Veterinary inquiry as to the existence of a diseaseE+W

6.—(1) Where a notice has been served in accordance with sub-paragraph (1)(a) of article 5, a veterinary inspector shall enter the premises that are subject to the notice and carry out such inquiries, examinations and tests and take such samples (including live birds and carcases), as are necessary to ascertain whether disease exists or has existed there and, in particular, to establish

(i)the length of time the disease has existed on the premises,

(ii)the possible origin of the disease on the premises,

(iii)which premises may have been exposed to contamination by the disease from the premises under inquiry, and

(iv)the extent to which a disease has been carried to or from the premises under inquiry.

(2) Where a notice has been served in accordance with sub-paragraph (1)(b) of article 5 or paragraph (2) of article 5, a veterinary inspector shall —

(a)carry out such inquiries as are necessary in order to detect any reasonable grounds for suspicion of a disease and, in doing so, may conduct examinations, tests and take samples as he or she sees fit;

(b)count the poultry; and

(c)monitor their movements.

(3) A veterinary inspector may mark, or cause to be marked, for identification purposes any bird, carcase or other thing in relation to which any of the powers under paragraphs (1) and (2) have been exercised.

(4) Collection of samples and laboratory testing under paragraph (2) 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 in pigeons), with Annex III of Council Directive 92/66/EEC.

(5) The occupier of the premises or the keeper of any birds on the premises or any person in his or her employment shall provide such reasonable assistance to a veterinary inspector as he or she may require for the exercise of his or her powers under paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) above.

Textual Amendments