middens</FONT></FONT></u></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10046.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">It has been determined that a single adult in captivity needs 2.5 kg of food/week for slight weight</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10059.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">gain (Mendelsohn and Leshem, 1983) whereas in the wild and during breeding periods this</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10073.60pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">figure can reach 3.5 kg/week. The 1999 vulture count carried out by the SEO (</FONT></FONT><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Sociedad</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10087.40pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Española de Ornitología</FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">, Spanish Ornithological Society), showed that there were some 20 000</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10101.20pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">pairs, with these species alone requiring some 10 000 tonnes of food each year (which</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10115.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">corresponds to 15% of the biomass generated by dead domesticated animals not intended for</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10128.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">human consumption). To this group must be added all of the non-breeding individuals (chicks,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10142.60pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">young birds, single adults and older birds). It must be stressed that in Spain, ovine, bovine and</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10156.40pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">porcine livestock (Camiña, 1995, 1996, 2001b) would appear to be the main source of food for</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10170.20pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">these species in terms of numbers — with variations according to the species and the region —</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10184.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">while bovines as a species provide the largest proportion of food to carrion birds in terms of</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10197.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">biomass (Camiña, 2001a).</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;left:71.76pt;top:10296.00pt"> </SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:286.30pt;top:10368.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="ff0000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">DRAFT</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11006.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">C:\WINNT\Profiles\bredagi.000\Desktop\Necrophagous_OPINION_0209_FINAL.doc</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:528.00pt;top:11007.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">14</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10381.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Aragón, Castille-León, Andalucía, Navarre and Castille-La Mancha are home to 80% of the</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10395.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">population of Spain’s four species of vulture. It would be necessary to carry out a detailed study</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10409.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">of the feeding areas of these groups relative to the numbers of domesticated animals to determine</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10423.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">the potential impact of the removal of ruminants, an impact which is already being felt in some</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10437.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">areas (Camiña, 1995), and of the current systems for the disposal of carcasses from each of the</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10450.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">domesticated species.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10476.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">At present there is a network of controlled and authorised or traditional middens, with the latter</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10490.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">being making up the vast majority. Only La Rioja has passed legislation regulating the operation</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10504.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">of middens. In other areas, such as Valencia, similar legislation has been drafted but has been put</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10518.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">on hold because of the outbreaks of swine fever, and Castille-León and Andalucía are planning</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10531.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">activities along the same lines. By way of an example, SEO/Birdlife sources (Camiña, 2001a)</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10545.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">state that there is one active, controlled feeding area in the Basque Country, three in La Rioja (at</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10559.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">least another four have been closed), and two in Extremadura. Illegal middens are much more</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10573.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">numerous and for this reason reliable information is not available. Suffice it to say that</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10587.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">SEO/Birdlife, through exhaustive research in other provinces, knows of at least 51 uncontrolled</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10600.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">middens in just two areas of Castille-León and a further 100 in Aragón. We must point out that</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10614.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">since the first cases of BSE appeared in Spain most of the controlled middens have suspended</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10628.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">their activity while awaiting new regulations and this could place the populations of carrion birds</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10642.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">in serious danger, both directly through lack of food and indirectly by forcing them to attack</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10656.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">living animals which will create an impression of danger and lead to uncontrolled retaliatory</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10669.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">action from the affected sectors.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10695.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The midden system, therefore, could have great health and ecological value if developed under</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10709.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">suitable conditions with the appropriate financial and legal support, and could potentially lower</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10723.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">the costs of disposal of SRM. Comparative studies of this matter should therefore be carried out.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10749.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">b) Proposals for f</FONT></FONT><u><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">eeding carrion birds:</FONT></FONT></u></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10774.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">1.- Continue to use bovines:</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10800.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Given that all dead animals on farms must be tested for BSE pursuant to the new regulations for</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10814.