Veterinary Regulation Directorate
The Veterinary Regulation Directorate (VRD) is
mainly responsible to regulate and control all veterinary matters in the
territory of Malta. The spectrum of responsibilities and competencies that fall
under its remit range from border controls in relation to products of
veterinary interest, the regulation and control of production of farm animals
in line with animal health and welfare legislation, the control of keeping pet
animals, the registration and control of pet shops and all animal
establishments including zoos and private collections, registration and
licensing of slaughterhouses, production establishments and all establishments
that are linked to the food chain.
With regards to animal health and welfare controls,
officials from this directorate have a strict regime of controls to follow on
all farms that produce products ending up in the food chain. All farms have to
pass through rigorous controls in all stages of production to ensure that these
are compliant with all animal health and welfare regulations.
As per the border control measures, the Directorate
has Border Inspection Posts that control the movement of products of veterinary
interest in and out of Malta. These products include both live animals, and
here it is ensured that all animals are identified and accompanied by the
necessary certification; and also, all food products of animal origin where
both documentation and physical checks are done on consignments of veterinary
interest as per international protocols in this area.
The Directorate is also responsible for the keeping
of pet animals, the registration and control of pet shops and all animal
establishments including zoos and private collections. These are all regulated
by several local pieces of legislation which together with other EU regulations
provide a solid legislative background to control these areas.
The licensing and control of slaughterhouses, food
production establishments and all establishments that are directly or
indirectly linked to the food chain are all important pillars in the functions
of this Directorate, in order to ensure that all food products produced locally
arrive at the final consumer safe and free for consumption. Officials from this
Directorate carry out controlled visits to all food producing establishments,
all of which undergo strict control measures in order to keep their approval
status in the positive and continue their operations. Such establishments vary
from slaughterhouses, establishments for the further processing of meat
products, and cutting and packing establishments. This will ensure that all end
products that eventually end up in the retail market have passed through
controlled processes of hygiene and have the correct information for the
consumers within their labelling.
The Directorate is also responsible for the registration and controls done on
feedmills, to control the production of animal feed produced locally. This area
controls the primary products used in the manufacture of feeds, ensures that
only authorised feed additives are used in the production chain, and also
checks that all processes are following established standards in this area.
Also, the manufacture and use of medicated feed is controlled up to the use on
farm.
Fees
The Information Sheet about the Pricing Structure of the Veterinary Regulation Directorate gives comprehensive information about the applicable fees and conditions of payment where a fee is applicable.
Veterinary Regulation Directorate’s Annual Report
on the Single Integrated Multiannual National Control Plan (MANCP)
Government Notice No.933 - Re Electronic Identification of Dogs Regulations Subsidiary Legislation 437.101 EN | MT