Cabinet Regulation No. 178 of 2010 on Procedures for the Prevention and Combating of Rabies

Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) Text consolidated by Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) with amending regulations of: 1 March 2011 [shall come into force from 5 March 2011]; 27 March 2012 [shall come into force from 1 April 2012]; 27 August 2013 [shall come into force from 20 September 2013]; 8 September 2015 [shall come into force from 12 September 2015]. If a whole or part of a paragraph has been amended, the date of the amending regulation appears in square brackets at the end of the paragraph. If a whole paragraph or sub-paragraph has been deleted, the date of the deletion appears in square brackets beside the deleted paragraph or sub-paragraph. Republic of Latvia Cabinet Regulation No. 178 Adopted 23 February 2010 Procedures for the Prevention and Combating of Rabies Issued pursuant to Section 25, Clause 4 and Section 36 of the Veterinary Medicine Law 1. General Provisions 1. This Regulation prescribes the procedures for the prevention and combating of rabies. 2. The following terms are used in this Regulation: 2.1. an animal ill with rabies – a mammal (hereinafter – animal), for which the diagnosis of rabies is confirmed by laboratory examinations following death; 2.2. an authorised veterinarian – a practicing veterinarian authorised by the Food and Veterinary Service (hereinafter – Service) to implement measures for combating rabies; 2.3. an affected area – a place (territory) in which an animal ill with rabies is detected and in which an animal or a person may become infected with rabies, and in which restrictions and measures for combating rabies shall be applied; 2.4. a territory at risk – a territory which spreads not further than in a radius of three kilometres around the affected area and in which restrictions and measures for combating rabies shall be applied. 3. The implementation of this Regulation shall be monitored and controlled by the Service. 4. If there is a reason to suspect that an animal is ill or infected with rabies, the State Scientific Institute “Scientific Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and the Environment “BIOR”” (hereinafter – scientific institute) shall perform the laboratory examinations to determine the diagnosis of rabies. [27 August 2013] 5. Within one day any person shall orally inform a practising veterinarian or the territorial unit of the Service regarding: 5.1. suspicions regarding the infection of an animal with rabies (hereinafter – suspicions regarding infection with rabies), if: Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 2 5.1.1. an animal has been in contact with an animal ill with rabies or there are suspicions regarding this (excluding the case where an animal, which has been vaccinated against rabies in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Veterinary Medicine Law, has come into the abovementioned contact during a hunting); 5.1.2. there is a possibility that an animal has been bitten or salivated on or the mucous membrane of the animal or the damaged skin has been in contact with a potential source of rabies (for example, the saliva of another animal, nerve tissues) (excluding the case where an animal, which has been vaccinated against rabies in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Veterinary Medicine Law, has come into the abovementioned contact during a hunting); 5.2. suspicions regarding the illness of an animal with rabies (hereinafter – suspicions regarding illness with rabies), if: 5.2.1. the salivation, changes in appetite, hindered intake of food and water, changes in behaviour not characteristic of the species or the uncharacteristic attitude in relation to a human or animal are observed in the animal; 5.2.2. the animal has bitten, scratched, salivated on another animal or human or attacked them; 5.2.3. a wild animal is located in a territory inhabited by humans or in the property (possession) of a person and the changes in behaviour not characteristic of the species are observed in the wild animal. [1 March 2011] 6. A stray dog or cat, or the sterilised and marked cat referred to in Section 8 of the Animal Protection Law, has bitten, scratched or salivated on another animal or human or attacked them and: 6.1. has not been identified, one of the following activities shall be performed: 6.1.1. the relevant dog or cat shall be euthanized if the indications referred to in Sub-paragraph 5.2.1 of this Regulation are observed on it or if it is located in the area affected and the territory at risk; 6.1.2. the relevant dog or cat shall be placed into an animal shelter and actions in accordance with Paragraph 53 of this Regulation shall be taken, if the indications referred to in Sub-paragraph 5.2.1 of this Regulation are not observed on the animal and if it has not been located in the area affected and the territory at risk. If it is not possible to place the relevant dog or cat into an animal shelter for observation, it shall be euthanized; 6.2. has been identified, the relevant dog or cat shall be immediately placed into an animal shelter for observation in accordance with the requirements of this Regulation. [1 March 2011] 7. If a practising veterinarian is not authorised to perform measures for combating rabies, he or she shall immediately inform the relevant territorial unit of the Service regarding the received information referred in Paragraph 5 of this Regulation. 