Legal Document

“Animal health status” means animal health status of a country or zone with respect to an animal disease, according to the criteria listed in the code dealing with the disease.

“Bird” includes all fowl, turkeys, geese, ducks, and guinea fowl peafowl, pigeons, pheasants, parrots, ostriches and all captive wild birds and the eggs of all such birds.

“Board” means National Veterinary Board.

“Carcass” for the purpose of disease control means the entire body of a dead animal and for the purpose of meat hygiene means the body of any slaughtered animal bleeding and dressing

“Cattle” include bulls, cows, oxen, heifers and calves.

“Code of practice” means a book is written in the form of testing animal products established by regulations related this law.

“Case” means an individual animal affected by an infectious or parasitic disease.

“Certifying veterinarian” means veterinarian who perform international veterinary certification.

“Clinical veterinary service” includes clinical examination, diagnosis, treatment, surgical interventions, prophylaxis, extension and animal health certification.

“Code” means the veterinary law code

“Disinfection” means the application of procedures intended to destroy infectious or parasitic agents of animal disease on premises, vehicles and all other objects which may have been contaminated.

“Disinfestations” means the application of procedures intended to eliminate arthropods.

“Disease diagnosis” means investigation and determination of the cause of an infectious animal disease.

“Designated place” means any abattoir, slaughterhouse or quarantine station place declared to be such under this law. “Establishment” means premises in which animals are kept.

“Early detection system” means a system under the control of the Veterinary Services for the timely detection and identification of animal diseases.

“Exporting country” means a country from which commodities are sent to another country.

“Free zone” means a clearly defined territory within the country in which no case of a disease included in the code has been reported during the period stated for such a disease in the OIE international animal health code, and within that borders which veterinary officials checked the health of animals, products and their transportations.

“Infected area” means any area declared by the minister by decree to be an area infected by a notifiable disease.

“Inspecting officer” means any veterinary officer involved in animal health and also any other person duly authorized by the director of animal health to perform animal health service duties.

“Incidence” It means the number of new cases or frequency of a disease outbreak that occur in a particular areas within a limited times.

“Importing country” means a country that is the final destination to which commodities are sent.

“International veterinary certificate” means a certificate issued in conformity with the OIE guidelines, describing the animal health and/or health requirements needed to fulfill by the exported commodities.

“International trade” means the importation, exportation and removal of trafficking commodities.

“Meat” means any edible part of an animal body.

“Ministerial Decree” It means any formal written code, or instructions issued by the Ministry of Livestock in defining legal issues OR clear instructions related to the animals referred by this code which may be code addition or reduction.

“Quarantine station” means a pound of Veterinary Authority where animals isolate or separate, with no direct or indirect contact with other animals, in order to undergo observation for a specified length of time and, if appropriate, testing and treatment.

“Veterinary authority” means the Veterinary Service under the Ministry of Livestock, which is directly responsible for application of animal health measures in specific areas of the country. The office also is responsible for the issuing or the supervision of the issuing of international veterinary certificates in that area.

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CHAPTER 2

GENERAL PROVISION

Section 2.1

Overall Objectives and Functions

Article 2.1.1

Objectives

The Ministry of Livestock, forestry and range of Somalia shall assure the health of the national Herd in compliance with the national development policies and strategies and shall implement in the whole country for:

Improving the quality of care and the health status of livestock
Participating in the protection of human health
Implementing international veterinary certification procedures and supervision and auditing their application; and
Protecting animals and their care and welfare

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Article 2.1.2

Functions of the Veterinary Service

The functions of the Veterinary Service shall include:

disease surveillance and monitoring;
disease investigation, diagnosis, reporting and notification;
disease prevention, control and eradication;
control of zoonoses, food hygiene and meat inspection;
emergency preparedness and response
zoo-sanitary measures;
export and import inspection and certification of animals and animal products according to international standards;
wildlife disease monitoring;
veterinary aspects of aquaculture;
reporting to international health bodies/organizations and other countries;
clinical services;
Control, test of the quality of veterinary medicines and vaccinations and other biological products;
ensuring humane treatment of animals in general and welfare standards during production, marketing, transport and slaughter;
education/training, research, extension and development;
regulating livestock market and marketing system; and
Regulating, monitoring and support of international organizations and those involved in livestock health, and Development.

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Section 2.2

Public and private sector animal health services

Article 2.2.1

Public and private veterinary services

The Veterinary Service shall include both public and private services.

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Article 2.2.2

Responsibilities of public and private sectors

The roles and functions of the private sector shall include:

Veterinary clinical services (diagnosis, treatment, surgery, prophylaxis, etc.);
Importation, distribution, storage and retailing of veterinary drugs, chemicals and equipment, when they get permission from the Ministry of livestock, forestry and range.
Authorization of the management of livestock production enterprises and related agribusiness such as marketing of livestock and livestock products; and
Participation in veterinary extension services.

The functions of the Veterinary Service (Article 2.1.2) not listed as “private” Article 5 are under government control, but may be delegated or subcontracted to non-governmental organizations (Private sector) while the government maintains their regulation and control.
The Veterinary Administration shall create an enabling environment for private sector development and shall make contestable as many public duties as possible delegating such duties to the private sector. Private veterinary surgeons, enterprises or organizations with the necessary expertise and resources may be contracted by the Veterinary Administration to carry out those tasks on behalf of the public sector in the manner prescribed under this Code.
The Veterinary Administration shall deliver other professional services as far as possible on a ccost recovery basis in the manner prescribed under this Code.

