This Order specifies tuberculin testing of bovine animals as a test to which the prohibition of the practice of veterinary surgery by persons other than veterinary surgeons in section 19(1) of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 does not apply.

The effect of this Order is to allow such persons who are, in the case of Great Britain, an officer of the Secretary of State and in the case of Northern Ireland, an officer of the Department to carry-out testing. They must be aged 18 years or over and be either a trainee tuberculosis tester acting under the direct and continuous supervision of an authorised veterinary surgeon or an approved tuberculosis tester acting under the direction of an authorised veterinary surgeon. Approved testers must also have passed an approved course, been granted a certificate of competence by the course provider, and have their name entered on the register of approved tuberculin testers.

Articles 1 and 2 contain introductory provisions. Article 3 specifies the exemption that is to apply. Article 4 sets out the conditions for eligibility for exemption. Article 5 sets out the requirements for becoming an approved tuberculosis tester. Article 6 describes the circumstances and manner in which the Secretary of State can register a person for exemption. Article 7 sets out the powers of the Secretary of State to suspend or revoke registration.

A Regulatory Impact Assessment has been prepared and placed in the library of each House of Parliament. Copies can be obtained from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (veterinary Services Team), 7^th Floor, 1A Page Street, London SW1P 4PQ.