The transmission by the Veterinary Administration of certificates or the communication of import permit requirements to persons other than the Veterinary Administration of another country, necessitates that copies of these documents are also sent to the Veterinary Administration . This important procedure avoids delays and difficulties which may arise between traders and Veterinary Administrations when the authenticity of the certificates or permits is not established. This information is usually the responsibility of Veterinary Administrations . However, it can be the responsibility of Veterinary Authorities at the place of origin of the animals when it is agreed that the issue of certificates does not require the approval of the Veterinary Administration . Additional responsibilities of exporting and importing countries 1.
International trade involves a continuing ethical responsibility.
Therefore, if within the normal incubation periods of the various diseases subsequent to an export taking place, the Veterinary Administration becomes aware of the appearance or reappearance of a disease in a herd which has been specifically included in the international veterinary certificate , there is an obligation for the Administration to notify the importing country , so that the imported stock may be inspected or tested and appropriate action be taken to limit the spread of the disease should it have been inadvertently introduced. Equally, if a disease condition appears in imported stock, the Veterinary Administration of the exporting country should be informed so as to enable an investigation to be made, since this may be the first available information on the occurrence of the disease in a previously free herd. The Veterinary Administration of the importing country is entitled to be informed of the result of the investigation since the source of infection may not be in the exporting country . When Members of a Veterinary Administration wish to visit another country for matters of professional interest to the Veterinary Administration of the other country, the latter should be informed. Certification procedures 1.