Explanatory note

This Order permits the administration of epidural anaesthesia for the purpose of bovine embryo collection or transfer by persons not qualified as veterinary surgeons or practitioners, which would otherwise be prohibited by section 19(1) of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.

The person administering epidural anaesthesia must be not less than 18 years and be in training on an approved course in the technique or must have completed such a course of training and be certificated. Such a trainee can administer epidural anaesthesia only under the direct and continuous personal supervision of a qualified person. Other persons who are certificated can perform the technique only on the instructions and under the authority of a team veterinarian. Persons who have not performed the technique for at least two years must have completed an approved refresher course.