Explanatory note

This Order, which extends to England, amends the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Order 1983 (S.I. 1983/1950, as amended) to allow local authorities in districts where foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed to make regulations prohibiting, for the purpose of preventing the spreading of foot-and-mouth disease, the movement of persons onto any land (including any common, or any unenclosed or waste land) on which there are or may be animals susceptible to foot-and-mouth disease or onto any footpath or right of way in an identified area. In a district where the disease has not been confirmed the local authority may make such regulations after consultation with the Minister.

Regulations made under this power may not restrict the movement of any person on or onto a made-up carriageway or the entry onto land of certain specified categories of person.

Contravention of the Foot-and-Mouth Order 1983 is an offence under section 73 of the Animal Health Act 1981, and persons found guilty of such an offence are liable to a fine of up to £5,000.