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">the control and eradication of this disease (Order of 26 July 2001), carcasses of animals for</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10828.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">which rapid test results are negative can still be used to feed carrion birds through the simple</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10842.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">provision of drop-off points where the intestines would be removed (assuming that the head had</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10855.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">already been removed for the BSE tests) and kept for a few days until the results of the rapid</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10869.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">tests are known. Carcasses could then be transported to the carrion birds’ feeding areas.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10895.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">This system (without the BSE testing) had already been successfully operating in some</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10909.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Autonomous Communities before the BSE crisis, and the only cost increase would be generated</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10923.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">by the removal of the intestines and the refrigeration of the carcasses until the results of the rapid</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10936.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">tests are known. The cost of these tests would be covered in line with European BSE regulations.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10950.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">In this way, processing and incineration costs would be kept low and a natural form of recycling</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10964.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">would be encouraged. Additionally, this would be a much more local solution than transport to</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10978.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">processing plants, and this in turn could limit the spread of other epidemiological risks linked to</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:10992.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">the infectious causes of death of domesticated animals. The social impact of this measure would</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;left:71.76pt;top:11088.00pt"> </SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:286.30pt;top:11160.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="ff0000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">DRAFT</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11798.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">C:\WINNT\Profiles\bredagi.000\Desktop\Necrophagous_OPINION_0209_FINAL.doc</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:528.00pt;top:11799.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">15</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11173.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">undoubtedly be greater than of any other. Food supply needs, behavioural guidelines and the use</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11187.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">of space by carrion eaters would all need to be worked out beforehand to determine the final</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11201.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">cost, since the procedure could be limited to a specific number of cases.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11227.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The potential for BSE spread would be low.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11253.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">This measure could be adopted by those ACs with high numbers of carrion eaters and low</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11266.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">numbers of other domesticated species.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11292.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">2.- Complete elimination of use of bovines:</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11318.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Carrion birds would be fed exclusively on carcasses of species not susceptible to BSE and all</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11332.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">bovine carcasses would be systematically destroyed. This would also require an estimate of the</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11346.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">feeding needs and the level of supply which would be possible with other species.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11371.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">This system would make the carrion eaters’ diet much less varied and we cannot say whether this</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11385.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">would present any problems for them, although this cannot be ruled out either.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11405.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Costs for this alternative would mainly be generated by the transport of carcasses of these</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11419.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">species to the appropriate middens and could be relatively high. This system could,</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11433.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">furthermore, increase the risk of other infectious disorders spreading to far-flung areas. In</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11446.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">any case, the costs for the removal and destruction of bovines would remain.</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11472.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The potential for the spread of BSE under this system would be minimal.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11498.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">This method could be used in those ACs or areas where other domesticated species not</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11512.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">susceptible to BSE (especially equines and porcines) are present in high numbers.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11538.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">3.- Use of ovines:</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11563.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">At the present time, and in spite of the absence as previously mentioned of known risks linked to</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11577.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">carrion birds’ consumption of small ruminants with scrapie, a moratorium should be declared on</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11591.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">the use of sheep remains  (at least those considered to be SRM) as a food source until the</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11605.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">possibility of the BSE agent being masked by the scrapie agent has been ruled out. For this</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11619.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">reason, SRM sheep remains (feeding sheep’s feet to bearded vultures, as is done in some</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11632.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Autonomous Communities, is probably not a high-risk practice as far as BSE spread is</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11646.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">concerned) should not be considered clear of uncertainties unless they have been subject to BSE</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11660.