S.L. 437.95 Art. 53Suspension and restoration of disease-free status.

(1) Where the territory of Malta has reason to believe that any of the conditions for maintaining its status as a disease-free zone or compartment have been breached, it shall immediately suspend trade in susceptible species and vector species to other

Member States, zones or compartments with a higher health status for the disease in question and it shall apply the provisions of Sections 2 and 4 of Chapter V.

(2) Where the epizootic investigation provided for in rule 29(1) confirms that the suspected breach has not taken place, the disease-free status of the zone or compartment within the territory of Malta shall be restored.

(3) Where the epizootic investigation confirms a significant likelihood that infection has occurred, the disease-free status of the zone or compartment within the territory of Malta shall be withdrawn, in accordance with the procedure under which that status was declared. The requirements laid down in Schedule V shall be complied with before the disease-free status is restored.

CHAPTER VIII Competent Authorities and Laboratories