2000/428/EC: Commission DecisionShow full title

CHAPTER I U.K. Introduction, objectives and definitions

1. This Manual: U.K.

(a)

provides for guidelines and minimum requirements on diagnostic procedures, sampling methods and criteria for the evaluation of the results of laboratory tests for a proper diagnosis of swine vesicular disease. However, particular emphasis is also on the differential diagnosis with foot-and-mouth disease;

(b)

integrates the provisions of Annex II to Directive 92/119/EEC, and in particular of paragraphs 4, 7 and 8 of the said Annex;

(c)

is principally directed towards the authorities responsible for the control of swine vesicular disease.

Therefore, emphasis is on the principles and applications of laboratory tests and evaluation of their results and not on detailed laboratory techniques.

2. For the purpose of this Manual the following definitions shall apply: U.K.

(a)

"seropositive pig" means any pig whose serum has an antibody titre equal to or greater than the swine vesicular disease Reference Serum 4 referred to in Chapter X in the virus neutralisation test used by the National Laboratory;

(b)

"singleton reactor" means any single seropositive pig in a holding which yields a positive result in serological tests for swine vesicular disease, but which has no history of contact with swine vesicular disease virus and from which there is no evidence of spread of infection to in-contact pigs. A seropositive pig is confirmed to be a singleton reactor if the conditions referred to in Chapter VIII(C) are fulfilled;

(c)

"in-contact pigs" means the pigs which have direct contact, or have had direct contact within the last 28 days, with one or more seropositive pigs or with one or more pigs suspected to be infected with swine vesicular disease virus. In-contact pigs may be, or may have been, in the same pen or in adjacent pens if there is the possibility of pig-to-pig contact between pens.

[F1 3. In England, the procedures, sampling methods and criteria for the evaluation of the results of laboratory tests must be— E+W

(a)

those set out in this Manual; or

(b)

those authorised by the Secretary of State, provided that—

(i)

the sensitivity and specificity of the authorised laboratory test has been demonstrated as being effective following a comparative test; or

(ii)

where no such evaluation has been organised for a specific type of laboratory test, the sensitivity and specificity of the authorised laboratory test have been validated by the national reference laboratory so that the laboratory test is fit for the purposes for which it is used.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Annex Ch. 1 para. 3 inserted (E.W.) (29.4.2026) by The Exotic Animal Disease (Amendment) (England) Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/475), arts. 1(1), 4(1)(2)(a)