8. The territorial unit of the Service upon receipt of the information referred to in Paragraph 5 of this Regulation shall, within one day, using any means of communication: 8.1. inform the person referred to in Paragraph 5 of this Regulation regarding the authorised veterinarian; 8.2. notify the information referred to in Paragraph 5 of this Regulation to the authorised veterinarian. [1 March 2011] Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 3 9. The authorised veterinarian upon receipt of the information referred to in Paragraph 5 of this Regulation shall, within one day, decide on the necessity to initiate measures for combating rabies and inform the territorial unit of the Service regarding the initiation of measures for combating rabies, or indicate the reason why measures for combating rabies may not be performed. [1 March 2011] 10. If there is a suspicion regarding illness with rabies: 10.1. an authorised veterinarian or the Service inspector shall take a sample of pathological material from the dead animal (the entire dead animal, the head of the dead animal or the brains of the head) (hereinafter – sample) and send it for laboratory examination to the scientific institute for the determination of a diagnosis of rabies; 10.2. a veterinarian who has entered into a contract with the Service regarding taking of samples, shall take a sample and send it for laboratory examination to the scientific institute for the determination of a diagnosis of rabies. [1 March 2011] 11. If there is a suspicion regarding illness with rabies and the user of hunting rights can deliver the dead body of the hunted wild animal or the head of the dead animal to the scientific institute for the determination of a diagnosis of rabies, he or she shall act in accordance with the instructions of an authorised veterinarian or the Service inspector. 12. A person authorised by the director of the scientific institute, after acquisition of the results of laboratory investigations, shall notify electronically and send a testing report regarding: 12.1. the diagnosis of rabies confirmed by a laboratory – to the State Senior Food and Veterinary Inspector, the senior inspector of the territorial unit of the Service and to the authorised veterinarian who sent the pathological material, if his or her contact information is indicated in the accompanying documents of the sample; 12.2. a diagnosis of rabies not confirmed by the laboratory – to the senior inspector of the territorial unit of the Service and the authorised veterinarian who sent the pathological material, if his or her contact information is indicated in the accompanying documents of the sample; 12.3. a diagnosis of rabies confirmed or not confirmed by the laboratory – in a registered letter to the owner or keeper of the animal, if he or she covers all the expenditure for laboratory investigations. [1 March 2011] 13. The territorial unit of the Service, using any means of communication, shall notify the authorised veterinarian the information referred to in Sub-paragraph 12.1 of this Regulation. 14. The Service shall, within one working day following the implementation of the activities referred to in Sub-paragraph 55.1 of this Regulation, post the information on its website regarding each confirmed case of rabies, indicating the date of the confirmation of a diagnosis of an animal ill with rabies, the animal species, the number of animals, the area affected by rabies and the territory at risk, as well as the period of time (30 days), during which the measures for combating rabies shall be performed (hereinafter – restriction period). 15. The territorial unit of the Service shall, within one working day, inform the authorised veterinarians working in the territory under the supervision thereof, regarding confirmed cases of rabies. Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 4 16. Until the elimination of the dead body of such animal from which a sample has been taken for laboratory examination for the determination of a diagnosis of rabies, the animal owner or keeper shall separate it from any potential contact with animals and humans. The dead animal shall be disposed of in accordance with Articles 12 and 13 of Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 laying down health rules as regards animal by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 (Animal By-products Regulation) (hereinafter – Regulation No 1069/2009). [1 March 2011] 17. The costs of the following measures for combating rabies shall be covered by the financing for ensuring the supervision and combating of rabies granted to the budget for the current year of the Ministry of Agriculture: 17.1. the costs of peroral vaccination of wild animals (for the vaccine, dispersion of the vaccine and storage of the vaccine); 17.2. the costs for the determination of the effectiveness of the peroral vaccination of wild animals (for the dead bodies of wild animals, for the partial autopsy thereof and laboratory examinations); 17.3 the costs of the purchase of disinfection products for disinfecting the location where the dead animal is found; 17.4. for an authorised veterinarian: 17.4.1. the actual transport costs; 17.4.2. the costs of the purchase of ancillary materials (for example, for protective devices (the protection of the face, eyes, hands, palms and other parts of the body) and for the materials for packing of the sample); 17.4.3. work remuneration (for the clinical examination, euthanasia, disinfection and the drawing up of documents); 17.4.4. the costs of the purchase of euthanasia agents; 17.4.5. the costs of the disposal of an dead animal; 17.5. for the scientific institute – the costs which are connected with laboratory examinations. [1 March 2011; 27 August 2013] 18. The animal owner or keeper shall cover all the expenses of the injured persons, the Service and the scientific institute which are related to the activities for combating rabies, if the dog, cat or household (domestic) ferret of the animal owner or keeper has not been vaccinated against rabies or the vaccination deadline has been missed and: 18.1. has been performed laboratory investigations for determination of the diagnosis of rabies; 18.2. suspicions regarding infection with rabies or suspicions regarding illness with rabies are established. [1 March 2011; 27 August 2013] 19. If the animal owner or keeper does not comply with the procedures for preventing and combating rabies laid down in this Regulation, the authorised veterinarian shall send a notification of a veterinarian regarding the non-fulfilment of the decision (Annex 1) to the territorial unit of the Service. Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 5 2. Procedures for Preventing Rabies 20. An animal owner or keeper shall ensure the vaccination of a dog, cat and household (domestic) ferret against rabies in accordance with the requirements laid down in the Veterinary Medicine Law. [1 March 2011; 27 August 2013] 20. 1 A practising veterinarian shall make a relevant entry regarding vaccination against rabies in one of the following documents: 20. 