Explanatory Note
(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order further amends the Brucellosis (England and Wales) Order 1981 by inserting provisions requiring the sampling and sending of milk to the animal health laboratory of Genus Ltd. so that it can be tested for evidence of the existence of brucellosis. It implements those provisions of Council Directive 64/432/EEC (OJ No. L121, 29.7.64, p. 1977), as amended (on animal health problems affecting intra–Community trade in bovine animals and swine) and Council Directive 77/391/EEC (OJ No. L145, 13.6.77, p. 44). as amended, (introducing Community measures for the eradication of brucellosis, tuberculosis and leucosis in cattle), which require the operation of a monitoring and testing programme for the maintenance of the officially brucellosis-free status achieved in England and Wales under those Directives.
The inserted provisions provide that: those purchasing milk for resale in any form have the responsibility for monthly sampling of the milk from the herd from which they purchase milk and for dispatching the samples to the animal health laboratory of Genus Ltd. so that they may be tested for evidence of the existence of brucellosis; the milk samples are to be labelled according to particular requirements; and the laboratory is required to notify the appropriate Minister forthwith of milk samples which test positive or inconclusive and to keep records of and to provide to the appropriate Minister on a six-monthly basis, certain details relating to the testing.
A Compliance Cost Assessment has been prepared and a copy placed in the library of each House of Parliament.