Cap. 437 Art. 15Veterinary inspectionsrelating to live animals and products of animal origin.

(1) The Minister may prescribe rules concerning the veterinary inspections to be carried out on live animals, germinal products, animal waste, pathogens and products of animal origin, which are intended for trade and which are subjected to exchange with trading partners.

(2) The Minister may prescribe the measures to be taken during an inspection carried out at the place of origin and destination of a consignment or during transportation.

(3) The Minister may prescribe the manner in which costs relating to the measures prescribed in subarticle (2) shall be borne by the consignor or his representative or by the person responsible for the animals or products of animal origin.

(4) The Minister may prescribe the measures to be taken in the case where the veterinary services in Malta establish the presence of agents responsible for a disease referred to in the list of notifiable terrestrial and aquatic animal diseases issued by the World Organization for Animal Health, a zoonosis or disease, or any cause likely to constitute a serious hazard to animals or humans.

(5) In the cases referred to in subarticles (2) and (4), the Director may order that immediate emergency measures be taken, and shall establish direct contacts with the persons, organisations or administrations concerned in Malta or abroad.