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">testing, which would be far more expensive than tests on bovines since  the volume of foodstuff</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11674.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">per test would be 10 times lower.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11700.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">In terms of numbers, sheep make up a significant proportion of carrion birds’ diet, and the</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11713.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">existence of a solid basis for ruling out the presence of the BSE agent in small ruminant livestock</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11727.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">in Spain would therefore be of great relevance to ensure the safety of their use. This becomes</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11741.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">even more important when one considers that these animals are present in very high numbers and</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11755.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">that their carcasses tend to remain in far-flung and somewhat inaccessible areas.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;left:71.76pt;top:11880.00pt"> </SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:286.30pt;top:11952.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="ff0000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">DRAFT</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12590.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">C:\WINNT\Profiles\bredagi.000\Desktop\Necrophagous_OPINION_0209_FINAL.doc</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:528.00pt;top:12591.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">16</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11965.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">4.- Other considerations:</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:11991.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The carcasses of animals which die in inaccessible areas present a major complication, difficult</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12005.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">to resolve under any system. In most cases death is not detected until a long time after it has</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12019.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">taken place, since inaccessibility makes it difficult for owners to check on their animals. In most</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12033.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">cases the carrion birds themselves are the first indicators that an animal has died. These</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12046.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">circumstances arise in traditional rearing conditions which are well integrated in the natural</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12060.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">environment and which also have a high ecological value. For this very reason they should be</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12074.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">considered as exceptions and it can be assumed that the uncertainty surrounding BSE will also be</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12088.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">very low given the low probability of exposure to the BSE agent through protein-rich and</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12102.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">expensive feedingstuffs. To prevent this exception becoming a way to escape the control</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12115.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">regulations, clear guidelines on the conditions under which the non-performance of tests because</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12129.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">of inaccessibility can be accepted should be drawn up.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12155.75pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">V.6. The potential role of other wild species in the spread of TSEs</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12181.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">There are other species of animal, some of which are considered to be protected fauna, which</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12195.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">have been documented as susceptible to TSEs, such as mustelids: these may present another,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12208.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">much more realistic, factor of uncertainty as far as the persistence and spread of TSEs is</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12222.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">concerned, since they occasionally feed on carcass remains.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12248.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">One notable example is the existence of a transmissible encephalopathy in minks, which has not</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12262.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">to date been diagnosed in wild animals (Williams </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">et al</FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">., 2001). Cases have been observed both in</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12276.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Europe and in North America and have been associated with the inclusion in these animals’ diets</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12289.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">of sheep with scrapie (Marsh and Hanson, 1979, revised by Williams </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">et al</FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">., 2001) and, in other</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12303.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">cases, of cattle (Marsh </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">et al</FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">., 1991, revised by Williams </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">et al</FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">., 2001). This disease has a</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12317.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">morbidity rate of 60-100% and a mortality rate of 100% during outbreaks. Animals show</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12331.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">behavioural changes, become aggressive and develop ataxia and somnolence. Microscopic</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12345.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">lesions are typical of TSEs. In experiments, mink spongiform encephalopathy has been</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12358.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">transmitted by intracerebral injection to cattle, sheep, goats, ferrets and laboratory animals.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12384.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">There is no information at present on the existence of TSEs in populations in the wild, and</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12398.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">(unpublished) research on a small group of individual animals has so far produced only negative</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12412.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">results. Serious consideration should be given to studying a number of samples high enough to</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12426.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">produce a reliable estimate.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12451.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">As stated above, attention should also be paid to the possible role of opportunist and occasionally</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12465.