Part I

General

Eradication and prevention of disease

Biosecurity guidance
6A
1
The Secretary of State must prepare guidance on the appropriate biosecurity measures to be taken in relation to—
a
foot-and-mouth disease;
b
such other disease as the Secretary of State by order specifies.
2
After preparing a draft of the guidance the Secretary of State—
a
must send a copy of the draft to such persons and organisations as he thinks are representative of those having an interest in biosecurity measures;
b
must consider any representations made to him about the draft by such persons and organisations;
c
may amend the draft accordingly.
3
After the Secretary of State has proceeded under subsection (2) he must publish the guidance in such manner as he thinks appropriate.
4
The Secretary of State must from time to time review the guidance and if he thinks it appropriate revise the guidance.
5
Subsections (1) to (3) apply to a revision of the guidance as they apply to its preparation.
6
But if the Secretary of State thinks that it is necessary to revise the guidance urgently he may publish revised guidance without proceeding under subsection (2).
7
Biosecurity measures are measures taken to prevent the spread of causative agents of disease.
8
Causative agent includes any virus, bacterium and any other organism or infectious substance which may cause or transmit disease.
9
The power to make an order must be exercised by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
10
It is immaterial that anything done for the purposes of subsections (1) to (3) is done before the passing of the Animal Health Act 2002.
S. 6A - S. 6B inserted (E.W.) (1.7.2003) by Animal Health Act 2002 (c. 42), ss. 16, 19(1); S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2(b)
S. 6A applied (28.8.2003) by Avian Influenza and Nescastle Disease (Biosecurity Guidance and Disease Control Slaughter Protocol) (England and Wales) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/2035), arts. 1, 2