Inspecting and Licensing
In order to protect public health, the health and welfare of animals and endangered species Animal Health is responsible for inspecting and licensing a wide range of premises and activities.
Approval of premises
We inspect and licence a variety of premises, such as markets, quarantine centres, rendering plants, exempt finishing units and other types of premises at which animals or animal by-products are gathered.
Animal by-products
We inspect and approve sites and equipment which ensure that animal by-products and catering waste of animal origin is safely disposed of.
Animal movement
We licence the movement of animals being transported as part of an economic activity on journeys of over 65 kilometres (approximately 40 miles).
We licence the export of animals and animal by-products, and the import of animals, both those using approved quarantine premises, and commercially traded animals. We also administer the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allowing eligible pet cats and dogs from qualifying countries to enter and re-enter the UK .
Animal gatherings
We licence animal gatherings - any occasion at which animals are brought together for a sale, show or exhibition, collection for onward consignment or a breed inspection to confirm the animals possess specific breed characteristics - and ensure adequate biosecurity measures are being observed at such events.
Artificial breeding controls
We licence the storage, collection and transport of bovine semen and embryos and porcine semen and embryos.
We implement the Bovine Semen Regulation 2007 which governs the collection, processing, storage and movement of bovine semen used in both domestic and Intra-Community trade.
Inspection of eggs
We also check that standards of egg production are maintained and that eggs imported for human consumption meet the same standards. We regularly assess and report the prevalence of salmonellosis in poultry and we check that eggs are correctly labelled and that marketing regulations are being complied with.
Dairy Hygiene Inspections
In England and Wales we check that a satisfactory standard of hygiene is maintained in relation to the nation's raw milk supply. We inspect dairy animals, milking facilities and equipment and milking operations. Where necessary statutory action is taken to ensure that adequate standards are maintained.
Protection of wildlife and endangered species
We are the licensing element of the UK Management Authority for CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and are responsible for regulating trade in endangered species by issuing permits to allow their import, export and trade. We also register certain birds kept in captivity, and protected under national legislation.
Page last modified: 23 May 2007
Page published: 2 April 2007