Efter at der i december 2003 udbrød en meget alvorlig epidemi af aviær influenza i Sydøstasien forårsaget af den højpatogene H5N1-virusstamme, blev Kommissionens beslutning 2004/122/EF af 6. februar 2004 om visse beskyttelsesforanstaltninger mod aviær influenza i en række tredjelande [3] vedtaget.
Following the outbreak of a very serious epidemic of avian influenza, caused by a highly pathogenic H5N1 virus strain, in south-eastern Asia starting in December 2003, Commission Decision 2004/122/EC of 6 February 2004 concerning certain protection measures in relation to avian influenza in several third countries [3] was adopted.