Animal Health Act, no. 6 of 2024.

This Act, divided into nine Parts and consisting of 85 sections, provides for: controlling the movement of animals, animal products and animal-related items into and within Saint Christopher and Nevis, in order to prevent the introduction and spread of notifiable animal diseases; safeguarding animal health and increasing international cooperation in the provision of veterinary public health; establishing standards for animal welfare in Saint Christopher and Nevis. The Act defines the following relevant terms: animal, whether domestic, wild, terrestrial, aquatic, genetically engineered mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects; eggs of any animals; animal disease; animal feed; animal health status; animal products; animal parts; Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency; animal traceability; disease-free zone; disinfection; international standards; international veterinary certificate; quarantine station; risk assessment; sanitary measures; stray animals; veterinarian; veterinary medicinal product. Part II of the Act concerns administration and covers the following matters: continuation and functions of the veterinary authority; delegation of functions; appointment of official veterinarians; appointment and functions of inspectors; establishment of animal disease emergency fund.
Part III focuses on animal diseases control and concerns: approval of animal health measures, including: harmonisation with international standards, risk assessment, being least-trade restrictive, necessary and proportional to the risk; animal disease surveillance system; notifiable disease and reportable diseases; declaration of infected zone; declaration of animal disease emergency; contingency plans for response to emergencies affecting animal health; segregation of diseased animals and notification; designation of disease-free zones, containment zones, free compartments and surveillance zones; movement permit; euthanising of diseased animals; control measures, including: prohibiting or regulating the movement of animals, animal products, animal-related items; disposal of dead animals and compensation; registration of veterinary medicinal products. Part IV concerns import, export and transit of animals and animal products, and include: import and export requirements; border inspection points. Part V concerns quarantine measures. Part VI focuses on animal welfare measures and concerns: prohibition of maltreatment of animals; welfare of animals; treatment of stray animals.
Further Parts concern: Treatment of animals, animal products or animal-related items moving within the Economic Union Area; sanitary certificate; network of agriculture, health and food safety competent authorities; application of common procedures, principles and risk management system to facilitate the free circulation of goods in the Economic Union Area; animals and animal products not permitted to circulate freely in the Economic Union Area; enforcement measures and powers of inspectors; storage and removal of seized animals; limitation on detention of animals; offences and related procedures.