The Diseases of Swine Regulations 2014

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations implement the provisions for the control of—

(a) swine vesicular disease contained in Council Directive 92/119/EEC introducing general Community measures for the control of certain animal diseases and specific measures relating to swine vesicular disease (OJ No L 62, 15.3.1993, p 69);

(b) classical swine fever contained in Council Directive 2001/89/EC on Community measures for the control of classical swine fever (OJ No L 316, 1.12.2001, p 5);

(c) African swine fever contained in Council Directive 2002/60/EC laying down specific control of African swine fever and amending Directive 92/119/EEC as regards Teschen disease and African swine fever (OJ No L 192, 20.7.2002, p 27).

Part 1 is introductory and includes definitions.

Part 2 deals with requirements for disease notification and the investigation of suspicion of disease.

Part 3 deals with measures to be taken on infected premises where disease is confirmed.

Part 4 deals with measures to be taken on suspicion and confirmation of disease at a slaughterhouse.

Part 5 deals with measures to be taken on suspicion and confirmation of disease in feral pigs.

Part 6 makes provision for the establishment of protection zones, surveillance zones and infection zones following the confirmation of disease on any premises.

Part 7 prohibits vaccination against disease except in certain circumstances. For classical swine fever provision is made for declaring an emergency vaccination zone.

Part 8 contains provisions relating to inspection and enforcement.

These Regulations are enforced by the local authority (as defined in regulation 2(1)) or, if so directed, by the appropriate authority (as defined in regulation 2(2)).

Breach of any of the provisions listed in regulation 39 is an offence punishable on summary conviction or on conviction on indictment. On summary conviction, the offence is punishable with a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months, or both. On conviction on indictment, the offence is punishable with a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.

Regulation 43 deals with revocations, consequential amendments and a disapplication of provisions contained in the Animal Health Act 1981 (c. 22) in so far as they applied to classical swine fever.

Regulation 44 requires the Secretary of State to review the operation and effect of these Regulations in England only and publish a report within five years after they come into force and within five years after that and each subsequent publication.

An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no negative impact on the costs of the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen. An Explanatory Memorandum is published alongside the instrument on www.legislation.gov.uk.