Veterinary enquiry as to the existence of disease
7.—(1) Where on receipt of information under article 5 or 6 or otherwise, there is reason to believe that there is on any premises an affected animal (other than a reactor) or a suspected animal or a carcase which is affected with or suspected of being affected with tuberculosis, a veterinary inspector shall, as soon as practicable, take such steps as may be necessary to verify that information.
(2) For the purpose of carrying out the duties under paragraph (1), a veterinary inspector may examine any bovine animal or carcase on the premises and take such samples as may be required for the purpose of diagnosis from any such bovine animal or carcase.
(3) A veterinary inspector shall serve a notice on the owner or person in charge of any bovine animal examined by that inspector, which in the opinion of the inspector is an affected or suspected animal, requiring the owner or person in charge of the animal to–
(a)detain the animal that is the subject of the notice in accordance with the requirements of that notice and keep it isolated from other bovine animals;
(b)where appropriate take steps to ensure that the milk produced by the animal is not mixed with other milk and is boiled or otherwise sterilised and that any utensil with which such milk has been in contact before being so treated shall be thoroughly cleansed and scalded with steam or boiling water before being used again; and
(c)ensure that no bovine animal is moved on to or off the premises or such part of the premises as is specified in the notice except under the authority of a licence issued by a veterinary inspector.
(4) A notice served under this article shall remain in force until–
(a)the animal to which it relates has died, or has been slaughtered pursuant to section 32 of the Act; or
(b)withdrawn by a further notice in writing served by a veterinary inspector.