Disease Control (Interim Measures) (England) Order 2003

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

This Order revokes and replaces the Disease Control (Interim Measures) (England) (No. 2) Order 2002.

It provides that cattle, deer, goats pigs and sheep may not be moved without a licence, and provides that these animals (with the exception of deer) may not be moved from premises if cattle, goats or sheep have been moved on to those premises in the previous 6 days, or if pigs have been moved on in the previous 20 days. It also provides for exceptions from these requirements (article 3 and Schedules 1 and 2).

It controls movement of animals to slaughterhouses (article 4) and provides for sets of premises to be linked together as sole occupancy groups (article 5).

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 6 to 12).

It provides for disinfection of vehicles (article 13).

It provides for change of occupation of premises affected by the Order (article 14).

It is enforced by the local authority (article 15).

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 partial regulatory impact assessment is being prepared for this Order and will be placed in the library of each House of Parliament as soon as it is available. Copies will be available from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Animal Movements and Exotic Diseases Division, 1A Page Street, London SW1P 4PQ.