Article 6 Veterinary inquiry as to the existence of disease

(1)

If a veterinary inspector has reasonable grounds for supposing that the disease exists or has within 56 days existed on any premises he shall with all practicable speed inquire as to the correctness of the supposition.

(2)

For the purposes of such an inquiry a veterinary inspector may—

(a)

examine any animal or carcase on the premises;

(b)

take or cause to be taken from any such animal or carcase any sample he may require for the purposes of diagnosis;

(c)

mark or cause to be marked any such animal or carcase for identification purposes;

(d)

examine any records relating to the origin, destination, health and productivity of any animal which is, or has been, on the premises, and take copies of such records, and

(e)

investigate the origins of feedingstuffs and fertilisers.

(3)

The occupier of the premises, any person in his employment, any veterinary surgeon who has been attending or who has been consulted respecting any animal or carcase on the premises and any person who is or has been in charge of or in contact with any such animal or carcase, shall provide such information and facilities and render such assistance as may be required for the purposes of the inquiry.

(4)

If on completion of the inquiry the veterinary inspector is of the opinion that the disease does not exist and has not within 56 days existed on the premises he shall send a certificate to that effect to the Minister forthwith.