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">carrion-eating micro-mammals, which may feed on the highly contaminated nervous tissues</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12479.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">inaccessible to other species.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12505.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Other carrion-eating species of the canid and felid types are not considered as important from the</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12519.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">epidemiological point of view since either they have been demonstrated to be not very</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12532.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">susceptible to TSEs (canids) or it is known that their natural diet does not include ruminant</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12546.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">remains (felids). One special case could be the Iberian lynx, which belongs to the group of felids</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12560.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">which has proven susceptible to the BSE agent and whose involvement in a possible TSE cycle,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;left:71.76pt;top:12672.00pt"> </SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:286.30pt;top:12744.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="ff0000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">DRAFT</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13382.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">C:\WINNT\Profiles\bredagi.000\Desktop\Necrophagous_OPINION_0209_FINAL.doc</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:528.00pt;top:13383.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">17</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12757.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">however improbable, could prove disastrous for the preservation of a species which is unique in</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12771.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Europe and extremely endangered.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12797.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Moreover, in 1967 the first cases of a spongiform encephalopathy in cervids were described in</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12811.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">the United States. Clinical cases are still detected both in wild animals and in animals in</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12825.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">captivity. The lesional symptoms are similar to those observed in cases of BSE, as are the lesions</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12838.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">themselves and the immunohistochemical reactions. Of special note is the observation of small</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12852.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">fibres, typical of scrapie, in brain and spleen preparations (Williams </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">et al</FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">., 2001). No similar</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12866.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">observations have been made elsewhere, but this calls for special attention in the new context of</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12880.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">a BSE epidemic.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12906.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">These species could play a role both through their own habits and as a source of food for carrion</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12919.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">species.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12945.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">VI.</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:12945.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">CONCLUSIONS</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12971.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The conservation of a unique biological heritage must be reconciled with TSE eradication</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12985.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">programmes to ensure the security of susceptible humans and animals. Spanish society has</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:12999.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">already shown its clear readiness to invest resources in nature conservation. In these times it is</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13012.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">reasonable to assume that it will show a similar readiness to protect carrion birds from the threat</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13026.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">presented by the disappearance of their food sources. For this reason the following steps must be</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13040.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">taken immediately:</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13066.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">1.- Ensure that carrion birds do not constitute an element of uncertainty with respect to the</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13080.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">spread of BSE by eliminating sources of contagion:</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:107.40pt;top:13105.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">a)</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:125.40pt;top:13105.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Only use bovines which have tested negative for BSE (Order of 26 July 2001</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:125.40pt;top:13119.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">amending Royal Decree 3454/2000) for feeding carrion birds, or stop feeding them</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:125.40pt;top:13133.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">this species</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:107.40pt;top:13159.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">b)</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:125.40pt;top:13159.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Declare a moratorium on the use of sheep to feed carrion birds until it can be clearly</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:125.40pt;top:13173.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">established that they are not affected by BSE</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13198.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">2.- Keep in mind the uncertainties surrounding land-based carrion-eating species</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13224.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The alternative of continuing to use bovines provided they have first been subjected to tests</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13238.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">draws directly upon current legislation concerning the eradication of BSE and would mean fewer</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13252.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">changes and costs relative to the pre-BSE situation, which makes it a more advisable alternative.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13266.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">In any case each AC should assess the specific and particular situation in each of the carrion bird</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13279.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">habitats in its territory. The Central Government must develop strategies for coordination</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13293.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">between the ACs on food for carrion birds, since these species can move far beyond the</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13307.