Statutory Instruments of the Scottish Parliament

(a) that member States shall regularly review the measures they have taken to reduce the risk of transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza caused by Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 (as required by Article 1 of Commission Decision 2005/734/EC) to adjust to the changing epidemiological and ornithological situation;

(b) for the inclusion within the requirement to prohibit the bringing together of birds, point to point races of birds; and

(c) to extend the period of application of the measures provided for in Commission Decision 2005/734/EC (as amended) to 31st May 2006.

These Regulations by replacing the definition of the Commission Decision in the principal Regulations give effect to these amendments (regulation 3).

In addition regulation 4 of these Regulations amends regulation 6 of the principal Regulations to provide–

(a) a time limit for the notification of the written record, referred to in paragraph (1) of that regulation, by persons who commence to keep 50 or more poultry after 28th February 2006; and

(b) provide a time limit for the notification of the information required under paragraph (3) of that regulation.

These Regulations also correct an error in regulation 11 (penalties and time limits) of the principal Regulations by reducing the maximum term of imprisonment, on summary conviction, for offences under the principal Regulations, from six months to three months (regulation 5).