Explanatory note

This Order makes provision for the eradication of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea in Northern Ireland in the Scheme set out in the Schedule.

Paragraphs 3 and 4 of the scheme make it a requirement for those responsible for new born calves, bovines which come into the possession of a keeper and do not possess a negative test result for BVDV, aborted foetuses, stillborn calves and calves which have died before tagging, to take a tissue sample from those bovines for analysis for Bovine Viral Diarrhoea.

Paragraphs 5 and 6 provide for repeat analysis and inadequate tissue samples.

Paragraph 7 requires the Department to allocate BVD Negative Status to the bovine where a test is negative for BVDV.

Paragraphs 8 requires the Department to notify keepers of bovines which they suspect are infected with BVDV.

Paragraph 9 requires a keeper to isolate infectious or potentially infectious bovines.

Paragraph 10 makes provision for follow up testing of bovines suspected of being infected with BVDV.

Paragraph 11 requires a keeper to notify the Department where sampling or re-sampling is not possible.

Paragraph 12 makes it an offence to tamper with a sample.

Paragraph 13 makes provision for notices.

Paragraph 14 restricts the movement of infectious or potentially infectious bovines.

Any person who, without lawful authority or excuse, proof of which shall lie on him, contravenes any provision of this Order shall be guilty of an offence against the Diseases of Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 and shall be liable, on summary conviction, either to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale (currently £5,000) or in the case of an offence committed with respect to more than 5 animals, not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale (currently £1,000) for each animal.