DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Diseases of Animals (Rabies) (Importation of Mammals) (Jersey) Order 2011 and
Diseases of Animals (Non-Rabies) (Importation of Mammals) (Jersey) Order 2011
(Public)
Purpose of the Report
The Minister is requested to sign the three Orders.
Background
On 22 August 2011, the Minister signed a Decision to request the Law draftsman to prepare an Order which will change the rabies quarantine requirements for mammals.
On 30 September 2011, the Minister signed a Decision to request the Law draftsman to prepare an Order to change the import controls for rabbits, hares and certain rodents.
Alveolar echinococcosis, caused by the larval stages of the tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis), is a zoonotic disease considered as one of the most severe human parasitic diseases in non-tropical areas. In Europe the disease is increasing in incidence and spreading. Domestic dogs can be infected with the tapeworm and may play a role in the transmission to humans due to close contact. The Pet Travel Scheme rules require all pets entering the island to be treated for tapeworm.
Discussion
Diseases of Animals (Rabies) (Importation of Mammals) (Jersey) Order 2011 prohibits the import of mammals and is made for the purpose of preventing the introduction of rabies into Jersey. Imports, other than from UK Isle of Man and other Channel Islands or Republic of Ireland which do not require a licence, may be permitted under the authority and in accordance with the terms and conditions, of a licence granted by or on behalf of the Minister.
Diseases of Animals (Non-Rabies) (Importation of Mammals) (Jersey) Order 2011 prevents the spread into Jersey of several other diseases and extends the definition of “disease” to include monkey pox, tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis), Hendra and Nipah diseases. The Order enables a dog detained and isolated in quarantine under the Diseases of Animals Rabies (Importation of Mammals) (Jersey) Order 2011 to be treated as the Veterinary Officer may require for tapeworm. Cats are unlikely to contribute to the spread of the tapeworm.
Diseases of Animals (Importation of Miscellaneous Goods) (Amendment No. 19) (Jersey) Order 2011 deletes “live rabbits and hares” from the Schedule of the Diseases of Animals (Importation of Miscellaneous Goods) (Jersey) Order 1958 as amended. It is now appropriate that rabbits and hares are listed in the Schedule of the Diseases of Animals (Rabies) (Importation of Mammals) (Jersey) Order 2011.
Recommendation
The Minister is recommended to sign the Diseases of Animals (Rabies) (Importation of Mammals) (Jersey) Order 2011, Diseases of Animals (Non-Rabies) (Importation of Mammals) (Jersey) Order 2011 and Diseases of Animals (Importation of Miscellaneous Goods) (Amendment No.19) (Jersey) Order 2011.
Written by: States Veterinary Assistant
Approved by: Director for Environment
Ministerial Decision ref: MD-PE-2011-XXXX
08 December 2011