The Diseases of Poultry (Amendment) Order 1997

The Diseases of Poultry Order 1994^f1 shall be amended in accordance with the following provisions of this article.

In article 3(2), after the reference “5(2)(a),” there shall be inserted the reference “5A(1),”.

After article 5 there shall be inserted the following article—

“Suspected exposure of poultry to risk of disease

5A

(1)

If a veterinary inspector has reason to suspect that poultry as defined in article 3(2) above, or racing pigeons or other captive birds on any premises may have been exposed to the risk of disease, either directly or indirectly, as a result of the movement of persons, animals or vehicles or in any other way, he shall in the case of poultry and may in any other case, serve a notice on the occupier or person in charge of the premises in accordance with this article.

(2)

Once a notice has been served under this article, the veterinary inspector shall use whatever means he thinks suitable to detect any suspicion of disease, shall count the birds, and shall monitor their movements.

(3)

Once a notice has been served under this article, no person shall move any birds from the premises other than for transport directly to a slaughterhouse except under the authority of a licence granted by a veterinary inspector; and before granting such a licence, the veterinary inspector shall carry out a clinical inspection of all the birds to exclude the presence of disease on the premises.

(4)

Where he considers that conditions permit, a veterinary inspector may limit the measures provided for in this article to a part of the premises and to the birds contained there, provided that the birds there have been housed, kept and fed completely separately by separate staff.

(5)

Where a person fails to comply with any restriction or requirement imposed by a notice served under this article, the provisions of article 5(4) and (5) above shall apply as if the notice had been a notice served under that article.”