S.L. 437.50 Art. 26Measures in relation to semen, ova and embryos collected from animals of susceptible species in the protection zone.

(1) The competent authority shall ensure that the placing on the market of semen, ova and embryos derived from animals of susceptible species originating in the protection zone shall be prohibited.

(2) By way of derogation, the prohibition provided for in sub-rule (1) shall not apply to frozen semen, ova and embryos collected and stored at least twenty-one days before the estimated date of earliest infection with the foot-and-mouth disease virus on a holding in the zone.

(3) Frozen semen collected in accordance with European Community legislation after the date of infection referred to in sub-rule (2), shall be stored separately and shall only be released after:

(a) all the measures relating to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease have been removed in accordance with rule 36, and

(b) all animals accommodated in the semen collection centre have undergone a clinical examination, and samples taken in accordance with point 2.2 of Schedule III have been subjected to a serological test to substantiate the absence of infection in the semen collection centre concerned, and

(c) the donor animal has been subjected with negative result to a serological test for the detection of antibodies against the foot-and-mouth disease virus on a sample taken not earlier than 28 days after the collection of the semen.