Explanatory note

This Order replaces the Specified Diseases (Notification) Order 1991, as amended—“the 1991 Order”. It extends the definition of “disease” in the Animal Health Act 1981 so as to comprise the diseases set out in Part I of Schedule 1 to the Order; sheep pox, which is in Part II of that Schedule, is already a disease for the purposes of that Act by virtue of section 88(1) of that Act (article 3(1)(b)).

The Order requires notification to be given of an occurrence or suspected occurrence of a disease specified in Schedule 1 to the Order to the Divisional Veterinary Manager, an inspector or a constable (articles 3 and 5).

Viral Haemorrhagic Disease, affecting rabbits, was a specified disease requiring notification under the 1991 Order. This Order omits that disease from the list of specified diseases.

Article 4 provides for the notification of spongiform encephalopathy in certain cases. A breach of articles 3 or 4 of the Order is an offence under the Animal Health Act 1981 (article 6).

The Order is enforced by the local authority (article 7).

The 1991 Order and amendments to it, are revoked to the extent set out in Schedule 2 to the Order (article 8).

A Cost Compliance Assessment in relation to this Order has been placed in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament and copies can be obtained from the Animal Health (Disease Control) Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Government Buildings, Hook Rise South, Tolworth, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 7NF.