23. A person must not vaccinate an animal against bluetongue except in accordance with this Part.
24.—(1) The Scottish Ministers may declare that in a free area (or part of a free area) voluntary vaccination against bluetongue is permitted.
(2) A declaration under paragraph (1) may be made only if—
(a)it is based on the result of a specific risk assessment carried out by the Scottish Ministers; and
(b)the European Commission has been informed of the decision to make it.
(3) Where a declaration under paragraph (1) provides for the use of live attenuated vaccine, the Scottish Ministers must declare a restricted zone comprising—
(a)a protection zone of at least the area in which vaccination may take place; and
(b)a surveillance zone.
(4) Where a declaration under paragraph (1) is made, a person may vaccinate an animal against bluetongue in accordance with it.
(5) Premises partly inside an area declared under paragraph (1) are treated as being wholly inside that area.
25.—(1) The Scottish Ministers may declare that in a restricted zone (or part of a restricted zone), vaccination against bluetongue is required.
(2) A declaration under paragraph (1) may be made only if the European Commission has been informed of the decision to make it.
(3) A declaration under paragraph (1) may not provide for the use of live attenuated vaccine in a surveillance zone.
(4) Where a declaration under paragraph (1) is made, the owner of an animal to which the declaration applies must ensure the vaccination of the animal in accordance with the declaration.
(5) Premises partly inside an area declared under paragraph (1) are treated as being wholly inside that area.