Brucellosis (England) Order 2000 (S.I. No. 2055 of 2000).

This Order concerns measures introduced by Community legislation to prevent the spreading of brucellosis. The Directives here implemented require the operation of a monitoring and testing programme to maintain the brucellosis free status of Great Britain under Council Directive 64/432/EC. The Order deals with restrictions on vaccination and treatment of diseased animals as well as controls on movement of diseased animals. The principal changes made by this Order relate to the arrangements for testing milk for evidence of brucellosis and the removal of the list of approved laboratories. The Order sets out the duties of those who buy milk in England for resale to ensure that milk is sent for testing to an approved laboratory. The person in charge of an approved laboratory must notify the Minister if the result of any test for brucellosis is positive within 24 hours and if the result is negative within one month. That person must maintain records of all the tests carried out for a period of one year. Veterinary inspectors can require testing of animals for brucellosis. Owners of bovine animals are required to notify abortions or premature calving. The Order further provides for measures to control the spread of any brucellosis infection. Diseased animals can be slaughtered at the request of the Minister.