1 1. in the pet passport of the European Union, in conformity with the requirements laid down in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 577/2013 of 28 June 2013 on the model identification documents for the non-commercial movement of dogs, cats and ferrets, the establishment of lists of territories and third countries and the format, layout and language requirements of the declarations attesting compliance with certain conditions provided for in Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council; 20. 1 2. in the vaccination document which contains information concerning vaccination of the pet, indicating the date of vaccination, the name and serial number of the vaccine, and the date of the next vaccination. [8 September 2015] 20. 2 A practising veterinarian shall confirm an entry in the vaccination document which contains information concerning vaccination of a pet with a signature and seal, in which the given name, surname, and the number of the veterinary medical practice is visible. [8 September 2015] 21. The Service shall organise the peroral vaccination of wild animals against rabies not less than twice per year according to the programme for the prevention and combating of rabies. 22. Prior to the commencement of peroral vaccination of wild animals, the Service shall inform the society “Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments”, the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the State Forest Service regarding the planned vaccination of wild animals and preventive measures. [27 March 2012] 23. Following the peroral vaccination of wild animals referred to in Paragraph 21 of this Regulation, the Service shall agree with the State Forest Service regarding the unlimited hunting of game and the delivery of wild animal carcasses to the scientific institute for the determination of the effectiveness of the peroral vaccinations of wild animals according to the instructions of a Service inspector. 3. Procedures for Combating Rabies 3.1. Measures to be Performed if there are Suspicions Regarding Infection with Rabies 24. Upon receipt of the information referred to in Sub-paragraph 5.1. of this Regulation, an authorised veterinarian shall clinically examine an animal, evaluate the epizootic situation and according to the animal passport or vaccination document which contains information concerning vaccination shall check whether the dog, cat or household (domestic) ferret has been vaccinated against rabies. 25. In order to perform the activities referred to in Paragraph 24 of this Regulation, an authorised veterinarian shall visit the place of keeping the animal or the animal owner or Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 6 keeper shall provide transport for an authorised veterinarian in order that the authorised veterinarian may visit the place of keeping the animal, or the animal owner or keeper shall ensure the transportation of the household (domestic) animal (excluding by public transport) to the place of practice of the authorised veterinarian. 26. Following the activities referred to in Paragraph 24 of this Regulation, an authorised veterinarian shall take a decision on non-commencement or commencement of observation, or euthanasia of the animal, fill in the decision form (Annex 2) and issue it to the animal owner or keeper. 27. If an authorised veterinarian does not commence observation of an animal, he or she shall, within one day after receipt of the information referred to in Sub-paragraph 5.1 of this Regulation: 27.1. vaccinate the dog, cat and household (domestic) ferret, if the vaccination deadline laid down in the Veterinary Medicine Law has been observed, or other animal which has been vaccinated against rabies according to the procedures specified by the manufacturer of the vaccine in the instructions on the use of veterinary medicinal products, against rabies, if the animal has been vaccinated against rabies not more than once during its lifetime. The animal owner or keeper shall cover all the expenditure related to the vaccination; 27.2. vaccinate the dog, cat and household (domestic) ferret, if the vaccination deadline laid down in the Veterinary Medicine Law has been observed, or other animal which has been vaccinated against rabies according to the procedures specified by the manufacturer of the vaccine in the instructions on the use of veterinary medicinal products, against rabies, evaluating the epizootic situation, anamnesis and the results of clinical examination, if the animal has been vaccinated against rabies more than once during its lifetime. The animal owner or keeper shall cover all the expenditure related to the vaccination; 27.3. using any means of communication, inform the territorial unit of the Service thereof. [1 March 2011; 27 August 2013] 28. If there are suspicions regarding infection with rabies of an animal, for which a requirement to perform vaccination against rabies is not specified in the Veterinary Medicine Law and which is not vaccinated, the owner or keeper of the relevant animal shall agree with the authorised veterinarian regarding one of the following activities with the animal: 28.1. vaccination against rabies within one day; 28.2. sending to a slaughterhouse for immediate slaughter within three days following contact (biting, scratching, salivating or attack); 28.3. immediate euthanasia. [1 March 2011] 29. If milk is obtained from an animal to which the condition referred to in Sub-paragraph 28.2 of this Regulation is applied, the milk acquired until sending to the slaughterhouse thereof shall be pasteurised in temperature of 60 °C for 5 to 10 minutes prior to human consumption or feeding animals. [1 March 2011] 30. If an authorised veterinarian commences observation of an animal, following the receipt of the information referred to in Sub-paragraph 5.1 of this Regulation, he or she shall: 30.1. on the first working day, using any means of communication, inform the territorial unit of the Service regarding the commencement of animal observation; 30.2. on the first day provide instructions for observation of the animal to the animal owner or keeper (Annex 3); Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 7 30.3. act in accordance with Sub-paragraphs 51.1, 51.2, 51.4, 51.5.2 and Paragraph 52 of this Regulation. [1 March 2011] 31. If the animal owner or keeper cannot ensure observation of the animal in accordance with the instructions referred to in Annex 3 to this Regulation, the animal shall be placed in an animal shelter where observation of the animal is ensured. If it is not possible to place the animal into an animal shelter for observation, the authorised veterinarian shall euthanize the animal. 