Publication Abstract

National Legislation in Great Britainfor the Control of Fish Diseases

B.J. Hill

The Diseases of Fish Act 1937 ofGreat Britain is almost certainly the longest-standing example of national legislationspecifically devised to control fish diseases. It was introduced in response to severaloutbreaks of furunculosis disease in wild salmon and other fish species in the rivers ofEngland, Wales and Scotland, which were attributed to the importation of infected liverainbow trout from Germany. The Act totally prohibited the importation of live salmonidsinto Great Britain, and made it illegal to import salmonid ova and all live freshwaterfish species without a licence. The Act also provided powers for authorised persons toenter onto any land to confiscate any fish, ova, foodstuff or articles suspected to havebeen illegally imported into Great Britain. Moreover, the Act enabled any disease to bedesignated as ‘notifiable’, meaning that even the suspicion of its presence inany waters must be reported to the official services.

This legislation was eventually amended and extended by theDiseases of Fish Act 1983 to make it a legal requirement for all fish-farming businessesto become registered with the official services, and to maintain records of the movementof fish and fish ova into and from their sites. In 1986, additional powers were introducedunder the Animal Health Act 1981 to limit the importation of dead, ungutted salmonid fish.

In 1993, the legislation was amended to remove any legalconflict with European Economic Community Council Directive 91/67/EEC. In addition, theDiseases of Fish (Control) Regulations have since been passed so that new European Unionrules for the control of infectious salmon anaemia, viral haemorrhagic septicaemia andinfectious haematopoietic necrosis may be enforced nationally.

Reference:

B.J. Hill, 1996. National Legislation in Great Britain for the Control of Fish Diseases.Revue Scientifique Et Technique office International Des Epizooties, 15(2): 633-645.