The Bluetongue (Scotland) Order 2012

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order restates, with amendments, the Bluetongue (Scotland) Order 2008. Accordingly, it—

• implements Council Directive 2000/75/EC (“the Directive”) laying down specific provisions for the control and eradication of bluetongue

• enforces Commission Regulation 1266/2007.

The only substantive differences from the 2008 Order arise from the amendment of the Directive by Directive 2012/5/EU so as to permit vaccination against bluetongue outside a restricted zone. These differences are contained in Part 5 of the Order.

Part 2 of the Order provides for notification of and other procedural requirements on suspicion of bluetongue.

Part 3 provides for the establishment of various zones on confirmation of bluetongue and movement restrictions and slaughter.

Part 4 regulates exports.

Part 6 provides for enforcement and offences. This Order is enforced by the local authority, unless the Scottish Ministers direct otherwise

Part 7 revokes the 2008 Order and the Orders which amended it.

As with the 2008 Order, failures to comply with relevant provisions of this Order are offences against the Animal Health Act 1981.

A business and regulatory impact assessment has been prepared and placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. Copies can be obtained from the Scottish Government Directorate for Agriculture, Food and Rural Communities, Animal Health and Welfare Division, Saughton House, Broomhouse Drive, Edinburgh.