This Act, consisting of 60 sections divided into six Parts, provides for the eradication, control, prevention of the spread, and the mitigation of the effects of any exotic diseases of animals. Exotic diseases include all the diseases specified in the Act. Under the Act "animal" means any mammal (other than man), bird, insect, amphibian, fish, reptile, arthropod, crustacean, mollusc or other member of the animal kingdom, whether alive or dead, and includes (a) the egg, embryo, ova, or sperm of an animal; and (b) any animal product or other thing from which another animal could be produced. The Act provides for the obligation of persons to report outbreaks of exotic diseases and for the quarantining of animals and of animal products suspected of infection. Obligation falls on animal products owner as well as on the veterinary surgeon, stock agent or other person dealing with any animal or animal product by way of a profession, trade or business, is consulted in relation to an animal or animal product which he or she suspects is infected. The Act provides for the identification of, the regulation of movement into or from, and the cleansing and disinfection of any land, place, premises or vehicles suspected to be infected. Officers may require the destruction of animals, premises or things that may be infected and which cannot be effectively disinfected. The Minister may declare any land, place or premises to be infected, restricted or controlled areas if there is a suspect of the presence of an exotic disease or exotic disease agent. To ensure prevention, control and eradication of exotic diseases the Act also provides specific powers and responsibilities of Chief Veterinary Officers and of Veterinary Inspectors in relation to animal, animal products, land, premises, etc, these include inspection, obtain information, remove, search. Moreover provisions include restrictions on the possession or use of any exotic disease agent; the establishment of the Exotic Diseases of Animals (Compensation and Eradication) Account.
Australia · 1993-12-16