In the event of a suspect case of a category A disease in wild aquatic animals of listed species in accordance with Article 9(1), (3) and (4) in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/689, the competent authority shall:

1. (a)

   immediately conduct an investigation of wild aquatic animals of listed species fished, caught, collected or found dead to confirm or rule out the presence of the category A disease in accordance with Article 71(2);

2. (b)

   ensure that all animal by-products obtained from the wild aquatic animals of listed species suspected to be infected, including molluscs shells with meat, are processed or disposed of as category 1 or category 2 material in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009;

3. (c)

   ensure that, where practicable any material or substance likely to be contaminated by animals suspected to be affected or by the animal by-products obtained from those animals undergoes cleaning and disinfection or is disposed of following the instructions and under the supervision of official veterinarians; and

4. (d)

   provide relevant information to the operators or authorities in charge of the management of the relevant animal population.