32. The animal owner or keeper shall cover all expenditure which is related to the implementation of the requirements laid down in Paragraph 31 of this Regulation. 33. An authorised veterinarian shall euthanize a dog, cat or household (domestic) ferret which has not been vaccinated against rabies or for which the vaccination deadline has been missed (except the case referred to in Paragraph 34 of this Regulation). [27 August 2013] 34. An authorised veterinarian shall not perform euthanasia of a dog, cat or household (domestic) ferret, if the animal owner or keeper refuses to euthanize the animal, and shall ensure observation of the animal for not less than 45 days in accordance with Annex 3 to this Regulation. [1 March 2011] 34. 1 If the animal referred to in Paragraph 34 of this Regulation has not been vaccinated against rabies or for which vaccination has been missed, the animal owner or holder ensure vaccination of the animal against rabies within one day after the end of observation. [27 August 2013] 35. If an authorised veterinarian takes a decision on euthanasia of an animal, he or she shall: 35.1. fill in the decision form (Annex 2) and the report regarding animal euthanasia (Annex 4) and send a sample for laboratory examination to the scientific institute for the determination of a diagnosis of rabies; 35.2. within one working day, submit the decision and the report referred to in Sub paragraph 35.1 of this Regulation to the territorial unit of the Service. 3.2. Measures to be Performed if there are Suspicions Regarding Illness with Rabies 36. An authorised veterinarian, upon receipt of the information referred to in Sub-paragraph 5.2.1 or 5.2.2 of this Regulation shall clinically examine an animal in the place of keeping or veterinary medical care of the animal, evaluate the epizootic situation and according to the animal passport or vaccination document which contains information concerning vaccination shall check whether the dog, cat or household (domestic) ferret has been vaccinated against rabies. [1 March 2011] 37. Following the activities referred to in Paragraph 36 of this Regulation an authorised veterinarian shall take a decision on commencement of observation or euthanasia of the animal, fill in the decision form (Annex 2) and issue it to the animal owner or keeper. 38. If an authorised veterinarian commences observation of an animal, he or she shall, on the first day after receipt of the information referred to in Sub-paragraph 5.2.1 or 5.2.2 of this Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 8 Regulation, using any means of communication, inform the territorial unit of the Service regarding the commencement of observation of an animal and: 38.1. provide instructions for observation of an animal to the animal owner or keeper (Annex 3) regarding a 10 day long observation of a dog, cat and household (domestic) ferret and a 15 day long observation of other animals; 38.2. upon request of the animal owner or keeper, shall issue a statement to a medical practitioner regarding the results of the clinical examination of the animal (Annex 5); 38.3. shall act in accordance with Paragraphs 51, 52, and 53 of this Regulation. [1 March 2011] 39. An animal owner or keeper has: 39.1. a duty to show an animal to an authorised or practising veterinarian for clinical examination, which has bitten, scratched or salivated on a person, not later than within 24 hours following the relevant incident; 39.2. the rights to receive the statement of an authorised or practising veterinarian to a medical practitioner regarding the results of the clinical examination of the animal (Annex 5). Expenses regarding the clinical examination of an animal and the issuance of a statement shall be covered by the animal owner or keeper according to the price list of the provider of veterinary medicine services. [1 March 2011] 40. It shall not be permitted to move the animal referred to in Sub-paragraph 39.1 of this Regulation by public transport. 41. If the animal owner or keeper cannot ensure observation of the animal in accordance with the instructions referred to in Annex 3 to this Regulation, he or she shall act in accordance with Paragraph 31 of this Regulation. 42. An authorised veterinarian shall euthanize an animal if: 42.1. the indications referred to in Sub-paragraph 5.2.1 of this Regulation are observed on the animal; 42.2. a dog, cat or household (domestic) ferret has not been vaccinated against rabies; 42.3. the vaccination deadline determined in the Veterinary Medicine Law has been missed for a dog, cat or household (domestic) ferret. [1 March 2011] 42. 1 An authorised veterinarian shall euthanize an animal in accordance with the requirements referred to in Paragraph 42 of this Regulation, if the animal owner or keeper refuses to euthanize the animal, and shall ensure observation of the animal for not less than 10 days for a dog, cat or household (domestic) ferret and 15 days for other animals in accordance with Annex 3 to this Regulation, as well as vaccination against rabies in accordance with Paragraph 52 of this Regulation. [1 March 2011] 43. If an authorised veterinarian takes a decision to euthanize an animal, he or she shall act in accordance with Paragraph 35 of this Regulation. 44. Milk, which has been acquired from an animal regarding which there are suspicions regarding illness with rabies, shall be destroyed or heat treated, utilising methods which ensure the elimination of the rabies agent. Following heat treatment, the milk may be utilised in animal feeding-stuffs. Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 9 45. Meat and by-products, which are obtained from an animal, regarding which there have been suspicions regarding illness with rabies and which are not intended for human consumption, shall be processed or destroyed in accordance with Regulation No 1069/2009. [1 March 2011] 3.3. Measures during the Observation of an Animal and Following the End of Observation 46. During the observation of an animal, the animal owner or keeper: 46.1. shall ensure the separate keeping of the animal from other animals and humans; 46.2. shall ensure the keeping and welfare conditions appropriate for the animal species; 46.3. shall ensure shelter for the animal against unfavourable weather conditions; 46.4. prevent the possibility of the animal escaping. 