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">boundaries of the Autonomous Communities.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;left:71.76pt;top:13464.00pt"> </SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:286.30pt;top:13536.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="ff0000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">DRAFT</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:14174.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">C:\WINNT\Profiles\bredagi.000\Desktop\Necrophagous_OPINION_0209_FINAL.doc</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:528.00pt;top:14175.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">18</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13556.15pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">VII.</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:13556.15pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">REFERENCES RELATING TO THE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:13569.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">DOCUMENTS USED IN THE PRODUCTION OF THIS REPORT</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13589.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Order of 26 July 2001 amending certain annexes of Royal Decree 2454/2000 of 22 December 2000 establishing and</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13601.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">regulating the Coordinated Integral Programme for the surveillance and control of transmissible spongiform</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13612.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">encephalopathies in animals. State Official Gazette 179: 27523-26 (Art. No. 14641) 2001. (Orden del 26 de julio</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13624.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">de 2001 por la que se modifican determinados anexos del Real Decreto 2454/2000 de 22 de diciembre, por el que</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13635.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">se establece y regula el Programa Integral Coordinado de vigilancia y control de las encefalopatías espongiformes</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13647.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">transmisibles de los animales. B.O.E., 179:27523-26 (Art. Núm. 14641) 2001.)</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13658.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Brown, P., Rohwer, R.G., Green, E.M. and Gadjusek, D.C. (1986) The effect of chemicals, heat, and histopathologic</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13670.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">processing on high-infectivity hamster-adapted scrapie virus. In: Virus non Conventionnels et Affections du</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13681.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Systeme Nerveux Central. Eds.: Court, L.A. and Cathala, F. pp 156-163. Paris. Masson</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13693.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Brown, P., Wolff, A. and Gadjusek, D.C. (1990) A simple and effective method for inactivating virus infectivity in</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13704.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">formalin-fixed tissue samples from patients with Creutzfeld-Jakob disease. </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Neurology </FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">40, 887-890.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13716.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Cawthorne, R.J.G. (1997) Failure to confirm a TSE [transmissible spongiform encephalopathy] in chickens. </FONT></FONT><i><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Vet.</FONT></FONT></i></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13727.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Rec. </FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">141, 203.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13739.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Camiña, A. (1995) Explotación de carroñas por el buitre leonado y otros carroñeros menores en una zona de</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13750.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Ganadería extensiva en La Rioja (Consumption of carrion by griffon vultures and other minor carrion eaters in a</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13762.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">large livestock-rearing area of La Rioja). Instituto de Estudios Riojanos. Logroño.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13773.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Camiña, A. (1996) Explotación de carroñas por el buitre leonado y otros carroñeros menores. II: El papel de los</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13785.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">muladares.(Consumption of carrion by griffon vultures and other minor carrion eaters, II: the role of middens)</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13796.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Instituto de Estudios Riojanos. Logroño.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13807.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Camiña, A. (2001a) Incidencia del programa integral coordinado de vigilancia y control de la encefalopatías</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13819.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">espongiformes transmissibles (EETs) (3454/2000) en las aves carroñeras</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:417.20pt;top:13819.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">de España</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:470.60pt;top:13819.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">(Consideraciones</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13831.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">preliminares). Version 26 de marzo de 2001. Informe para el Grupo de Rapaces de SEO/Birdlife. Madrid. (Effect</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13842.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">of the coordinated programme for TSE surveillance and monitoring on carrion birds in Spain (primary</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13854.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">considerations). Version of 26 March 2001. Report for the SEO/Birdlife Birds of Prey Group)</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13865.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Camiña, A. (2001b) Incidencia de la EEB en los parámetros reproductores y en la alimentación del buitre leonado en</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13876.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">La Rioja. Temporada de cría 2001. (Effect of BSE on reproduction parameters and on feeding habits of the</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13888.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">griffon vulture in La Rioja. 2001 breeding season). Informe para la Dirección General del Medio Natural.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13900.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Consejería de Turismo y Medio Ambiente. Gobierno de La Rioja.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13911.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Dawson, M., Wells, G.A.H., Parker, B.N.J. and Scott, A.C. (1991) Transmission studies of BSE in cattle, hamsters,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13923.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">pigs and domestic fowl. In: Sub-acute spongiform encephalopathies., Eds. Bradley, R.; Savey, M. and Marchant,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13934.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">B. Brussels, 12-14 November 1990. pp. 25-32; </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Cur. Top. Vet. Med. Anim. Sci. </FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">55. Kluwer Academic Publishers.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13945.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Dordrecht, The Netherlands.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13957.