Explanatory note

This Order amends the Cattle Compensation (England) Order 2012 (S.I.2012/1379) (“the 2012 Order”).

It inserts a new article 3A into the 2012 Order providing that compensation is only payable for animals where the official veterinarian in the slaughter house condemns the whole carcase due to the presence of tuberculosis lesions that are revealed in the post mortem examination of the carcase.

New paragraphs 5A, 5B and 5C are inserted into the Schedule to the 2012 Order. Paragraph 5A provides for a 50% reduction in compensation payable where the official veterinarian is of the opinion that an animal does not meet the cleanliness and hygiene requirements contained in Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 of the European Council and of the Council laying down specific hygiene rules for on the hygiene of foodstuffs (OJ No L139, 30.4.2004, p. 55). The Food Standards Agency in May 2016 has published relevant guidance entitled ‘Clean livestock Policy’ which can be viewed at https://www.food.gov.uk, or which is available from the Agency at Floor 6, 70 Petty France, Westminster, London SW1H9EX.

Paragraph 5B provides for a 50% reduction where a herd keeper brings an animal into a herd that has already lost its tuberculosis-free status and that animal subsequently is suspected of being affected, or found to be affected, with tuberculosis before the herd regains its tuberculosis-free status. The reduction does not apply where the herd had been accredited under a tuberculosis cattle health scheme that is licensed by the Cattle Health Certification Standards (UK) prior to the herd’s loss of its tuberculosis-free status.

Paragraph 5C provides for the situation where both previous paragraphs 5A and 5B apply in respect of the same animal. The total reduction is 50% of the compensation which would otherwise be payable under the Schedule to the 2012 Order.

The definition of “pedigree animal” has been amended to take account of a change in the EU legislation relating to purebred breeding animals.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.