47. During the observation of an animal, the animal owner or keeper are prohibited: 47.1. from taking it outside the property borders or outside the affected area and the territory at risk, unless the animal is kept in an apartment. It shall be permitted to take it for walks outside the borders of the residential premises, ensuring that the animal does not come into contact with another person or animal; 47.2. from selling it, giving it away or euthanizing it if the euthanasia is not performed by an authorised veterinarian for the laboratory determination of the diagnosis of rabies. [1 March 2011] 48. The animal owner or keeper shall immediately, using any means of communication, inform the authorised veterinarian referred to in Paragraph 38 of this Regulation, if during the observation: 48.1. salivation , refusal to eat, an inability to take in food and water, behavioural changes or an uncharacteristic attitude in relation to humans or animals is observed in the animal; 48.2. the animal dies. 49. The animal owner or keeper shall immediately, using any means of communication, inform the authorised veterinarian referred to in Paragraph 38 of this Regulation, if during the observation the animal goes missing. 50. In the case referred to in Sub-paragraph 48.1. of this Regulation, the animal owner or keeper shall ensure the transport of an authorised veterinarian to the animal under observation, if the authorised veterinarian has no means of reaching the place of observation of the animal. 51. An authorised veterinarian: 51.1.clinically examine the animal in its place of keeping, if the information referred to in Sub-paragraph 48.1. of this Regulation is received from the animal owner or keeper during the observation; 51.2. euthanize the animal in accordance with Paragraph 35 of this Regulation, if during the clinical examination suspicions arise regarding illness with rabies, and disinfect the place where the animal is euthanized; 51.3. upon request of the animal owner or keeper, on the tenth day following the receipt of the information referred to in Sub-paragraph 5.2.1. or 5.2.2. of this Regulation clinically examine the animal and issue a statement regarding the results of the clinical examination of the animal (Annex 5); Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 10 51.4. clinically examine the animal on its last day of observation and take one of the following decisions: 51.4.1. to terminate observation, fill in the decision form (Annex 2) and within one working day send it to the territorial unit of the Service; 51.4.2. to continue observation and re-provide instructions to the animal owner or keeper regarding observation of the animal (Annex 3), determining the duration of observation of the animal; 51.5. send to the territorial structural unit of the Service a notification of a veterinarian regarding the non-fulfilment of the decision (Annex 1) if the animal owner or keeper has not implemented one of the following activities: 51.5.1. during the observation on the tenth day following the incident has not shown his or her animal for a clinical re-examination; 51.5.2. within 48 hours following the end of observation has not shown the animal for a clinical re-examination or has not vaccinated it against rabies. 52. If during the last clinical examination an authorised veterinarian does not observe the indications referred to in Sub-paragraph 5.2.1 of this Regulation, the animal shall be vaccinated against rabies within one day, except the case if the authorised veterinarian, on evaluation of the epizootic situation, anamnesis and the results of clinical examination, takes a decision not to vaccinate the animal against rabies. The animal owner or keeper shall cover all the expenditure related to the vaccination. [1 March 2011] 53. The stray dogs and cats referred to in Sub-paragraphs 6.1.2 and 6.2 of this Regulation, or the sterilised and marked cats referred to in Paragraph 8 of the Animal Protection Law, shall be observed in an animal shelter for not less than 10 days and: 53.1. if following observation the animal is clinically healthy, the owner of the animal shelter shall act in accordance with the procedures specified in laws and regulations regarding the handing over of animals to an animal shelter or animal boarding facility; 53.2. if during the observation an animal dies, an authorised veterinarian shall take a sample from the dead animal and send it for laboratory examination to the scientific institute for the determination of a diagnosis of rabies; 53.3. if during the observation the indications referred to in Sub-paragraph 5.2.1 of this Regulation are observed, an authorised veterinarian shall take a decision to euthanize the animal. [1 March 2011] 3.4. Measures to be Performed if the Diagnosis of an Animal Ill with Rabies is Confirmed 54. Upon receipt of a diagnosis of rabies confirmed by a laboratory, this shall be informed immediately as follows: 54.1. the senior inspector of the territorial unit of the Service – the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control; 54.2. an authorised veterinarian – the animal owner or keeper. [27 March 2012] 55. The senior inspector of the territorial unit of the Service, upon receipt of a diagnosis of rabies confirmed by a laboratory, shall within one working day: 55.1. approve the plan of measures for combating rabies (Annex 6) and determine the area affected by rabies, the territory at risk and the period for restrictions; Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 11 55.2. inform the following regarding the decisions taken referred to in Sub-paragraph 55.1. of this Regulation: 55.2.1. the relevant local government; 55.2.2. an authorised veterinarian; 55.2.3. the relevant territorial unit of the State Forest Service; 55.2.4. the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. [1 March 2011; 27 March 2012] 56. The affected area and the territory at risk shall be determined, taking into account the epizootic situation in the specific territory, the geographical and administrative borders, as well as social factors and the density of the animal population. 57. The local government shall inform the inhabitants of the territory regarding measures for combating rabies. 