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Farner, D.S. (1967) The hydrogen ion concentration in avian digestive tracts. </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Poultry Sci. </FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">21, 445.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13969.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Gabriel, J.M., Oesch, B., Kretzschmar, H., Scott, M. and Prusiner, S.B. (1992) Molecular cloning of a candidate</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:13980.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">chicken prion protein. </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Proc. Natl. Acad. Sc. USA </FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">89, 9097-9101.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:13992.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Houston, D.C. and Cooper, J.E. (1975) The digestive tract of the whiteback griffon vulture and its role in disease</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:14003.55pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">transmission among wild ungulates. </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">J. Wildlife Dis.</FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">11, 306-313.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:14014.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Mendelsohn, H. and Leshem, Y. (1983) Observations on reproduction and growth of Old World vulture. In: Vulture</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:14026.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Biology and Management. Eds. Wilbur, S.R. and Jackson, J.A. University of California Press. Berkley.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:14038.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación (2000) Secretaría General Técnica. Censos y producciones</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:14049.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">ganaderas. Hechos y cifras del Sector Agroalimentario Español. (Livestock counts and production. Facts and</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:14061.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">figures from the Spanish agri-food sector)</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:14072.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Marsh, R.F. and Hanson, R.P. (1979) On the origin of transmissible mink encephalopathy. In: Slow transmissible</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:14083.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">diseases of the nervous system, vol 1. Ed. S.B. Prusiner and W.J, Hadlow. New York: Academic, pp. 451-460.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:14095.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Marsh, R.F., Bessen, R.A., Lehmann, S. and Hartsough, G.R. (1991) Epidemiological and experimental studies on a</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:14107.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">new incident of transmissible mink encephalopathy. </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">J.Gen.Vir. </FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">72, 589-594.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:14118.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Mould, D.L., Dawson, A.M. and Smith, W. (1965) Scrapie in mice. The stability of the agent to various suspending</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:14130.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">media, pH and solvent extraction. </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Res.Vet. Sci.</FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">6, 151-154.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:14141.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Narang, H. (1997)  Failure to confirm a TSE [transmissible spongiform encephalopathy] in chickens.  </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Vet.Rec. </FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">141,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:14152.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">255-256.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;left:71.76pt;top:14256.00pt"> </SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:286.30pt;top:14328.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="ff0000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">DRAFT</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:14966.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">C:\WINNT\Profiles\bredagi.000\Desktop\Necrophagous_OPINION_0209_FINAL.doc</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:528.00pt;top:14967.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">19</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:14341.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Schoon, H.A., Brunckhorst, D. and Pohlenz, J. (1991) Spongiform encephalopathy in an ostrich (</FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Struthio camelus</FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">).</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:14353.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">A case report.  </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Tierarztl. Prax. </FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">19, 263-265.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:14364.85pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Taylor, D.M. (1995) Survival of mouse-passaged bovine spongiform encephalopathy agent after exposure to</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:14376.40pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">paraformaldehyde-lysine-periodate and formic acid. </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Vet. Microbiol. </FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">44, 111-112.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:14387.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Taylor, D.M. (2000) Inactivation of transmissible degenerative encephalopathy agents: a review. </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Vet.J. </FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">159, 10-17.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:14399.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Taylor, D.M., Brown, J.M., Fernie, K. and McConnell, I. (1997) The effect of formic acid on BSE and scrapie</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:14410.95pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">infectivity in fixed and unfixed brain-tissue. </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Vet. Microbiol. </FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">58, 167-174.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:14422.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Williams, E.S., Kirkwood, J.K. and Miller, M.W. (2001) Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. En Infectious</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:14433.85pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">diseases of wild mammals. Ed. Williams, E.S. and Barker, I.K. Published by Manson Publishing.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:14445.40pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">Wopfner, F., Weidenhofer, G., Schneider, R., von-Brunn, A., Gilch, S., Schwarz, T.F., Werner, T. and Schatzl, H.M.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:14456.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">(1999)  Analysis of 27 mammalian and 9 avian PrPs reveals high conservation of flexible regions of the prion</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:84.00pt;top:14468.45pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">protein. </FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">J. Mol. Biol. </FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 9.96pt">289, 1163-1178.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
