Animal Health Emergencies
In recent years we have seen only too clearly how animal diseases can be a threat to people's health, and the serious impact that they can have on the livestock and food industries, as well as the rural economy and people’s everyday lives.
The Animal Health Act and the Orders made under it, aim to control the spread of diseases and to eventually eradicate them. This is done by controlling the movements of animals and isolating areas where disease is confirmed. The Act also imposes strict controls on the import of animals, via import licences and quarantine controls.
Warwickshire County Council has responsibility under the Animal Health Act 1981, and has allocated administration of this function to the Adult, Heath and Community Services Directorate. Enforcement of the act is the responsibility of the Trading Standards Service.
The Head of Trading Standards is the Council's principal officer in Animal Health matters, and will initiate, supervise and co-ordinate action to meet the Council's responsibilities, in conjunction with DEFRA
Emergency powers are available to deal with outbreaks of animal diseases such as foot and mouth, and the Emergency Planning Unit works closely with Trading Standards to ensure that comprehensive arrangements are in place to respond not only to the more common animal health incidents but also the more serious and widespread incidents such as foot and mouth disease and Rabies.
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