The Enzootic Bovine Leukosis (Wales) Order 2006

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order revokes and re-enacts the Enzootic Bovine Leukosis Order 1997 (S.I. 1997/757) in relation to Wales.

The Order implements the provisions relating to milk of Council Directive 64/432/EEC, as amended (on health problems affecting intra-Community trade in bovine animals and swine) (O.J. No. L121, 29.7.64, p.1977) and Council Directive 77/391 EEC, as amended, (introducing Community measures for the eradication of brucellosis tuberculosis and leukosis) (O.J. No. L145, 13.6.77, p.44). These Directives require the operation of a monitoring and testing programme in order to maintain officially enzootic bovine leukosis-free status of Great Britain under Council Directive 64/432/EEC.

The principal changes made by this Order relate to the arrangements for testing milk for evidence of enzootic bovine leukosis and the removal of the list of approved laboratories that were contained in Schedule 1 to the 1997 Order.

Notice must be given to the Divisional Veterinary Manager if any animal, carcase or laboratory sample is found to be infected with enzootic bovine leukosis (articles 3, 4 and 5).

Article 6 sets out the duties of purchasers of milk for resale to ensure that milk is sent for testing to an approved laboratory.

The person in charge of an approved laboratory must notify the Assembly of any positive test results within 24 hours and negative test results within one month. That person must also maintain records of all the tests carried out for a period of one year from the date of the test (article 6(5)(e)).

Failure to comply with any provision of the Order is an offence under the Animal Health Act 1981.

A Regulatory Appraisal has been prepared and placed in the library of the National Assembly. Copies can be obtained from the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer, Endemic Diseases Branch, Welsh Assembly Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ.