The African Horse Sickness Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013

Imposition of initial controls at slaughterhouses

13.—(1) This regulation applies—

(a) where—

(i) the Department is notified under regulation 5(1) that it is suspected that a horse or carcase at a slaughterhouse is infected with African horse sickness virus; and

(ii) a veterinary inspector considers that further investigation relating to the possible presence of African horse sickness virus is necessary; or

(b) where for any other reason a veterinary inspector considers that further investigation relating to the possible presence of African horse sickness virus at a slaughterhouse is necessary.

(2) Where paragraph 1(a) applies a veterinary inspector shall inform (orally or otherwise) the person who gave notification that further investigation is necessary, and the controls in paragraph (5) then apply.

(3) A veterinary inspector shall go to the slaughterhouse and examine the notified horse or carcase, and may examine any other horse or carcase there as the veterinary inspector considers appropriate.

(4) Where paragraph 1(b) applies a veterinary inspector may by notice served on the person in charge of the slaughterhouse impose the controls in paragraph (5).

(5) The controls are that the person in charge of the slaughterhouse shall ensure that—

(a) no horse or carcase is removed from the slaughterhouse;

(b) any notified horse and any other horse from the same premises as the notified horse is not slaughtered unless authorised by a veterinary inspector; and

(c) if any notified horse or any horse from the same premises as a notified horse has already been, or is subsequently, slaughtered or has died, its carcase is specifically identified and retained at the slaughterhouse until a veterinary inspector has examined it, and taken samples if considered necessary.