Explanatory note

This Order requires certain persons to give notice of the specified diseases to the Divisional Veterinary Officer, an inspector or a constable (articles 4 and 5).

It also amends the Movement of Animals (Restrictions) Order 1990 in relation to diseases specified in this Order.

The Order also provides an offence for which the penalty on summary conviction is a fine or in the case of a second or subsequent offence, at the court’s discretion, imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month (sections 72 and 75(1) and (4) of the Animal Health Act 1981).

This Order makes provision for the implementation of Council Directive 82/894/EEC (OJ No. L378, 31.12.82, p.58) as supplemented by Commission Decision 89/162/EEC (OJ No. 61, 4.3.89, p.48) which requires Member States to notify the Commission and other Member States of outbreaks of the first six diseases mentioned in the Schedule (and also various diseases already notifiable under animal health orders). This Order also applies to Viral Haemorrhagic Disease where it affects rabbits.