The Sheep and Goats Spongiform EncephalopathyOrder 1998

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order, which extends to Great Britain, gives effect in part to articles 2(1) and article 3 of Commission Decision 98/272/EEC (OJ No. L122, 24.4.98, p.59) on epidemio-surveillance for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. The Order also makes related provision to control transmissible spongiform encephalopathy in sheep and goats.

Article 3 of the Order makes provision for the compulsory notification of any transmissible spongiform encephalopathy in sheep and goats. Article 4 makes provision for restrictions on movement of sheep and goats which are affected or suspected of being affected with transmissible spongiform encephalopathy and the imposition of requirements in relation to these animals.

Article 5 provides for restrictions on movement of sheep and goats which are not affected or suspected animals and article 6 provides for the cleansing and disinfection of premises and equipment. Article 7 provides for the application of section 32 of the Animal Health Act 1981 (slaughter of animals) and article 8 provides for the seizure of carcases for the purposes of preventing the spread of the disease and the provision of compensation.

Article 9 provides for production of licences, article 10 for offences and article 11 for enforcement; article 12 makes a consequential amendment.

A Regulatory Appraisal for this Order has been prepared and placed in the library of each House of Parliament. Copies can be obtained from the Animal Health (BSE) Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Government Buildings, Hook Rise South, Tolworth, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 7NF.