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Section 2.3

Institutional Procedures

Article 2.3.1

Responsibility for the Minister of Livestock

Minister's responsibility includes:

The Minister shall be the highest authority in the Veterinary Administration and shall be responsible for the overall national livestock policy and related activities.
The Minister in consultation with the Director General and the Director of the Department of Animal Health, may make rules and guidelines supporting the animal health code,

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Article 2.3.2

Power to issue Instructions

When he deemed as necessary, the Minister has the power to issue rules and guidelines to ban or settle a system of export and import of all animals or specified kinds of animals, or of carcasses, meat, other foods of animal origin, hides, skins, hair, wool, litter, dung, semen, sera, or vaccines and other biological or chemical products intended to be used for the control of animal disease, to or from any specified country, port or territory;
he can issue a Decree of that limits the time period for livestock quarantine before export and 26 application of specific zoo-sanitary measures for export and import of animals;
establish official procedures for authorization of Official Veterinarians to perform animal health and/or public health inspection of commodities and when appropriate, perform certification in conformity with provisions of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code;
establish, in consultation with the National Veterinary Board, official procedures for authorization of private veterinarians, enterprises or organizations to conducting official duties related to animal health;
establish zonal categorization and zonation for disease control purposes along OIE guidelines and issue instructions which would affect an infected zone in addition to the provisions under the OIE Animal Health Code;
issue instructions with regards to mechanisms and channels of communication to liaise with regional and international organizations ( such as FAO, WHO, OIE, AU/IBAR, IAEA and WTO), regional and international laboratories ( such as KARI and ILRI), neighboring countries and trading partners;
prescribe, following recommendations of the Veterinary Board and other stakeholders, service charges, user pays fees or other fees in connection with any services rendered under this Code; and
Establish official procedures for issue instructions with regards to the importation, handling and use of vaccines and other biological materials in animals.
The Minister, following consultation and agreement with other pertinent state authorities, may delegate specific functions of the Veterinary Service to autonomous commissions, agencies or institutions under the supervision and audition of the Veterinary Administration.
The Veterinary Service shall be under the authority of the Head of the Directorate of the Animal Health (DAH), who shall report to the Director General and Minister.

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Section 2.4

Drafting Lows and Regulations

Article 2.4.1

Power to draft Lows and Regulations

The ministry of livestock forestry and range, after consultations with the Livestock Stakeholders and the National Veterinary Board may make additional laws and regulations addressing exports/imports of animals, animal products and animal disease security in compliance with requirements of importing countries and on other relevant practices within the framework of the OIE guidelines.

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CHAPTER 3

DISEASE NOTIFICATION AND GENERAL OBLIGATIONS

Section 3.1

General Obligations

The veterinary administration shall:

Establish an enabling environment for implementation of animal health regulations and shall be committed to the guidelines and recommendations of the international certification institutions (OIE, WTO/SPS, AU/IBAR, WHO) and facilitating institutions (FAO, WHO, IAEA).
Recognize the right of another country to undertake an evaluation of the veterinary service where reasons exist with regards to trade in animals and animal products or related commodities between the two countries through procedures with regard to the relevant OIE guide lines.
Make available to other countries, through the OIE and other regional/international animal health organizations, whatever information is necessary to minimize the spread of important notifiable animal diseases, and specifically, the following information shall be supplied:

Information on the animal health situation and surveillance system, freedom from specific diseases, and free zones of OIE listed diseases, including the regulations and procedures in force to maintain the free status. The provision of the information shall be regular and prompt [Annex I];
Provisions of quarantine, animal health regulations governing importation and exportation of animals and animal products.
Details of the State’s ability to apply measures to control transmissible diseases; and
Technical information, particularly on biological tests and vaccines applied in all or part of the Republic of Somalia territory.

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Section 3.2

Disease notifications

The ministry of livestock, forestry and range shall send to the OIE:

Notification by telegram, fax or e-mail, within 24 hours, the first occurrence or re-occurrence of a disease listed by OIE, if the country or zone of the country was previously considered to be free of the disease.
The availability of important new findings for listed diseases, which are of epidemiological significance to other countries.
A provisional diagnosis of a listed disease if this represents important new information of epidemiological significance to other countries.
Monthly reports on the absence or presence and evolution of OIE listed diseases and findings of epidemiological importance to other countries with respect to diseases which are not listed.
Annual reports on all listed diseases and any other diseases considered to be of socio- economic importance or of major veterinary interest

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Section 3.3

Internal disease notification

Any veterinarian, animal health assistant, zoo technician, pharmacist or other professional category (such as researchers), or person having in possession or charge of an animal, that have reason to believe or suspect the occurrence of any transmissible disease shall inform the nearest veterinary authority of the district or region where such disease is believed or suspected to have occurred.

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Section 3.4

Zonation and zoo sanitary measures for notifiable diseases

Zonal characterization:-

The ministry of livestock, forestry and range may by decree, declare the following zones for disease control purposes in accordance with OIE guidelines:

a disease free zone;
a surveillance zone separating an infected area from the rest of the country;
a protection zone where animals are systematically vaccinated for the protection of a disease free zone; and
An infected zone where the disease is present when the remainder of the country is free from disease.

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Section 3.5

Zoo-sanitary measures to apply in an infected zone

The ministry of livestock, forestry and range shall extend, diminish or otherwise alter the limit of the zone declared to be infected with notifiable diseases.
The zone shall be considered to be infected for a particular disease as such, until a period exceeding the infective period specified in the OIE Animal Health Code has elapsed after the last reported case, and when full prophylactic and appropriate animal health measures to be determined by the Veterinary Administration, have been applied to prevent possible reappearance or spread of the disease.
Movement of susceptible livestock out of the infected zone into the disease free parts of the country shall be strictly controlled and any of the following measures may be considered:

Infected animals or disease carriers must destroy in the zone.
animals can be moved by mechanical transport to a special abattoir located in the surveillance zone for immediate slaughter;
Exceptionally, live animals can enter the surveillance zone under suitable controls established by the Veterinary Administration. Freedom from infection of these animals must be confirmed by appropriate tests before entering the zone; or
Live animals can leave the infected zone if the epidemiological conditions are such that disease transmission cannot occur.

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CHAPTER 4

NOTIFIABLE DISEASE CONTROL

Section 4.1

Clarification of the infected area by notifiable disease in the country

The Minister of livestock may by decree:

Declare any area to be infected by a notifiable disease;
Extend, diminish or otherwise alter the limit of an area declared to be an infected area;
Declare any such infected area to be free from notifiable disease; or
For the purpose of preventing notifiable disease prohibit the movement of animals from one region, district, place or area to any other region, district, place or area.

