Veterinary inquiry as to the existence of a designated disease6.

(1)

In order to ascertain whether or not a designated disease exists or has existed on any premises, a veterinary inspector may–

(a)

enter the premises and carry out such inquiries, examinations and tests and take such samples (including samples from live birds and carcases) as that inspector considers necessary to ascertain whether disease exists or has existed there and, in particular, to establish–

(i)

the length of time that the disease has existed on the premises;

(ii)

the possible origin of the disease on the premises;

(iii)

whether other premises may have been exposed to contamination by the disease from the premises under enquiry; and

(iv)

the extent to which the disease has been carried to or from the premises under enquiry; and

(b)

mark, or cause to be marked, for identification purposes any bird, carcase or other thing in relation to which any of the powers under sub-paragraph (a) above have been exercised.

(2)

No person shall deface, obliterate or remove any mark applied under paragraph (1)(b).

(3)

Any collecting of samples and laboratory testing in terms of paragraph (1)(a) shall be carried out (in relation to avian influenza) in accordance with F1Article 50 of Council Directive 2005/94/EC and (in relation to Newcastle disease and paramyxovirus 1 in pigeons) in accordance with Annex III of Council Directive 92/66/EEC.

(4)

The occupier or other person in charge of the premises or any employee or agent of that person shall provide such reasonable assistance to a veterinary inspector as that veterinary inspector may require for the exercise of any powers under paragraphs (1) and (3) above.