Brussels, 20/04/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 20 April, the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health voted to ease certain measures against classical swine fever in Germany. Restrictions were strengthened on 6 April following two further outbreaks in North-Rhine Westphalia (see EUROPE 9168). The improvement in the situation over the last three weeks has convinced EU veterinary experts to authorise the resumption, under certain conditions, of the transport of pigs from most parts of Germany to other Member States (for slaughter or fattening). Before authorising the transport of pigs, however, German authorities must ensure that the pigs have been resident on a holding to which no other live pigs have been introduced for 45 days prior to dispatch. Pigs from Köln and Detmold (territories in North-Rhine Westphalia furthest from the surveillance zone) will be allowed to be moved to other areas within Germany for slaughter, fattening or breeding. These measures will remain in place until 15 may, but may be reviewed and amended at the meeting of the Standing Committee from 3 to 5 May.