S.L. 437.95 Art. 15General requirements for the placing of aquaculture animals on the market for farming and restocking.

(1) Without prejudice to the provisions laid down in Chapter V, the department shall ensure that aquaculture animals placed on the market for farming are:

(a) clinically healthy; and

(b) do not come from a farm or mollusc farming area where there is any unresolved increased mortality.

This sub-rule shall also apply in relation to diseases and the species susceptible thereto not listed in Part II of Schedule IV.

(2) By way of derogation from sub-rule (1)(b), such placing on the market may be permitted by the department based on an assessment of risk, provided that the animals originate from a part of the farm or mollusc farming area independent of the epidemiological unit where the increased mortality has occurred.

(3) Aquaculture animals intended for destruction or slaughter in accordance with the disease control measures provided for in Chapter V shall not be placed on the market for farming and restocking purposes.

(4) Aquaculture animals may only be released into the wild for restocking purposes or into put and take fisheries if they:

(a) comply with the requirements in sub-rule (1); and

(b) come from a farm or mollusc farming area with a health status as referred to in Schedule III, at least equivalent to the health status of the waters in which they are to be released: Provided that, aquaculture animals must originate from a zone or compartment declared disease-free in accordance with rules 49 or 50. The department may also decide to apply this sub-rule to programmes drawn up and applied in accordance with rule 43.