The Bluetongue Order 2003

Interpretation

2.—(1) In this Order—

“the Act” means the Animal Health Act 1981;

“animal” means a ruminating animal;

“carcase” means the carcase of a ruminating animal;

“confirmation of disease” means a declaration by the Chief Veterinary Officer that the bluetongue virus is circulating in a specific area;

“embryo” means the embryo of a ruminating animal;

“the disease” means bluetongue;

“diseased” means affected with the disease;

“Divisional Veterinary Manager” means the veterinary inspector authorised by the Secretary of State to receive information about animals or carcases diseased or suspected of being diseased for the area in which such animals or carcases are situated;

“keeper” means any natural or legal person having ownership of, or charged with keeping animals, whether or not for financial reward;

“ovum” means the ovum of a ruminating animal;

“premises” includes land, vehicles, vessels and aircraft;

“Secretary of State” means the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs;

“semen” means the semen of a ruminating animal;

“sentinel animals” means animals which do not have antibodies to the disease and which are used for surveillance for it;

“thing” includes a carcase, embryo, ovum, semen, fodder, litter, dung, straw, slurry, utensil, pen, hurdle, vehicle, equipment and clothing;

“vector” means an insect of the species Culicoides imicola or any other insect of the genus Culicoides which, in the opinion of the Chief Veterinary Officer, is capable of transmitting bluetongue;

“vessel” has the meaning given to “ship” by the Merchant Shipping Act 1995(1).

(2) Any approval, licence, notice or direction under this Order shall be in writing, may be subject to conditions and may be amended, suspended or revoked by notice in writing at any time.

(1)

1995 c. 21 s. 170.