EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend the Bluetongue Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/962) (“the 2008 Regulations”) by transposing Directive 2012/5/EU amending Council Directive 2000/75/EC as regards vaccination against bluetongue (OJ No L 81, 21.3.2012, p1).

Regulation 2(4) adds two new paragraphs to regulation 13 (restrictions in protection and surveillance zones) regarding requirements for surveillance zones.

Regulation 2(5) substitutes a new Part 3 (vaccination). Regulation 17 identifies the restrictions relating to obtaining vaccines. Regulation 18 provides a general prohibition on vaccination. Regulation 19 sets out the circumstances and conditions in which compulsory and voluntary vaccination against bluetongue can take place.

Regulation 2(6) inserts a new regulation 30 into the 2008 Regulations which requires the Secretary of State to review the operation of those Regulations and publish a report within five years after these Regulations come into effect and within every five years after that.

An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no new impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.