CHAPTER IINTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
Article 3General obligations
1
Member States shall ensure that data on the occurrence of zoonoses and zoonotic agents and antimicrobial resistance related thereto are collected, analysed and published without delay in accordance with the requirements of this Directive and of any provisions adopted pursuant to it.
2
Each Member State shall designate a competent authority or competent authorities for the purposes of this Directive and notify the Commission thereof. If a Member State designates more than one competent authority, it shall:
a
notify the Commission of the competent authority that will act as a contact point for contacts with the Commission; and
b
ensure that the competent authorities cooperate so as to guarantee the proper implementation of the requirements of this Directive.
3
Each Member State shall ensure that effective and continuous cooperation based on free exchange of general information and, where necessary, of specific data, is established between the competent authority or authorities designated for the purposes of this Directive and:
a
the competent authorities for the purposes of Community legislation on animal health;
b
the competent authorities for the purposes of Community legislation on feed;
c
the competent authorities for the purposes of Community legislation on food hygiene;
d
the structures and/or authorities referred to in Article 1 of Decision No 2119/98/EC;
e
other authorities and organisations concerned.
4
Each Member State shall ensure that the relevant officials of the competent authority or competent authorities referred to in paragraph 2 undertake suitable initial and ongoing training in veterinary science, microbiology or epidemiology, as necessary.