Sheep Scab Order 1997 (No. 968 of 1997).

This Order gives a local authority power to serve a notice requiring the temporary clearance from common land of sheep which in its opinion is visibly affected with sheep scab (art. 3). "Common land" means, in England and Wales, any common or unenclosed land, and in Scotland, land grazed in common including common grazings within the meaning of the Crofters (Scotland) Act 1993. Article 4 places restrictions on the movement of sheep after the date specified in the notice If sheep are not moved in accordance with the notice the local authority may seize them (art. 5). The Order prohibits the movement of sheep affected with sheep scab from any premises other than in accordance with this Order or in other specified circumstances (art. 6). It requires a keeper of a sheep affected with sheep scab to treat the animal and all other sheep in the flock, and gives to local authorities powers to serve notices requiring treatment, and default powers if the notice is not complied with (arts. 7 and 8). It enables a veterinary inspector to take samples relating to sheep scab (art. 9) and enables an inspector to mark the sheep (art. 10). Breach of this Order is an offence under section 73 of the Animal Health Act 1981.