Veterinary investigation as to the possible existence of diseaseS

8.—(1) Where, for the purposes of this Order, the Scottish Ministers consider it necessary to ascertain whether or not disease exists on any premises or means of transport, a veterinary inspector may carry out such inquiries, examinations and tests and take such samples as that veterinary inspector considers necessary.

(2) A veterinary inspector may mark, or cause to be marked, for identification purposes any bird, carcase or other thing in relation to which any of the powers under paragraph (1) have been exercised.

(3) No person shall deface, obliterate or remove any mark applied under paragraph (2).

(4) The person in charge of the premises or means of transport or any employee or agent of that person shall provide such reasonable assistance to a veterinary inspector as that inspector may require for the exercise of any powers under paragraphs (1) or (2).

(5) A veterinary inspector carrying out an investigation under this article may–

(a)where the birds under investigation are on premises, serve a notice on the person in charge of the premises, restricting the movement of any bird onto or off those premises; and

(b)where the birds under investigation are on a means of transport, serve a notice on the person in charge of the birds or the means of transport requiring the birds to be moved to such place as may be specified in the notice.