As of Friday, January 27, 2006 the new Transport of Animals (Cleansing and Disinfection) (Scotland) Regulations 2005 ( S.S.I. 2005/653- [ www.opsi.gov.uk] ) shall be enforced. They set out the cleansing and disinfection requirements of those transporting animals.
The new legislation is required to bring Scotland into line with current practice and veterinary advice. Changes from the 2000 Regulations ( S.S.I. 2000/167 - [ www.opsi.gov.uk]) make it a legal obligation to cleanse wheels, wheel arches and mudguards when cleansing and disinfection is required, as well as removing the current exemption from full cleansing and disinfection practices for vehicles moving horses.
There are still various exemptions from the Regulations, such as transport of a non-commercial nature or while at livestock shows etc.. The requirements for cleansing and disinfection are outlined in a leaflet, and guidance has also been produced for local authorities, on the Regulations. There is also a poster available that would be usefully placed at key areas, such as at markets, shows, hauliers yards etc.. These can all be accessed via the menu to the left.
Up until the new legislation is enforced, the Transport of Animals (Cleansing and Disinfection) (Scotland) regulations 2000, as mentioned above, will remain in force.