58. The Centre for Disease Prevention and Control shall ensure the epidemiological examination and observation in the affected area and in the territory at risk for people who have been in contact with an animal who is ill with rabies or with the dead body of such animal. [27 March 2012] 59. The territorial unit of the Service in the affected area and in the territory at risk shall prohibit the organisation of animal displays, competitions and other events with the participation of animals (excluding the cases referred to in Paragraph 60 of this Regulation). 60. In the area affected by rabies and in the territory at risk: 60.1. in accordance with the order of the State Senior Food and Veterinary Inspector the relevant territorial unit of the State Forest Service shall inform the users of hunting rights supervised thereby regarding the necessity for hunting unlimited game and delivering the dead bodies thereof to the scientific institute for the determination of a diagnosis of rabies, if necessary, extending the hunting deadlines for the relevant species; 60.2. hunting shall be organised, if the permission of the State Senior Food and Veterinary Inspector is received. 61. In the area affected by rabies and in the territory at risk 61.1. stray animals shall be caught in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding the catching of dogs and cats; 61.2. stray unidentified animals or the sterilised and marked cats referred to in Paragraph 8 of the Animal Protection Law shall be euthanized and identified animals shall be placed into an animal shelter for observation in accordance with the requirements of this Regulation. [1 March 2011] 62. If the affected area is in a farm, a farmstead, a residential premises or a zoological garden and other animals are located therein, action shall be taken in accordance with the procedures referred to in Sub-paragraphs 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 of this Regulation. 63. It is prohibited to move animals outside the affected area during the entire period of restriction (excluding the movement of farm animals to a slaughterhouse for immediate slaughter). Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 12 64. Following the implementation of the plan of measures for combating rabies the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the territorial structural unit of the State Forest Service, the authorised veterinarian, and the relevant local government shall, within two working days, inform the relevant territorial unit of the Service in writing. [27 March 2012] 65. Following the evaluation of the information referred to in Paragraph 64 of this Regulation, the senior inspector of the territorial unit of the Service shall decide on retention or revocation of the status of an affected area and a territory at risk. 4. Closing Provision 66. This Regulation shall come into force on 1 March 2010. Acting for the Prime Minister – Minister of Finance E. Repše Acting for the Minister for Agriculture – Minister for Economics A. Kampars Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 13 Annex 1 Cabinet Regulation No. 178 23 February 2010 [27 August 2013] Notification of a Veterinarian Regarding the Non-fulfilment of Decision No. 20 To territorial unit of the Food and Veterinary Service (name) I hereby declare that animal owner/keeper (given name, surname/ firm name, personal identity number/registration number, address, telephone number) with the following animal in his or her ownership/possession (in his or her words) 1) species 2) breed 3) given name 4) gender, age 5) identity number 6) date of marking 7) distinguishing features 1.  a clinical examination has been performed and the authorised veterinarian cannot agree with the animal owner or keeper regarding the procedures for the prevention and combating of rabies laid down in laws and regulations; 2. On 20 observation was commenced, with the suspicions regarding the illness of the animal with rabies, and during the observation in accordance with the procedures laid down in laws and regulations, the animal owner/keeper (mark as appropriate): 2.1. has not presented his or her animal for repeat clinical examination: on the tenth day after the event – 20 on the forty fifth day after the event – 20 2.2.  has not vaccinated his or her animal against rabies. Authorised veterinarian: Workplace Authorisation contract No. Given name, surname Certificate No. Signature* Place for a seal Note. * The detail “signature” of the document shall not be completed if the electronic document has been prepared in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding the drawing up of electronic documents. Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 14 Acting for the Minister for Agriculture – Minister for Economics A. Kampars Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 15 Annex 2 Cabinet Regulation No. 178 23 February 2010 [1 March 2011; 27 August 2013] Decision On Action with an Animal No. 20 1. Animal owner/keeper: 1.1. given name, surname or firm name 1.2. personal identity number or registration number - 1.3. address 1.4. telephone number 2. Information regarding the animal: 2.1. species 2.2. breed 2.3. given name 2.4. gender, age 2.5. identity number 2.6. date of marking 2.7. distinguishing features 3. Description of the incident and date 4. Animal vaccination (mark as appropriate):  the last preventive vaccination against rabies was performed on (dd.mm.yyyy.)  vaccination has not been performed/no information 5. Decision (mark as appropriate): 5.1.  not to commence the observation of the animal; 5.2.  to commence of the animal in accordance with instructions regarding the observation of animals ( ) days – from to (in words) (date) (date)  If the animal owner or keeper cannot ensure the observation of the animal in accordance with the instructions, he or she shall ensure the movement of the animal to a registered place of keeping animals (for example, an animal shelter), where the animal shall be observed in accordance with the instructions regarding the observation of animals. Place of observation of the animal (address) Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 16 5.3.  to euthanize the animal and send a sample of pathological material (the entire carcass of the animal, the head of the carcass or the brains of the head) for laboratory examination for the determination of a diagnosis of rabies: 5.3.1.  the animal owner or keeper agrees to the euthanasia of the animal; 2.3.2.  