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Section 4.2

Power to issue instructions

The CVO may issue instructions to any Veterinary Authority or Official Veterinarian or other professionals (both public and private) (as specified chapter 3, Section 12.) on any of the following:

Require to ask the concerned to furnish such information as the CVO may think fit concerning any animal disease existing, or suspected to exist in the zone, and specifically the manner in which such information shall be given;
ensure effective compliance with any measures, which the CVO thinks necessary for the prevention and control of contagious diseases; or
Carry out any other instructions within his/her competence and deemed necessary for the purpose of disease control and in regulations issued by the Veterinary Administration.

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Section 4.3

Destruction/burying of infected carcasses

The carcasses of animals infected by notifiable diseases shall be destroyed, buried and disinfected under veterinary supervision.

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Section 4.4

Slaughter of infected animals

The CVO or any person so authorized by him in writing, may cause to be slaughtered, any animal infected or suspected of being infected or any animal which has been in contact with an infected animal or has been otherwise exposed to infection or contagion of a notifiable disease, specified in the regulations under this law.

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Section 4.5

Disposal of carcasses of slaughtered animal

Where an animal has been slaughtered its carcass shall be buried or sold as recommended by a veterinary officer, and the proceeds if any shall be paid to the owner of the slaughtered animal after deducting the costs incurred in the disposal of the carcass.

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Section 4.6

Power to investigate for infected animals and animal products

The CVO or any veterinary officer, administrative officer or authorized inspector, workplace officer like slaughterhouse doctors, port, airport may enter any land, building, shed, place, motor vehicle, aircraft, boat or vessel containing or carrying or having been used for the purpose of containing or carrying animals and animal products and may:

Examine the same and any animals found therein for the purpose of ascertaining whether any such animal is infected by a notifiable disease or for the purpose of ascertaining whether the provisions of this law in respect of the cleaning and disinfection of such building, shed, place, carriage, van, truck, motor vehicle, aircraft, boat or vessel have been carried out satisfactorily; or
Examine meat, carcasses, hides or any article manufactured from any animal products for evidence of notifiable disease or for the purpose of ascertaining whether the provisions of this law in respect of the cleaning and disinfection of such building, shed, place, carriage, van, truck, motor vehicle aircraft, boat, or vessel have been carried out satisfactorily.

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Section 4.7

Prevention of rabies

Article 4.7.1

Diseased animals to be notified and separated

Any person having in his possession or under his charge any dog or other animal infected or suspected of being infected with rabies shall forthwith:

Destroy such animal or where facilities exist, confine it in such a way that it is effectively isolated from other animals or persons; and.
Give information thereof to the nearest public official who shall immediately inform the nearest administrative officer, veterinary inspector or medical officer.

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Article 4.7.2

Duties of administrative and medical officers and veterinary inspectors

Any administrative officer, inspector or medical officer on receiving information of the existence or suspected existence of rabies in any place within his jurisdiction shall by the fastest communication i.e. telephone; inform the CVO giving details of the infected place.

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Article 4.7.3

Power of the Minister to declare area infected with rabies

The Minister may, by decree, declare any area to be an area infected by rabies

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Article 4.7.4

Destruction of affected animal

Any medical or veterinary officer may cause to be destroyed any dog or other animal infected or suspected of being infected with rabies, or any animal which has been in contact with any animal infected or suspected of being infected with rabies.

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Article 4.7.5

Registration and licensing

The ownership of all dogs in a local administrative area shall be registered with the local administrative authorities of the area. Owners of such dogs shall obtain a license, renewable annually, from the local administration, which shall issue or renew the same upon the owner producing a valid certificate of vaccination from, a veterinary officer.

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Article 4.7.6

Elimination of stray animals

The local administrative authority, upon advice from the CVO, shall order the destruction of all stray dogs in an infected area except the dogs that have been vaccinated licensed or registered under this Code.

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CHAPTER 5

ANIMAL WELFARE

Section 5.1

Cruel treatment of animals

Animals should be recognized as an organism with sensitivity and tenderness, it is important to protect their values in the community.

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Article 5.1.1

Cruel treatment of animals

No person shall:

Cruelly beat, kick, ill-treat. Overdrive, overload, torture, infuriate or terrify an animal;
use an animal that is diseased, injured or in an unfit physical condition;
convey, carry or confine an animal in a manner or position which causes that animal unnecessary suffering;
starve, underfeed or deny water to an animal without sufficient cause;
being the owner of an animal, keep it in grossly dirty or verminous condition or, without reasonable cause fail to procure or administer veterinary treatment or attention to the animal in case of disease or injury;
And also more other misconducts treated to an animal.
Cannot be kept in inappropriate place the animals, especially wildlife by tour watch and commercial use.
hunt, kill or destroy an animal in such a manner as to cause that animal more suffering;
The veterinary officer shall have the power to prevent acts that cause unnecessary suffering to animals and to that end may request the intervention of the members of the police force or any other authority that is responsible for the maintenance of law and order.

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Section 5.2

Cruelty during slaughter

It is prohibited to make place of a slaughterhouse or abattoir, or in any other place slaughter cruelty without 37 ministerial authority may have, such slaughter an animal as:

Shall be used an advanced knife placement in slaughtering, or not in sight of another animal awaiting slaughter.
It should be kindly treated not say as long as slaughtering no need to lose grass, and the water by feeding them, It shall be a defense in any court proceedings under paragraph (1) for a defendant to prove:

If that was of a religious persuasion that prescribed the slaughter of an animal in the manner in which it was slaughtered; and that the animal was slaughtered in a place other than a slaughterhouse or abattoir, and
That the animal was slaughtered for private consumption and that the meat of the animal was not the subject of sale barter or exchange.

