S.L. 437.95 ст. 28Initial control measures.

In the case of a suspicion of an exotic disease listed in Part

II of Schedule IV or, in the case of suspicion of a non-exotic disease listed in Part II of Schedule IV in the territory of Malta, comprising any zones or compartments with a health status categorised as being either "disease-free" or "undetermined" (not known to be infected but not subject to a programme for achieving disease-free status), the department shall ensure that for such disease:

(a) appropriate samples are taken and examined in a laboratory designated in accordance with rule 57; and

(b) pending the result of the examination provided for in paragraph (a):

(i) the farm, or mollusc farming area, in which the disease is suspected, is placed under official surveillance and relevant control measures are implemented to prevent the spreading of the disease to other aquatic animals;

(ii) no aquaculture animals are allowed to leave or enter the affected farm or mollusc farming area in which the disease is suspected, unless duly authorised;

(iii) the epizootic investigation provided for in rule 29 is initiated.