Measures to detect previous identification of equidae
Article 17
1. The measures to detect possible signs or marks indicative of previous identification, as provided for in Article 16, shall include, at least, measures to detect: (a) any transponder previously implanted, using a reading device complying with ISO standard 11785 and capable of reading at least HDX and FDX-B transponders at least when the reader is in direct contact with the body surface on the spot where under normal circumstances a transponder is implanted; (b) any clinical signs indicating that a transponder previously implanted or a mark previously applied in accordance with Article 21 has been surgically removed or altered; (c) any sign or indication that an alternative method of identity verification was applied to the equine animal in accordance with Article 21. 2. Where, following the application by the keeper in accordance with Article 11(1), the measures provided for in paragraph 1 of this Article reveal the existence of a previously implanted transponder, or any alternative method of identity verification applied in accordance with Article 21 indicative of a completed previous identification in accordance with Article 9, the issuing body shall: (a) issue a duplicate or replacement identification document in accordance with Article 29 or 32, depending on the information available; (b) enter that information, i.e. the transponder number or the alternative method of identity verification, in an appropriate way in the form fields of Part A and the outline diagram in Part B of Section I of the identification document. 3. Where the undocumented removal of a transponder or alternative method of identity verification referred to in paragraph 1(b) of this Article is confirmed in an equine animal born in the Union, the issuing body shall issue a replacement identification document in accordance with Article 32. 4. By way of derogation from paragraph 2 of this Article, the competent authority may authorise the issuing of an identification document in accordance with Article 9 for equidae living under wild or semi-wild conditions referred to in Article 13 which carry a transponder but for which, in accordance with Article 13, no identification document was issued, provided that the code of the transponder was recorded at the time of implantation in the database of the issuing body responsible for that population of equidae.