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CHAPTER 6

EXPORT/IMPORT OF ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS

Section 6.1

Authorized institutions

The Ministry in charge of veterinary services shall have authority in the whole country for regulating the exportation and importation of animals and animal products and in the process, implement the required animal health measures and international veterinary certification procedures.

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Section 6.2

Import of animals and animal products

No animals or animal products shall be imported without a license issued in writing by the Chief Veterinary Officer.
The license shall state the animal species or nature of animal product, origin, quantity, means of transport and the port of entry.
Imported animals and animal products shall be accompanied by a valid international veterinary certificate provided by the Veterinary Authority of the exporting country.
No animals or animal products may leave the port of entry until the import license and the export certificate has been produced to the inspecting officer.
The export veterinary certificate shall certify that the animals and animal products come from an area free from contagious or infectious diseases. A certificate from a veterinary surgeon based on clinical evidence certifying that the animals were in good health and free from any contagious or infectious diseases shall accompany the export veterinary certificate. The certificates shall be dated not more than ten days prior to the date of departure.
Imported canine and feline animals shall be accompanied by a certificate signed by a veterinary surgeon certifying that the animals have been vaccinated against rabies and such a certificate shall be dated not earlier than three years and not later than six months before the date of importation.
The importer shall satisfy the inspecting officer that the animals imported were not, during the journey, either in contact with animals which would be likely to spread disease or exposed to any other infection and that no fodder or foodstuff likely to spread disease was fed to the animals.
An inspecting officer may with the authority of the Chief Veterinary Officer, cause any animals which have been imported and which are infected or suspected to being infected disease or which have been in contact with diseased animals or are not accompanied by a varied export veterinary certificate, to be destroyed or subjected to treatment.
An animal fraternity of dogs (hyena, fox, expression, wolf. Etc.) or a fraternity of cats (such as a cat, lion, leopard, cheetah, etc.) which has been imported and which has not been suitably vaccinated against rabies, shall be detained and isolated at the expense of the owner, at a place approved by the chief veterinary officer, for a period of not less than ten days and up to six months.
All animals which have been imported shall submit the requirements for licenses and certificates have been satisfied as soon as possible to the head of export, by sea, land or air, through the period of quarantine, the owner must pay the cost of the quarantine period.
Imported animal products intended for human consumption, animal feeding, or agricultural or industrial use are, that the inspecting officer may deem unsafe to persons or animals, or are not accompanied by a varied international certificate, may with the authority of the CVO, cause them to be returned to the country of origin, made safe or destroyed.

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Section 6.3

Export of animals and animal products

Article 6.3.1

Cooperation between Government Institutions

The Ministry of livestock, forestry and range may in agreement with other ministries related by the export of animals and animal products like; Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport , Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation , Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of national security in order to implement the veterinary law code.

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Article 6.3.2

Prohibition of export of animals and animal products

It’s prohibited the exportation of productive female animals, embryo, ova, and semen, hatching eggs or wild animals specific for Somalia’s ecosystem or in danger of extinction.

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Article 6.3.3

Requirements of importing countries

The ministry shall comply with the requirements of the importing countries and with the international standards.

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Article 6.3.4

Infrastructures and control facilities and establishments for export and import

Infrastructures and control facilities and establishments for export, import and movement of animals and animal products within the Republic shall include:

ports of entry;
Stock routes of export animals should be prepared for road, water, fodder and other essentials.
holding grounds or resting areas for en-route export animals;
approved abattoirs for export of meat; e.
quarantine stations;
pre-export holding areas/marshalling yards;
collection points for animal products especially hides, skins and bones; and
Other handling facilities for animals and animal products at border posts, seaports and airports.

The Veterinary Administration shall operate the infrastructures, facilities or establishments listed in paragraph 1 above and other similar premises under the direct responsibility and authority of veterinary officers.
The Veterinary Administration shall, wherever possible, ensure that the facilities and establishments are provided with veterinary services comprising personnel, equipment and premises as the case may be and, in particular, means for:

feeding and watering of animals;
making clinical examinations and obtaining specimens for diagnostic purposes from live animals, carcasses or animal products;
detecting and isolating animals affected or suspected of being affected by an epizootic disease; and
Carrying out disinfection and possibly disinsectization of vehicles used for transport of animals and animal products.

Activities Implementation policy of the ministry and management facilitation the management of facilities or premises may be devolved to the private sector for their commercial management and sustainability. In this case, the Veterinary Administration shall in the manner prescribed under this Code:

Register, license and supervise the management of specific facilities and establishments and the persons exercising specific activities and operations;
De-register the operations of specific facilities and establishments and the activities of individual persons or enterprises when they have for good and sufficient reason proved to be unsuitable to carry out therein the businesses for which they have been approved, and shall prohibit or cause to be prohibited the operation of the facilities and establishments or the activities of the persons or enterprises concerned; and
Ensure that the animal health measures and veterinary inspection and certification processes are effectively applied and enforced.

When the facilities or establishments are commercially managed by individual persons or enterprises, the prescribed sanitary measures shall be applied by an Official Veterinarian assigned this task, who shall have the power to exercise effective veterinary inspection, and may:

prohibit, limit, restrict or regulate the introduction to or removal from specified premises or defined places of animals, products or other objects;
prohibit, limit, restrict or regulate the access of persons to specified premises or defined places;
apply official identifying marks to animals, products, containers, premises, equipment and means of transport;
order and implement the examination, testing and isolation of animals;
perform or order to be performed clinical monitoring, diagnostic tests, vaccination and prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of animals, processing of products and disinfection of premises, equipment, facilities and means of transport;
collect samples for the purpose of diagnosis, sanitary or quality standard control or animal health legal proceedings, and submit such samples for laboratory examination;
confiscate animals and animal products or cause such confiscation to be effected;
Destroy animals and products or cause such destruction to be effected; or
Issue movement permits or health certificates as and when applicable.

