Foot-and-Mouth Disease (Control Measures) Rules, 2004 (L.N. 510 of 2004).

Pursuant to the provisions laid down under Directive 2003/85/EC, these Rules establish particular measures for the control of foot-and-mouth disease to be implemented in the territory of Malta. These Rules set out: (a) the minimum control measures to be applied in the event of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, of whatever type of virus; (b) certain preventive measures aimed at increasing awareness and preparedness of the competent authorities and the farming community for foot-and-mouth disease. The Rules are divided into the following Chapters: (I) General provisions; (II) Control of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease; (III) Preventive measures. The following Schedules are attached: (I) Definition of outbreak; (II) Notification of disease and further epidemiological information to be provided by the competent authority where foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed; (III) Survey; (IV) Principles and procedures for cleansing and disinfection; (V) Restocking of holdings; (VI) Restrictions on the movement of equidae; (VII) Treatment of products to ensure the destruction of foot-and-mouth disease virus; (VIII) Treatment of fresh meat (Part A), Additional measures applicable to the production of fresh meat from animals of susceptible species originating in the surveillance zone (Part B); (IX) Treatment of milk to ensure destruction of foot-and-mouth disease virus; (X) Criteria for the decision to apply protective vaccination and guidelines for the emergency vaccination programmes; (XI) National laboratories authorized to handle live foot-and-mouth disease virus; (XII) Biosecurity standards for laboratories and establishments handling live foot-and-mouth disease virus; (XIII) Diagnostic tests and standards for foot-and-mouth disease and for the differential diagnosis of other vesicular virus diseases; (XIV) Community antigen and vaccine bank; (XV) Functions and duties of national laboratories; (XVI) Criteria and requirements for contingency plans; (XVII) Measures in case of confirmation of the presence of foot-and-mouth disease in wild animals (Part A), Plans for the eradication of foot-and-mouth disease in wild animals (Part B).