Diseases of Animals (Importation of Miscellaneous Goods) (Jersey) Order 1958: Proposed Amendment

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A decision made on 7 December 2009 to agree that the Diseases of Animals (Importation of Miscellaneous Goods) (Jersey) Order 1958 should be amended.

Decision Reference: MD-PE-2009-0192
Decision Summary Title:	Amendment to Diseases of Animals (Importation of Miscellaneous Goods) (Jersey) Order 1958		Date of Decision Summary:	2 December 2009
Decision Summary Author:	States Veterinary Assistant		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:
Written Report Title:	Changes to Diseases of Animals (Importation of Miscellaneous Goods) (Jersey) Order 1958		Date of Written Report:	2 December 2009
Written Report Author:	States Veterinary Officer		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Control on importation of amphibians to Jersey. Change the import control mechanism and prohibition 17 to improve administration.
Decision(s): The Minister agreed that the Diseases of Animals (Importation of Miscellaneous Goods) (Jersey) Order 1958 should be amended to include amphibians in Schedule 1 and the States Veterinary Officer to set the level of control. To remove from Schedule 1 Prohibition Number 17. To change the import control mechanism for the import of goods.
Reason(s) for Decision: To safeguard native amphibian species. To provide the option of a general licence to be issued for all goods listed in Schedule 1. Meat imports are controlled under the food hygiene regulations by Health Protection.
Resource Implications: None
Action required: States Veterinary Officer to request the Law Draftsman to prepare a revised draft Order for consideration by the Minister.
Signature:		Position:
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

Diseases of Animals (Importation of Miscellaneous Goods) (Jersey) Order 1958: Proposed Amendment

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT

ENVIRONMENT DIVISION

Changes to Diseases of Animals (Importation of Miscellaneous Goods) (Jersey) Order 1958

(Public)

Purpose of the Report

It is proposed that the Planning and Environment Minister make an Order to amend the Disease of Animals (Importation of Miscellaneous Goods) (Jersey) Order 1958:

to prohibit the importation of amphibians, except under licence, in order to safeguard native species
to introduce the option for general licences for all goods listed in Schedule 1
to remove Prohibition Number 17 from Schedule 1.

Background

1 Import of amphibians is not controlled. The threat to amphibian populations worldwide is well documented due to many factors including globalisation, habitat pressures and disease, consequently it is important to make specific reference to amphibians in Jersey legislation

2 The Diseases of Animals (Importation of Miscellaneous Goods) (Jersey) Order 1958 Order requires all goods stipulated to be to be individually licensed for import.

3 It is no longer appropriate or legal to control meat and meat products produced in accordance with EU Food Hygiene Regulations.

Discussion

1 There are a number of virulent amphibian diseases, notably Ranavirus and Chytridiomycosis currently affecting frog populations worldwide. Ranavirus and Chytridiomycosis are present in the UK and mainland Europe. It is believed that neither of these viruses is present in Jersey but if they were to arrive the impact on the very fragile local amphibian populations would be devastating and could result in extinction.

Introduction of proportionate controls will help to minimise the risk of disease introduction to Jersey’s native amphibians. Amendment to the Order enabling the use of general or specific licences with conditions as appropriate will achieve this. The SVO will be able to set conditions under general or specific licence for importers of amphibians to maintain a record of the origin and movement of all amphibians and to require means of transport, containment of animals and health certification to achieve the objective.

2 Enabling the use of general licences decreases administration for government and importers while maintaining appropriate controls to prevent disease incursion. It is proposed to enable replacement of specific licences, by a general licence. The general licence will be published on the website. Conditions attached to the general licence will have to be met and include pre-notification of import to the Department. Officers have the power to inspect the consignment at the port of entry or at the final destination. Checks will be carried out on a risk assessed basis.

The option to return to individual licences and import health certification for each category of goods mentioned in column 2 of schedule 1 when deemed necessary will be retained.

Conclusion

Legal provision to implement these important disease control measures strengthen Jersey’s objective of maintaining high health status whilst ensuring that the level of control is proportionate to risk and allow business to operate.

Recommendation

The Minister is recommended to make an Order to:

To license the importation of amphibians subject to conditions.
To provide the option of a general licence to be issued for each category of goods mentioned in column 2 of schedule 1
Remove Prohibition Number 17.

Written by:	States Veterinary Officer

Approved by:	Chief Officer Planning and Environment

Endorsed by:	[If other department involved -Director’s name and Directorate]