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CHAPTER 7

TRANSPORT OF ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS

Section 7.1

General provisions

All motor transport boats, vessels or vehicles carrying animals/livestock within or out of from the country shall, in addition to any other permit required by countries law hold a movement permit issued by the veterinary authority. The movement permit shall show the maximum number of animals prescribed under this code and in compliance with animal welfare standards.
Vehicles or containers used for transportation of animals shall be designed, constructed and fitted in such a way as to withstand the weight of the animals, to ensure the safety and welfare of the animals during transportation and to allow easy access to the animals by the livestock attendants.
Animals shall be provided with adequate space and, unless special provisions require to the contrary, room to lie down. They shall be segregated where appropriate, according to species and horned cattle shall be segregated from animals without horns.
Transportation of animals must be via a tour designed to protect the rights of animals.
Vehicles carrying animals shall be provided with a sufficient number of attendants, drinking water, food and bedding materials in the manner prescribed under this code and in compliance with international standards.

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Section 7.2

Permits and Certificates for transporting animals

No animal shall be moved or transported unless a permit has been issued in respect of such movement or transport by the veterinary authority.

Application for a road transport movement permit shall be made by the owner of such transport and shall specify the carrying capacity, tonnage and other special considerations required by the Veterinary Administration.

Application for a sea and air transport shall be accompanied by drawings and the data regarding construction, equipment, crew and tonnage of the vessel/carrier.

The Veterinary Administration, if satisfied that a vehicle is suitable in all respects for carrying of animals, may issue a permit for a period of one year and may renew it annually. If at any time changes are made to the vehicle, a fresh application specifying the changes shall be necessary before a fresh permit is issued. On request, the Veterinary Authority shall provide the transporter, shipper, exporter, consignee or their representatives with:

certificate indicating the measures (disinfection, desensitization and other measures) applied to all vehicles, the parts of the vehicle which have been treated, the methods used and the reasons which led to the application of the measures; and
a certificate showing the date of arrival and departure of the animals.

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Section 7.3

Pre-transport, during transport and loading and unloading provisions

Article 7.3.1

Pre-transport

Prior to the assembly of the animals, where necessary, provision should be made for the supply of suitable feed, water, bedding, ventilation, veterinary equipment and medications for use during the pretransport holding period and during the journey.
All premises used for pre-export quarantine or holding animals before a journey shall be under the supervision of protection and control officer of Veterinary Authorities and staffed with suitably trained attendants.

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Article 7.3.2

Holding period before transport

Where required, the day care and transportation period will vary in length depending on:

veterinary inspection tests, treatments and vaccination, either in transit holding areas, facilities or in quarantine, which should be carried out as agreed with the of the importing country;
the need to precondition the animals to changes of feeding and watering practices (e.g. from grazing to pellet feeding);
the need for the detection and removal of animals unsuitable for behavioral, physiological or health reasons, for the proposed journey;
the time period of the proposed journeys; and e. The need for a resting period for animals that have been transported to the holding premises.

The holding and/or pre-export quarantine premises should be located as close as practicable to the point of departure.
An Official Veterinarian or a suitably qualified person under the supervision of the Veterinary Authority shall ensure that the animals remain fit to travel and shall regularly examine them.
A record shall be kept of the species, age, sex and number of animals to be transported; including the name of the owner, place of departure and destination.

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Article 7.3.3

Loading and unloading

Animals shall not be loaded until all required health and other necessary documentation has been obtained and completed by the competent Veterinary Authority.
Loading and unloading shall be undertaken in such a manner, as to cause minimum distress to the animals and shall take place as near to the time of departure as practicable.
A veterinary officer or other authorized competent person, such a livestock loading consignment supervisor, shall supervise loading. Loading density shall be monitored and animals found unfit for travel shall be removed.
Animals to be loaded into each vehicle or compartment shall be grouped on the basis of uniformity of size.

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Article 7.3.4

During transport

Animals shall be transported by the most appropriate method taking the most direct route and the most appropriate speed.
During the journey when disposal of a body, manure or litter becomes necessary, this shall be carried out in such a way as to prevent the transmission of disease and in compliance with all relevant health and environmental legislation.
Animals shall be accompanied by a suitable number of adequately trained attendants (which may include the driver of a vehicle) who shall be registered and certified by the Veterinary Administration and who shall:

safeguard the maintenance of the health status of the consignment;
ensure the provision of food, water, bedding, etc. as required and seek veterinary assistance whenever necessary;
ensure that the holding capacity and ventilation are adequate; and
Keep a record of each journey (to include disease problems, injuries, deaths and veterinary treatments) and immediately submit the information to a competent Veterinary Authority.

Where applicable, animals shall be rested at appropriate intervals, which, depending on the type of transport may require unloading into suitable facilities. During transportation by road, sea or air, every animal shall be provided with sufficient space to enable it to access feed, drink and rest.

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Section 7.4

Article 7.4.1

Recommendations for specific forms of transport

Animals should be accompanied by a sufficient number of qualified and experienced attendants and drivers familiar with the route of the journey, including transit/rest stops, to be determined by a competent Veterinary Authority.

The animals should be given opportunities for grazing and should be fed and watered at least once a day or according to the species’ needs. Movement shall be undertaken in the most suitable weather conditions for the animals.

Animals shall not be driven at a speed greater than normal walking pace.

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Article 7.4.2

Trafficking road transport

Space requirements shall be prescribed by the Veterinary Administration in compliance with international standards, and shall provide enough head space for animals to stand naturally
In multi-tiered vehicles, precautions shall be taken to protect animals on lower tiers from the excrement from animals above.
When parked, protection from direct sun shall be required.
The drivers of vehicles shall take into account the welfare of the animals being transported and shall accordingly be made accountable in the manner prescribed under this Code.
No animal shall be transported in a vehicle designated as a public service vehicle by the competent traffic authority

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Article 7.4.3

Trafficking Sea transport

Every ship carrying livestock shall be provided with a sufficient number of attendants, ventilation, lighting, gangways, waste outlets, drinking water, food and bedding materials according to rules laid down in the regulations issued under this law.
Animals shall be provided with extra feed and water on board to allow for mechanical breakdown or delay or other unforeseen incidents. The animals shall be offered food and water at suitable intervals. The minimum standards subject to review according to international standards shall be as follows:

Minimum daily requirements

Species	Water	Fodder/hay (kgs)
Camel	50	12
Cattel	40	8
Sheep/Goats	5	2

Animals shall be placed in accommodation, which is protected from adverse weather conditions and firmly secured to the vessel as prescribed under this Code.
Cattle, camels and horses shall always be placed a beam on a sea voyage.
Separate accommodation on the vessel shall be provided for segregation of animals requiring isolation.

