CHAPTER IIPREVENTIVE BIOSECURITY, SURVEILLANCE, NOTIFICATIONS AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL INQUIRIES

Article 6Epidemiological inquiry

1.

Member States shall ensure that epidemiological inquiries are started on the basis of questionnaires, established within the framework of the contingency plans provided for in Article 62.

2.

The epidemiological inquiry shall include the following at least:

(a)

the length of time during which avian influenza may have been present on the holding or other premises or means of transport;

(b)

the possible origin of avian influenza;

(c)

the identification of any contact holding;

(d)

the movements of poultry, other captive birds, persons, mammals, vehicles or any material or other means by which the avian influenza virus could have spread.

3.

The competent authority shall take account of the epidemiological inquiry when:

(a)

deciding whether additional disease control measures, as provided for in this Directive need to be applied; and

(b)

granting derogations as provided for in this Directive.

4.

If the epidemiological inquiry suggests that avian influenza may have spread from or to other Member States, the Commission and the other Member States concerned shall be immediately informed of the results of all findings of the inquiry.