The African Horse Sickness Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations implement the provisions of Directive 92/35/EEC laying down control measures to combat African horse sickness virus (O.J. L No. 157, 10.6.1992, p. 19). They amend a provision of the Specified Diseases (Notification) Order (Northern Ireland) 2004 insofar as it applies to African horse sickness virus.

Part I is introductory.

Part II deals with notification of suspicion of African horse sickness virus.

Part III and Schedule 1 deal with premises where African horse sickness virus is suspected or confirmed. They also deal with premises which have a link with infected premises and make provision, following the declaration of premises as infected premises, to prevent horses from being brought onto other premises due to the risk of African horse sickness virus spreading.

Part IV deals with slaughterhouses.

Part V deals with suspicion relating to non-captive horses.

Part VI makes provision for the establishment of control, protection and surveillance zones. Schedule 1 applies in the control zone, and Schedule 2 applies to the protection and surveillance zone.

Part VII prohibits vaccination against African horse sickness virus except in the circumstances set out there.

Part VIII contains provisions relating to inspection and enforcement.

Breach of the Regulations is an offence punishable, on summary conviction, with a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months, or both, or, on conviction on indictment, with a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.