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Article 7.4.4

Air transport

Transport of animals by air shall comply with the regulations for live animals of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), as recommended by OIE.
Health interventions, serological tests, vaccination and health certification shall be done early enough in advance of the departure date.
The aircraft shall allow for a facility for provision of water and possibly feed during transportation of 48 longer than 6 hours duration.
In the event of any animal death on board, the competent authority of the airport of destination shall be notified in advance of landing.

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Section 7.5

Transport permits and certificates

In the case of road transport an application for a movement permit shall be made by the owner of such transport vehicle and shall specify the carrying capacity, tonnage and other special considerations required by the veterinary authority.
In the case of sea and air transport, the application for a permit shall be accompanied by drawings and the data regarding construction equipment, crew and tonnage of the vessels/carrier in respect of international standards of transportation.
The veterinary authority may issue a permit for a period of six months and may renew such a permit annually for a vehicle suitable in all respects, for carrying animals with respect to section 7.1 and 7.2 of this code.

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Section 7.6

Particular provisions for animal products

Provisions shall be made to enable preliminary observations of the contents of containers in which there are animal products (for example, a window or hatch). The containers shall only be opened by the Veterinary Authority and then, only subject to precautions being taken, to avoid any risk of contamination.
Containers shall be loaded only with one kind of product or, with products not likely to contaminate one another.

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CHAPTER 8

MEAT HYGIENE

Section 8.1

Designated place

The Minister may issue a decree to declare any abattoir, slaughterhouse or any other place where livestock are slaughtered for the purpose of human consumption, to be a designated place for the purpose of meat inspection.
The veterinary directorate shall make regulations for;

licensing, control and regulation of slaughterhouses and premises where meat is processed for human consumption, including the maintenance of technical, sanitary and hygiene standards in such slaughterhouse and premises;
specifying the standards to be observed in respect of storage and transportation of meat;
the professional control, supervision and licensing of persons appointed to carry out inspections under the regulations;
prescribing fees to be paid in respect of things done under the regulations; and e. providing for penalties which may be imposed in respect of any breach of regulations

Regulations may be made applicable to all slaughterhouses or premises used for meat processing and different regulations may be made in respect of different classes of slaughterhouses or premises.

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Section 8.2

Inspection

Except in an emergency, livestock slaughtered at a designated place, shall, prior to such slaughter, be inspected by an inspecting officer in accordance with the code of practice.
After slaughter, the inspecting officer shall, if satisfied that the carcasses are suitable for human consumption, shall attach a tag, or mark the carcasses as laid down in regulations issued under this law.

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Section 8.3

Power to detain or otherwise dispose of carcass

Any veterinary officer (VO) or inspecting office (IO) may detain and order the disposal or destruction of any livestock or carcass which, in his opinion, is unfit for human consumption.

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Section 8.4

Application of provisions dealing with meat inspection

The provisions of meat inspection shall not be applied in such a way as to interfere with the operations or effects of the provisions of chapter 4 of this law dealing with the prevention of notifiable diseases of animals.

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CHAPTER 9

PRIVATE VETERINERIANS

Section 9.1

Private veterinarian duties

A clear distinction shall be set between the private veterinarian and public veterinarian roles in the tasks contracted out to the private veterinarians. This shall be defined in a written contract in the manner prescribed between the private veterinarians and the Veterinary Administration. In this context:

The private veterinarians can cooperate with the ministry and business people to keeping their mandates.
They shall not be in the direct employment of the owner of products or services covered
The Animal health Directorate shall monitor the activities of the private veterinarians.
The Veterinary Administration shall only issue payment to the private veterinarians for the official tasks performed;
The private veterinarians shall not have financial interest or other interest not pertaining to the profession in the services contracted to them;
malpractices by the private veterinarians may be open to civil or criminal sanctions taken by a court; administrative sanctions taken by the health department, on behalf of which tasks are conducted and which may decide to withdraw the right granted in the first place; and/or professional sanctions by and on behalf of the profession by the Veterinary Board, in the manner prescribed in regulations made under this Code;
The professional integrity of the private veterinarians performing official tasks shall be respected and safeguarded by the Veterinary department regulations in compliance with the recommendations of the Veterinary Board.

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Section 9.2

Veterinary services delivery by non-veterinarians

Article 9.2.1

Authority over veterinary services in any given area includes:

The Veterinary Administration shall ensure that veterinary services delivery by non- veterinarians are incorporated within clear and authorized structures that provide technical advice, support, and supervision/guidance by registered veterinary surgeons, and shall assure that producers who desire animal health interventions are able to obtain them, that the abuse of animal health interventions (e.g. misuse of drugs) is avoided and the risks to public health and international trade are minimized.
A Veterinary Authority designated to an area by the Veterinary Administration shall be in overall charge of all veterinary matters in that area and private veterinarians and non-veterinarians practicing in that area shall cooperate with the ministry of livestock on all matters related to veterinary services in the area.

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Article 9.2.2

Community based animal health workers (CBAHWs):

In areas where provision of clinical veterinary services by a registered veterinary surgeon or animal health assistant do not exist, CBAHWs shall be allowed to administer primary clinical services, if supervised by a registered animal health assistant practicing licensed by a national veterinary board.
The selection, training, certification, registration, supervision and monitoring of the CBAHWs shall be specified in regulations made under this Code and in consultations with the Veterinary Board.

