Article 6
1. Before the animals leave the staging point, the official veterinarian or any veterinarian designated for this purpose by the competent authority shall confirm on the route plan adjusted to that end in accordance with Annex II that the animals are fit to continue their journey. Member States may stipulate that expenditure incurred as a result of the veterinary check shall be borne by the operator concerned. 2. The rules relating to the exchange of messages between authorities to comply with the requirements of this Regulation shall be laid down in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 6 (3) of Directive 91/628/EEC.