(This note is not part of the Regulation)
These Regulations amend the Bluetongue Regulations 2008 (S.R. 2008 No.275) (“the 2008 Regulations”) by transposing Directive 2012/5/EU of 14 March 2012 amending Council Directive 2000/75/EC as regards vaccination against bluetongue (O.J. No L 81, 21.3.2012, p1). The main purpose of Directive 2012/5/EU, as transposed by these amendment Regulations, is to provide a mechanism for inactivated vaccine to be allowed to be used in areas no longer subject to bluetongue restrictions.
Regulation 2(4) adds a new paragraph to regulation 10 (restrictions in protection and surveillance zones) regarding requirements for surveillance zones.
Regulation 2(5) amends regulation 18 (obtaining vaccine) to add to the circumstances in which vaccine may be obtained.
Regulation 2(6) amends regulation 19 (prohibition on vaccination) to add the further exception following a decision of the Department in accordance with the new regulation 19A. It also prohibits the use of live attenuated vaccines in the surveillance zone.
Regulation 2(7) inserts a new regulation 19A (decision to allow use of vaccines) into the 2008 Regulations to allow the use of bluetongue vaccine once certain steps have been taken by the Department. Where a decision has been taken to allow live attenuated vaccine to be used then the Department must declare a protection zone that consists of at least the vaccination area, and a surveillance zone surrounding that area.
An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no new impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.