Eggs and poultry
Legislation in the eggs and poultry sector
Health
The Poultry Breeding and Hatcheries Order 1993 SI No 1898
This Order details the requirements for Salmonella testing of poultry breeding flocks and hatcheries. See Section 3 for detail.
The Zoonoses Order 1989 SI No 285
This Order was made under the Animal Health Act 1981. With reference to poultry, it aims to reduce the risk to human health from Salmonella. The Order allows inquiries, examination and testing of birds etc. for Salmonella. If its presence is confirmed, the premises are declared as an infected place and movements of litter, equipment and vehicles will be prohibited. Poultry and products will be detained and isolated. Poultry may be slaughtered and premises and vehicles will be cleaned and disinfected.
Implementing Authority and Source of Further Information: Defra Animal Health and Welfare Division.
The Diseases of Poultry (England) Order 2003 SI 1078
This Order lays down the requirements in terms of procedures to be carried out on suspicion or confirmation of the presence of a notifiable disease in poultry - to comply with EU Directive 92/40 for control of Avian influenza, and Directive 92/66 for control of Newcastle disease. Similar legislation applies to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The new Order replaces the Diseases of Poultry Order 1994 and extends these measures to Ratites (ostriches, emus and rhea) as required by EU Directive 92/65. It also contains additional powers to check that disease is not present.
The Order can be found at: www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2003/20031078.htm
Implementing Authority and Source of Further Information: Defra Animal Health and Welfare Division.
Animals (Approved Disinfectants) Order 1978 as amended
A MAFF-approved disinfectant must be used in the case of an outbreak of a notifiable disease.
Implementation Authority and Source of Further Information: Local Animal Health Office, State Veterinary Service.
The Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968 and The Protection of Animals Act 1911-1988
These Acts make it an offence to keep an animal in pain instead of arranging for appropriate treatment or humane slaughter. (See also Section 6. Animal Welfare).
Implementing Authority and Source of Further Information: State Veterinary Service and the Police.
Amongst other things, these Regulations prohibit the administration to animals of specified unauthorised substances, prohibit the sale or supply of animals for slaughter, if the appropriate withdrawal period has not expired and specify requirements relating to record keeping.
Implementing Authority and Source of Further Information: Veterinary Medicines Directorate.
The Medicated Feedingstuffs Regulations 1998
The inclusion of veterinary medicinal products in animal feedingstuffs is controlled by these Regulations. Premises manufacturing or distributing medicated feedingstuffs have to be approved by and registered with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.
Implementing Authority and Source of Further Information: Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.
Page last modified: 23 March 2006