the animal owner or keeper refuses to euthanize the dog, cat or household (domestic) ferret; 5.4.  to continue observation of the animal until (date) 5.5.  to end the observation of the animal (date) 6. If the animal owner refuses the euthanasia of the dog, cat or household (domestic) ferret, he or she shall: 6.1. ensure: 6.1.1. observation of the animal (mark as appropriate): for 10 days, if it is suspected that the dog, cat or household (domestic) ferret has fallen ill with rabies; for 15 days, if it is suspected that another animal (except the dog, cat or household (domestic) ferret) has fallen ill with rabies; 45 days if it is suspected that an animal has been infected with rabies; 6.1.2. vaccination of the animal against rabies within one day after the end of observation, if the animal has not been vaccinated against rabies or the vaccination term has been missed; 6.2. to cover all the expenses related to the activities referred to in Sub-paragraph 6.1 of this Regulation. Authorised veterinarian: Workplace Authorisation contract No. Given name, surname Certificate No. Signature Place for a seal I have acquainted myself with the decision and the duties of an animal owner which I shall perform as I have refused the euthanasia of the animal, I agree with the decision and shall ensure the implementation thereof. I have received one copy of the decision: (date) (given name, surname and signature of the animal owner/keeper) Acting for the Minister for Agriculture – Minister for Economics A. Kampars Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 17 Annex 3 Cabinet Regulation No. 178 23 February 2010 Instructions for the Observation of an Animal 20 1. Animal owner/keeper: 1.1. given name, surname or firm name 1.2. personal identity number or registration number - 1.3. address 1.4. telephone number 2. Information regarding the animal: 2.1. species 2.2. breed 2.3. given name 2.4. gender, age 2.5. identity number 2.6. date of marking 2.7. distinguishing features 3. Instructions 3.1. observation of the animal shall be ensured in one of the following premises or restricted areas (mark as appropriate): indoors (for example, in a house, apartment or shed); in a cage; in a yard (tethered or in a specially restricted area); 3.2. during the observation of an animal the animal owner/keeper: 3.2.1. shall ensure the separate keeping of the animal from other animals and humans; 3.2.2. shall ensure the keeping and welfare conditions appropriate for the animal species; 3.2.3. shall ensure shelter for the animal against unfavourable weather conditions; 3.2.4. shall prevent the possibility of the animal escaping; 3.3. during the observation, it shall be prohibited to: 3.3.1. take the animal outside the property borders (if an animal ill with rabies has been detected – outside the affected area and the territory at risk), unless the animal is kept in an apartment. It shall be permitted to take it for walks outside the borders of the residential premises, ensuring that the animal does not come into contact with another person or animal; 3.3.2. sell the animal, give it away or euthanize it, unless the euthanasia is performed by an authorised veterinarian for the laboratory determination of the diagnosis of rabies. 3.4. an animal owner or keeper shall immediately notify an authorised veterinarian, if: 3.4.1. during the observation salivation, refusal to eat, an inability to take in food and water, behavioural changes or an uncharacteristic attitude in relation to humans or animals is observed in the animal; Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 18 3.4.2. during the observation the animal goes missing; 3.4.3. the animal dies. 3.5. notes Authorised veterinarian: Workplace Authorisation contract No. Given name, surname Certificate No. Signature Place for a seal I have acquainted myself with the instructions and received one copy of the instructions: (date) (given name, surname and signature of the animal owner/keeper) Acting for the Minister for Agriculture – Minister for Economics A. Kampars Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 19 Annex 4 Cabinet Regulation No. 178 23 February 2010 Report On Animal Euthanasia No. Date and location of euthanasia (dd.mm.yyyy.) (address) Information regarding the animal: 1) species 2) breed 3) given name 4) gender, age 5) identity number 6) date of marking 7) distinguishing features 8) notes (if an animal is being euthanized whose owner or keeper is not known) Euthanasia is provided for in the programme of combating rabies because the animal directly threats the health or life of other animals or humans. Notes Medicinal products utilised in the euthanasia (name) (dose) Animal owner/keeper: (given name, surname/ firm name, personal identity number/registration number, address, telephone number) (signature) Authorised veterinarian: Workplace Authorisation contract No. Given name, surname Certificate No. Signature Place for a seal Acting for the Minister for Agriculture – Minister for Economics A. Kampars Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 20 Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 21 Annex 5 Cabinet Regulation No. 178 23 February 2010 [1 March 2011] Statement for Submission to a Medical Practitioner Regarding the Results of Clinical Examination of an Animal No. 20 Issued upon the request of animal owner/keeper (given name, surname/ firm name personal identity number/registration number, address, telephone number) for submission to a medical practitioner, because, in the words of the animal owner/keeper, the animal owned by/in the possession of him or her 1) species 2) variety 3) given name 4) gender, age 5) identity number 6) date of marking 7) distinguishing features on date has bitten/scratched/salivated on* a person known to the veterinarian during the examination of the animal, the animal owner or keeper (for example, relative, friend or neighbour)/an unknown person (for example, a person met by chance)* (given name, surname, address, telephone number) Place of the incident (town, municipality, address, approximate locality (if the precise address is not known)) During the period of the request for a statement, the injured person has/has not turned to a medical practitioner in a medical treatment institution/there is no information* (given name, surname of medical practitioner/name of the institution, address, telephone number) Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 