The Disease Control (England) Order 2003

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order revokes and replaces the Disease Control (Interim Measures) (England) (No. 2) Order 2003(1). It changes the provisions of that Order as follows—

• It removes the cessation provision so that the Order now has permanent effect (article 1);

• It amends the provisions relating to the standstill period so that the arrival of a pig triggers a 20 day standstill on any pigs on the premises and a 6 day standstill on any cattle, goats and sheep (article 3);

• It amends Schedule 2 so that movements of animals on to premises licensed under the Animal Gatherings Order 2003(2) do not trigger the standstill period;

• It adds paragraph 12 to Schedule 1 (movement of rams and bulls for breeding) and paragraphs 6, 7 and 8 (provisions concerning breeding rams, bulls and goats) to Schedule 2.

Part 2 of the Order provides that cattle, goats, and sheep, may not be moved from premises if specified animals have been moved on to those premises in the previous 6 days (article 4). It also provides that pigs may not be moved from premises if pigs have been moved on to those premises in the previous 20 days or cattle, goats, or sheep have been moved on to those premises in the previous 6 days (article 5).

It provides for exceptions from these requirements (articles 6, 7 and 8 and Schedules 1 and 2). Schedule 1 lists the movements off premises which are permitted during the standstill period and Schedule 2 lists the movements on to premises that do not trigger the standstill period.

It provides for marking sheep and goats travelling to shows or exhibitions (article 9).

It controls movement of animals to and from slaughterhouses (article 10) and provides for sets of premises to be linked together as sole occupancy groups (article 11).

Part 3 of the Order provides that cattle, deer, pigs, goats and sheep may not be moved except in accordance with a licence (article 12).

It makes provisions for licences, permits and authorisations, and empowers the Secretary of State to serve notices removing individual premises or people from operating under a general licence (articles 13 to 19 ).

It provides for disinfection of vehicles (article 20).

It provides for change of occupation of premises affected by the Order (article 21).

It is enforced by the local authority (article 22).

Breach of the Order is an offence under section 73 of the Animal Health Act 1981, punishable in accordance with section 75 of that Act.

A regulatory impact assessment has been prepared and placed in the library of each House of Parliament. Copies can be obtained from Hester Tidcombe, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 1A Page Street, London SW1P 4PQ.

(1)

S.I. 2003/1279.

(2)

S.I. 2003/1723.