Article 6 Veterinary inquiry as to the existence of disease

(1)

In order to ascertain whether or not a disease exists or has existed on any premises, a veterinary inspector shall carry out such inquiries, examinations and tests and take such samples (including live poultry and carcases), as are necessary for that purpose and in order to establish—

(a)

the length of time the disease has existed on the premises,

(b)

the possible origin of the disease on the premises,

(c)

which premises may have been exposed to contamination by the disease from the premises under enquiry, and

(d)

the extent to which a disease has been carried to or from the premises under enquiry.

(2)

Collection of samples and laboratory testing shall be carried out in accordance with Annex III of Council Directive 92/40/EEC (in relation to avian influenza) and Annex III of Council Directive 92/66/EEC (in relation to Newcastle disease and paramyxovirus in pigeons).

(3)

A veterinary inspector may mark, or cause to be marked, for identification purposes any poultry, carcase or other thing in relation to which any of the powers under paragraph (1) above has been exercised.

(4)

The occupier or person in charge of the premises or any person in his employment shall render such reasonable assistance to a veterinary inspector as he may require for the purpose of facilitating the exercise of his powers under paragraph (1), (2) or (3) above.