22 Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 23 To be completed by the practising or authorised veterinarian No. Risk factors of rabies Mark as required Yes No Notes 1. During clinical examination fresh wounds or scratches have been detected in the animal 2. During clinical examination the clinical signs characteristic of rabies have been observed in the animal 3. The animal has been vaccinated against rabies in accordance with the requirements laid down in the Veterinary Medicine Law I, the undersigned practising or authorised veterinarian , (given name, surname, certificate number) with this certify that the animal referred to has been clinically examined and does not demonstrate/demonstrates* the clinical signs of illness with rabies: – on the zero day of observation ** (dd.mm.yyyy.) The animal shall be observed for 10 days until (date) – on the tenth day of observation ** (dd.mm.yyyy.) Observation of the animal has been suspended/shall be continued until* (date) The last vaccination of the animal against rabies was performed (dd.mm.yyyy.) The animal has been vaccinated against rabies times Notes * Delete as applicable. ** To be filled in if observation of the animal is commenced. *** To be filled in if the observation of the animal is to be suspended on the tenth day following the incident. Authorised veterinarian: Workplace Authorisation contract No. Given name, surname Certificate No. Signature Place for a seal Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 24 To be completed by the animal owner or keeper No. Risk factors of rabies Mark as required Yes No Unknown 1. A household (domestic) animal, which only lives in enclosed premises 2. The animal has been injured by animals which were ill with rabies within the last six months 3. The animal has been in contact with wild animals during the last six months 4. Within the last six months the animal has been injured in an attack by a stray (unknown) animal 5. Within the last week behavioural changes have been observed in the animal 6. The animal is continuously kept in a territory where cases of rabies in animals have been registered in the last six months 7. Within the last six months the animal has been moved to an area affected by rabies 8. The animal was provoked to attack (date) (given name, surname and signature of the animal owner/keeper) Acting for the Minister for Agriculture – Minister for Economics A. Kampars Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 25 Annex 6 Cabinet Regulation No. 178 23 February 2010 Sample Plan of Measures for Combating Rabies [1 March 2011; 27 March 2012] No. Measures to be performed Term for the execution (from to ) Responsible for implementation of the measures In the area affected by rabies and in the territory at risk 1. To specify a duration of restrictions for 30 days Within one working day following the receipt of a notification regarding a confirmed diagnosis of rabies The relevant territorial unit of the Food and Veterinary Service 2. To ensure the control of the performance of measures Throughout the restriction period The relevant territorial unit of the Food and Veterinary Service 3. To ensure the epidemiological examination and observation of persons who have been in contact with an animal which is ill with rabies, or the dead body of such animal Immediately The Centre for Disease Prevention and Control 4. To inform the inhabitants of the administrative (relevant) territory regarding case of rabies and the measures for combating thereof Immediately The relevant local government 5. To prohibit animal displays, competitions and other events with the participation of animals in an affected area and in a territory at risk (hunting shall be organised, if the relevant territorial unit of the State Forest Service harmonises the course thereof with the State Senior Food and Veterinary Inspector) Throughout the restriction period The relevant territorial unit of the Food and Veterinary Service 6. To organise the unlimited hunting of game and deliver the dead bodies of wild animals to the scientific institute “Scientific Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and the Environment” for the determination of a diagnosis of rabies Throughout the restriction period The relevant territorial unit of the State Forest Service Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 26 In an affected area 7. To prohibit the movement of animals outside the affected area (excluding the movement of farm animals to a slaughterhouse for immediate slaughter) Throughout the restriction period Animal owner or keeper 8. To euthanize or place into observation a non vaccinated dog, cat or household (domestic) ferret which has had contact with an animal with a confirmed diagnosis of rabies Within one day after receipt of a notification regarding a confirmed diagnosis of rabies Animal owner or keeper 9. To perform one of the following activities with an animal which has not had a rabies vaccination in accordance with the procedures specified in the Veterinary Medicine Law and which is not vaccinated: Animal owner or keeper 9.1. to euthanize it Within one day 9.2. following contact (biting, scratching, salivation or attack) to send to a slaughterhouse for immediate slaughter and until sending to the slaughterhouse pasteurise the milk obtained from the animal in temperature of 60 °C for 5 to 10 minutes prior to human consumption or feeding animals Within three days 9.3. to vaccinate against rabies Within one day 10. To eliminate or heat treat milk which is obtained from an animal regarding which there are suspicions regarding illness with rabies, utilising methods which ensure the elimination of the rabies agent (following heat treatment such milk may be utilised in animal feeding-stuffs) During the observation Animal owner or keeper 11. To process or destroy meat and by-products, which are obtained from an animal regarding which there have been suspicions regarding illness with rabies, and which are not intended for human consumption, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 laying down health rules as regards animal by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 (Animal By-products Regulation) Within three days Animal owner or keeper Acting for the Minister for Agriculture – Minister for Economics A. Kampars Translation © 2016 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre) 27