S.L. 437.57 Art. 2Definitions. Cap. 437.

For the purposes of these rules -"approved national laboratory" means a laboratory approved or recognized by the competent authority of Malta to carry out examinations of official samples in order to detect a zoonotic agent; "the competent authority" means the Veterinary Services within the territory of Malta as provided under article 2 of the Veterinary Services Act, or any other authority to which such responsibility has been delegated by the Veterinary Services; "Member State" means a State which is a Member within the European Community; "official sample" means a sample taken by the competent authority to test for a zoonotic agent. The official sample bears a reference to the species, the type, the amount and the method of collection, and the identification of the origin of the animal or the product of animal origin. Such sample is to be taken without prior warning; "sample" means a sample taken by the owner of or person responsible for the establishment or the animals, or taken on his behalf, to be examined for a zoonotic agent;

"third country" means a State which is not a Member within the European Community;

"zoonosis" means any disease and, or infection which is likely to be naturally transmitted from animals to man;

"zoonotic" agent means any bacterium, virus or parasite which is likely to cause a zoonosis.