Article 8 Veterinary inquiry as to the existence of disease

(1)

If a veterinary inspector has reasonable grounds for supposing that the disease exists or has within 56 days existed on any premises he shall with all practicable speed inquire as to the correctness of the supposition.

(2)

For the purposes of such an inquiry a veterinary inspector may—

(a)

examine any animal or carcase on the premises;

(b)

take or cause to be taken from any such animal or carcase any sample he may require for the purposes of diagnosis; and

(c)

mark or cause to be marked any such animal or carcase for identification purposes.

(3)

The occupier of the premises, any person in his employment, any veterinary surgeon who has been attending or who has been consulted respecting any animal or carcase on the premises and any person who is or has been in charge of or in contact with any such animal or carcase, shall provide such information and facilities and render such assistance as may be required for the purposes of the inquiry.

(4)

If on completion of the inquiry the veterinary inspector is of the opinion that the disease exists or has within 56 days existed on the premises his opinion to that effect shall be subject to confirmation by or on behalf of the Chief Veterinary Officer.

(5)

If on completion of the inquiry the veterinary inspector is of the opinion that the disease does not exist and has not within 56 days existed on the premises, or if his opinion as to the existence of the disease on the premises is not confirmed by or on behalf of the Chief Veterinary Officer in accordance with paragraph (4), then the notice in form A served in respect of the premises shall be cancelled forthwith by the service of a notice in form B on the occupier by an inspector of the Ministry.

(6)

If the veterinary inspector's opinion as to the existence of the disease on the premises is confirmed by or on behalf of the Chief Veterinary Officer in accordance with paragraph (4), then the notice in form A served in respect of the premises shall be cancelled by the service of a notice in form B on the occupier by an inspector of the Ministry when the veterinary inspector is satisfied that the disease no longer exists on the premises.