This Directive lays down the minimum Community measures to be applied for the control of African swine fever. In particular, it establishes the measures that Member States shall undertake whenever the presence of the said disease on a holding is suspected or in cases in which the presence on a holding is confirmed (arts. 3-5). Member States shall ensure that the presence or the suspected presence of African swine fever is without any delay notified to the competent authority. In case the outbreak of the disease is confirmed, the State concerned shall inform immediately the European Commission in accordance with Annex I. Article 9 regulates the establishment of protection and surveillance zones. Further provisions regard the reintroduction of pigs after the outbreak of the disease (art. 13), the use of swine fever vaccines (art. 19) as well as controls to be performed by experts appointed by the European Commission (art. 20). Each Member State shall draw up a contingency plan, as per article 21, in order to lay down the specific measures to be applied for the implementation of the present provisions.