Initial designation
24.—(1) Where the competent authority suspects that a listed disease or an emerging disease is present, or may become present, in aquatic animals in England or Wales, it must designate such area as it considers appropriate to prevent or limit the spread of that disease.
(2) Where the competent authority has made an initial designation, it must—
(a)take samples of any water or aquatic animals which it suspects are infected;
(b)examine the samples in a laboratory designated by the authority under Article 57 of Directive 2006/88/EC; and
(c)undertake an epizootic investigation in accordance with Article 29 of that Directive.
(3) A person commits an offence if, without the prior written consent of the competent authority, that person—
(a)moves any aquatic animal into, out of or within an initial designation area; or
(b)disposes of any dead aquatic animal which comes from that area.