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CHAPTER 10

REGULATION OF VETERINARY DRUGS AND RELATED SUBSTANCES

Section 10.1

Acquisition and distribution of veterinary drugs

The Ministry in charge of livestock shall retain authority over the importation into of drugs in the country.
Drugs imported into the country shall be those of which necessity for importation has been proven by the ministry.
Animal health department in collaboration with the National Veterinary Board shall prepare a list of generic names of the Essential Veterinary Drugs and related products.
The Veterinary Administration shall establish official procedures and issue instructions with regard to the importation, handling and use of vaccines and other biological products.

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Section 10.2

Regulations for veterinary drug importers, distributors and sellers

No person shall be permitted to import, distribute or sell veterinary drugs unless he/ she is:

a registered veterinary surgeon;
a registered pharmacist;
a registered zoo-technician or animal health assistant supervised by a licensed veterinary surgeon; or
A commercial trader having a work under his/her a registered veterinary surgeon or registered pharmacist. The latter shall be responsible for the use, ordering, and distribution of veterinary drugs.

Any person wishing to register as an approved drug importer shall:

posses a valid import license from the Ministry of Commerce;
posses adequate facilities and conditions for storage of drugs;
be registered in a manner prescribed by the code of practice established by the Veterinary Board and in this Code; and
Satisfy the requirement of section 10.2 (1) above.

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Article 10.2.1

Facilities and conditions for storage of veterinary drugs

The business of drug storage, distribution and retail sale shall be conducted in the manner prescribed under this Code.
The storage premises shall be kept clean and maintained free from rodents and insects.
To protect the quality of the drugs of that premises shall be well ventilated and shall be reserved for the exclusive storage and/or sale of drugs.
Drugs shall be stored in the refrigerator as required for storage and safe keeping of drugs.
Records and inventories shall be kept on all purchases and sales of drugs, made for the purpose of submission for inspection.
Expired drugs shall be disposed of immediately either by incineration or deep underground burial in accordance with the proposal of the veterinarian.

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Article 10.2.2

Importation and Distribution Conditions

The ministry of livestock, on recommendations by the Veterinary Board, shall recommend to the Ministry of Commerce to issue an import license authorizing the importation of any drug or related product to persons registered under this Code.
A person requiring the importation of any drug shall use the prescribed application form and shall indicate in his/her application for drug importation:

The purpose for which the drug is being imported;
The manufacturer and the type of the drug/product imported; and
That the product is officially authorized to be in the market for sale in the country of origin i.e. has a legalized free sale certificate (FSC).

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Article 10.2.3

Registration of traders and trade premises of veterinary drugs

The Registrar of the veterinary Board shall keep an official register containing the names of all those authorized to import, distribute or sell drugs, and the name and address of their business premises. Registration procedures shall be in the manner prescribed in the provisions made under this Code. Every registration shall be renewed annually.
Should a registered importer not carry out any importation of veterinary drugs during a whole registration period, his/her name shall be removed from the Register. If he does not pay the taxes of the year, cannot bring about whatever related to the license.
The Registrar shall delete from the Register the name of a registered person who has died or any name, which for good reason, the Veterinary Administration in consultation with the Veterinary Board directs him/her to delete there from.
The Registrar may, for good and sufficient reason, refuse to register or cause to be deleted from the Register following the advices of the veterinary administration with the consultation of the Veterinary Board, have become unsuitable for carrying therein the business of drug sales.
No person shall carry out distribution or sale of drugs and related products unless having control in the premises in which the business is carried out.

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Article 10.2.4

Conditions for wholesale or retail of veterinary drugs

The sale by retail or wholesale of any drug shall be accompanied by a label affixed there to indicating:

trade name, generic name and formula of the compound;
precautions to be taken in administering the drug;
dosage and route of administration;
date of manufacture;
expiry date;
batch number; and
Indication of storage conditions.

In the absence of the above information on the label, a leaflet detailing the above information shall be provided.
The seller shall keep a reference book for regular inspection so as to avoid the importation of unsuitable drugs.
Any person, who unlawfully falsifies labels or marks any package or container of a drug or any other product as prescribed, shall be guilty of a criminal offence.
Any person who knowingly sells a defective, expired, adulterated or fake drug shall be guilty of a criminal offence.

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Section 10.3

Lawful use of veterinary drugs

Article 10.3.1

Purpose for use Veterinary drugs shall be used only for the purpose:

treatment and prevention of animal diseases and parasites;
Diagnosis of animal disease; and
Control of vermin and predators.

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Article 10.3.2

Persons authorized to use veterinary drugs

Persons lawfully authorized to use veterinary drugs shall be:

registered private veterinary surgeons, who may prescribe dispense, or administer drugs to their patients;
Animal health assistants, who may prescribe dispense, or administer drugs, while under the employment and supervision of registered veterinary surgeon;
Government officials by reason of their official duties as veterinary surgeons, who may dispense, prescribe or administer veterinary drugs to animals in any location where they are lawfully engaged in practice; and
Government officials by reason of their official duties as zoo-technicians or animal health assistants, who may dispense, prescribe or administer veterinary drugs, under the supervision of registered public veterinary surgeons.

Without prejudice to paragraph (1) above, the National Veterinary Board shall prescribe the categories of veterinary drugs that a zoo-technician or an animal health assistant may dispense, prescribe or administer to animals without supervision by a veterinary surgeon.

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Section 10.4

Power to prohibit use of vaccine or drugs

The Ministry may prohibit the use of any specified vaccine or drug for the treatment of animal diseases in the Federal Republic of Somalia.

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CHAPTER 11

FEES, PENAL AND OTHER PROVISIONS

Section 11.1

Fees Provisions

Article 11.1.1

Service charges and fees

Animal Health Department shall, in accordance with the provisions made under this Code, prescribe service charges; user pays fees or other fees in connection with any services rendered under this Code, which would include among others:

Inspection and health certification of the exportation and importation of animals and products of animal origin intended for human consumption, animal foodstuffs or agriculture use;
Disease diagnosis;
Use of holding grounds, quarantine stations, abattoirs and similar premises;
registration and licensing of veterinary professionals and veterinary premises;
authorization, registration or licensing, etc for the importation, distribution or sale of veterinary drugs, chemicals, vaccines and other biological materials and related inspection and control services; and
Any other charges or fees that the Minister may prescribe under this code.

