Explanatory note

This Order further amends the Brucellosis (Scotland) Order 1979 by inserting provisions requiring the sampling and sending of milk to one of the laboratories noted in the Order so that it can be tested for evidence of the existence of brucellosis. It implements those provisions of Council Directive 64/432/EEC (OJ No. L121, 29.7.64, p. 1977), as amended (on animal health problems affecting intra-Community trade in bovine animals and swine) and Council Directive 77/391/EEC (OJ No. L145, 13.6.77, p.44), as amended, (introducing Community measures for the eradication of brucellosis, tuberculosis and leucosis in cattle), which require the operation of a monitoring and testing programme for the maintenance of the officially brucellosis-free status achieved in Scotland under those Directives.

The inserted provisions provide that: those purchasing milk for resale in any form have the responsibility for monthly sampling of milk from the herd from which they purchase milk and for dispatching the samples to a laboratory listed in the Order so that they may be tested for evidence of the existence of brucellosis; the milk samples are to be labelled according to particular requirements and the relevant laboratory is required to notify the appropriate Minister forthwith of milk samples which test positiv ffie or inconclusive and to keep records of and to provide to the appropriate Minister, on a six-monthly basis, certain details relating to the testing.

The Order also extends the 1979 Order to apply to all bovine animals.

A Compliance Cost Assessment has been prepared and a copy placed in the library of each House of Parliament.