Notification of spongiform encephalopathy4

1

For the purposes of the Animal Health Act 1981 in its application to this article—

a

the definition of “animals” in section 87(1) is hereby extended to comprise—

i

any kind of mammal except man, and

ii

any kind of four-footed beast which is not a mammal;

b

the definition of “poultry” in section 87(4) is hereby extended to comprise birds of all species; and

c

the definition of “disease” in section 88(1) is hereby extended to comprise any form of spongiform encephalopathy.

2

A person who, in the course of a laboratory examination of the carcase of any poultry, or of any animal other than a sheep, goat or animal of the bovine species, reasonably suspects the presence of spongiform encephalopathy, shall—

a

give notice of that fact as soon as practicable in accordance with article 5(1) below;

b

retain the sample examined and the remainder of the carcase until its disposal is authorised in writing by a veterinary inspector; and

c

if required in writing to do so by a veterinary inspector, surrender any samples in whatever form they are to a veterinary inspector.

3

This article shall not apply in relation to any spongiform encephalopathy which has been deliberately introduced into an animal, a carcase or a sample in a laboratory.