Disease control: Control of fresh meat during an outbreak of exotic disease
Designation of premises
The FBO of any premises requiring designation must apply on the relevant form for designation. The FBO will need to confirm they understand and will comply with obligations under the legislation and additional conditions set-out on the designation form. These conditions are not onerous and most plants will be able to meet them with minimal change
For slaughterhouses, game handling establishments and cutting plants the application will be verified by MHS, including checks on the facilities and procedures at the premises, before being passed to Animal Health Divisional Veterinary Manager for approval.
A similar application process applies to processing plants. Processing plants are generally expected to operate as treatment centres by applying the approved treatments to restricted meat. A designation inspection will not ordinarily be required, however some evidence of control systems for meeting the separation and treatment requirements of the legislation will be required as part of the application.
This application may be made in advance of an outbreak. Subject to meeting the criteria, the premises will be Provisionally Designated. Checks will form part of the regular audit to confirm the plant continues to meet the requirements for provisional designation.
Should an outbreak occur and the premises wishes to activate this designation they would still need to apply via their OV to confirm their request. Premises that are provisionally designated will receive confirmation of their designation more quickly than other premises. Premises applying during an outbreak must expect some delay whilst their application is assessed and premises inspected (where necessary).
Further details of these processes will be made available on-line.
Page last modified:
April 4, 2008