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<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:286.30pt;top:15120.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="ff0000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">DRAFT</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:15758.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">C:\WINNT\Profiles\bredagi.000\Desktop\Necrophagous_OPINION_0209_FINAL.doc</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:528.00pt;top:15759.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">20</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:15134.15pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">ANNEX I. CARRION BIRD NUMBERS</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:15153.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">1. Carrion birds</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="position:absolute;font-size:0;left:84pt;top:15165pt;width:63pt;height: 1pt;background-color:#000000;"></SPAN><SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:107.40pt;top:15179.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><u><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Griffon vulture (</FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Gyps fulvus</FONT></i></u><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">): 17 500 breeding pairs, representing 85-95% of Europe’s</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:107.40pt;top:15193.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">population</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:15219.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><u><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Black vulture (</FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Aegypius monachus</FONT></i></u><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">): 1200 pairs, 98% of Europe’s population</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:15244.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><u><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Egyptian vulture (</FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Neophron percnopterus</FONT></i></u><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">): 1300 pairs, 80% of Europe’s population</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:107.40pt;top:15270.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><u><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Bearded vulture </FONT></u><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">(</FONT></FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Gypaetus barbatus</FONT></i><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">) (endangered). The entire European population has</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:107.40pt;top:15284.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">been reduced to 77 pairs in the Spanish Pyrenees and 23 in the French Pyrenees</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:15310.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">2. Bi</FONT></FONT><u><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">rds which occasionally eat carrion</FONT></FONT></u></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:107.40pt;top:15336.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><u><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Spanish imperial eagle (</FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Aquila adalberti</FONT></i></u><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">): 130 pairs. (100%) Spain is the only place in</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:107.40pt;top:15349.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">the world where this endangered species is found</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:15375.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><u><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Golden eagle (</FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Aquila chrysaetos</FONT></i></u><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">): 1200 pairs, 20% of Europe’s population</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:108.00pt;top:15401.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><u><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Red kite (</FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Milvus milvus</FONT></i></u><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">): 9000 pairs, 18 % of Europe’s population</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:107.40pt;top:15427.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><u><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Black kite (</FONT><FONT COLOR="000000"><i></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Milvus migrans</FONT></i></u><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">): 3500 pairs, 7%, although 80% of Europe’s population</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:107.40pt;top:15441.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">overwinters in Spain</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
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<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:286.30pt;top:15912.10pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="ff0000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">DRAFT</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:16550.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 8.04pt">C:\WINNT\Profiles\bredagi.000\Desktop\Necrophagous_OPINION_0209_FINAL.doc</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:528.00pt;top:16551.00pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">21</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:15932.15pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><b><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">ANNEX II. SPECIFIC INFORMATION REQUIRED</FONT></FONT></b></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:15957.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">It is extremely important to consolidate the hypotheses put forward in this report, which will call</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:15971.50pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">for some observations to be expanded upon and some points to be verified. For this reason,</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:15985.30pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">specific research into the following areas will need to be carried out as soon as possible:</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:16017.25pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt"></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:96.00pt;top:16012.05pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">an inventory of feeding points for carrion birds, carcass dumps and middens</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:16043.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt"></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:96.00pt;top:16038.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">a comparison of the cost of disposing of carcasses by processing and incineration against</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:96.00pt;top:16052.40pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">BSE testing and feeding carrion birds</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:16084.35pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt"></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:96.00pt;top:16079.15pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">research into the true incidence of scrapie in Spain and characterisation of the strains of the</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:96.00pt;top:16092.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">agent involved in all cases.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:16124.90pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt"></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:96.00pt;top:16119.70pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Research into carrion birds’ susceptibility to TSEs and their capacity for destroying</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:96.00pt;top:16133.40pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">pathological prion proteins through digestion.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:16165.35pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Arial" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt"></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:96.00pt;top:16160.15pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">Research into other potential factors for TSE transmission in the environment</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
<SPAN STYLE="color:#000000;position:absolute;left:72.00pt;top:16185.80pt;z-index:3;"><FONT FACE ="Times New Roman" style = "font-size: 12.00pt"><FONT COLOR="000000"><FONT STYLE="font-size: 12.00pt">The ecological impact of any health measures for the control and eradication of TSEs.</FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN>
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