The Tuberculosis in Specified Animals (Scotland) Order 2015

Veterinary inquiry as to the existence of disease

6.—(1) Where a veterinary inspector reasonably believes that there is on any premises an affected animal, a suspected animal or the carcase of such an animal, the inspector must, with all practicable speed, take such steps as may be necessary to establish whether the animal or carcase is affected with tuberculosis.

(2) For the purposes of such an inquiry, a veterinary inspector or an approved veterinary surgeon may—

(a) examine any specified animal or carcase;

(b) carry out such tests and take such samples from any specified animal or carcase as considered necessary for the purpose of diagnosis; and

(c) apply means of identification to any specified animal or carcase.

(3) The occupier of the premises or the keeper of the specified animal or carcase (if a different person) must—

(a) provide such reasonable facilities and comply with such reasonable requirements as are necessary for the purposes of the inquiry; and

(b) if so required by a veterinary inspector or an approved veterinary surgeon, provide information as to the identity, location and movement of any specified animal or carcase.

(4) A veterinary inspector who is of the opinion that an animal is an affected animal or a suspected animal must serve a notice on the keeper of that animal requiring the keeper to—

(a) detain the animal on the premises on which it is located in accordance with any requirements stipulated in the notice and keep it isolated from other animals;

(b) where appropriate take steps to ensure that milk produced by the animal is not mixed with milk produced by another animal and is boiled or otherwise sterilised and that any utensil with which the animal’s milk has been in contact before being sterilised is thoroughly cleansed and scalded with steam or boiling water before being used again; and

(c) ensure that no animal or carcase is moved on to or off the premises or any such part of the premises as may be stipulated in the notice, except under the authority of a licence issued by a veterinary inspector.

(5) A notice served under this article remains in force until it is withdrawn by any further notice served by a veterinary inspector.