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Section 11.2

Detention, slaughter or disposal of sick animals

Article 11.2.1

Detention of sick or unfit animals

Animal Health Department shall have the power to refuse or to allow the export of any animals which are sick or unfit to travel or which owing to poor bodily condition are unsuitable for export and he/she shall also have the power to send back such animals to the quarantine station or holding ground.

Article 11.2.2

Owner's liability for loss or damage to animals or animal products under inspection

Animals or animal products in a raw state submitted to the inspection of a Veterinary Authority (e.g. veterinary inspector) shall be so admitted or submitted at their owner's risk and the official shall not be liable for the death or injury to any such animal or for the destruction of or damage to any such animal product, except where negligence or malpractice has been proved to cause the death or damage.

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Article 11.2.3

Slaughter of sick animals

Animal Health Department so authorized may cause to be slaughtered any animal infected or suspected of being infected or has been otherwise exposed to the infection or contagion of a notifiable disease, specified in the regulations under this Code.

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Article 11.2.4

Disposal of carcasses of slaughtered animals

Animal Health department and veterinary inspector may detain and order the disposal or destruction of any animal, carcass or a part of a carcass in the manner prescribed in this regulation other regulations.

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Section 11.3

Seizure, forfeiture and disposal or of animals and animal products

Article 11.3.1

Seizure of animals

An administration officer, an inspector or police officer may seize without warrant any animal in respect of which he has reason to believe that an offence under this law has been committed and may move such animal to any pound, enclosure or other place selected by a veterinary officer, or inspector and therein detain such an animal subject to the order of a competent court.
Whenever any animal have been seized and detained under paragraph (1) of this article, the officer making such seizure shall without unnecessary delay report the same to a magistrate having jurisdiction within the district in which such animal have has been seized.

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Article 11.3.2

Forfeiture of animals

A court, whenever it is satisfied that there is reason to believe that an offence has been committed in respect of an animal seized and detained under Article 11.3.1, may order that the owner of such an animal shall pay to the veterinary administration, such sum as it considers reasonable to cover the expenses connected with the removal of the animal to the place of detention and the keep of the animal during such detention and that unless such sum is paid within a reasonable time to be specified in such order, the animal shall be forfeited to sold to cover the expenses and the remaining amount will pay back to the owner.
Whenever any animal has been seized and detained under this law, but the person who is alleged to have committed the offence or breach in respect of such an animal is unknown or cannot be found, the court may if satisfied by evidence on oath that there is reason to believe that an offense under this law has been committed in respect of such an animal and that the owner is unknown or cannot be found, order such an animal to be forfeited to the state.

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Article 11.3.3

Disposal of forfeited animals

Where any animal is forfeited under this law it shall be slaughtered, sold or otherwise dealt with as the court may direct.
Where any forfeited animal or the carcass thereof is ordered to be sold, the court may direct that the proceeds of sale or any portion thereof shall be paid to the owner of such an animal; and where no such direction is given, the proceeds of sale shall be paid into the public treasury.

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Article 11.3.4

Seizure, forfeiture and disposal of animal products

The provision of Articles 68, and 69 shall apply appropriately to animal products.

Article 11.3.5

Indemnity of payment of compensation

No action shall be taken against a registered veterinary surgeon on duty, the Veterinary authority, Veterinary department, or a public officer for any act done in good faith under this Code in connection with diagnosis, control, prevention or treatment of notifiable diseases. No compensation shall be payable to any person for any act done under this Code unless the Veterinary department otherwise directs.

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Article 11.3.6

Payment of compensation in notifiable disease eradication

Without prejudice to Article 11.3.6., the Veterinary administration shall, for the purpose of notifiable disease eradication, pay compensation for slaughter of any animal infected or suspected of being infected or has been otherwise exposed to the infection of a notifiable disease. The sum payable for each healthy animal shall not exceed the market value of that animal and the sum payable for each infected animal shall not exceed half the market value. The market value shall be determined by the department.

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Section 11.4

Penal Provisions

Any person who contravenes any provision under this Code shall be liable to:

Six months imprisonment or a fine equivalent to $1000 or both as deemed by a court of law.
Forfeiture of vaccines, drugs, animals, animal products or premises or establishments in respect of which an offence may have been committed.
Cancellation of any registration, license or permit issued under this Code.
Any other penalty that the Minister or a court of law may prescribe.

Penalties such cancellation of registration or license shall be issued in regulations made under this Code through ministerial decrees.
Notwithstanding the provisions in this section, criminal prosecution shall apply in any breach under the Penal Code and especially in such matters as obstruction of persons exercising their duties, corruption, abuse of office, failure to perform duties, refusal of service legally due, omission to report by a member of the profession, false evidence, false opinion of an expert or false interpretation, and falsification of certificates and public documents.

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CHAPTER 12

ANIMAL DISEASE EMERGENCY AND RESPONSE MANAGEMENT

Section 12.1

Institutions and agencies

The Ministry of livestock, forestry and range shall be the lead agency and the Chief Veterinary Officer shall have overall responsibilities for the control of any emergency animal disease/s.

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Section 12.2

Emergency Disease Task Force unit (EDTF)

The Ministry of livestock forestry and range shall have a Ministerial Disease Emergency Task Force unit nominated by the Minister and approved by the President of the Somali Republic, comprising of:

The Chief Veterinary Officer who shall have the responsibility for any disease control campaign and who shall chair the task force;
The sectional heads of Epidemiology and Data Management, Disease Control and Emergency Preparedness; Laboratory Service and Quality Control, Veterinary Privatization, Veterinary Inspection and Export Certification Veterinary Public Health and Certification;
Regional veterinary coordinator; d. private veterinarians nominated by veterinary professional associations; and e. Chairman of the Veterinary Board.

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Section 12.3

National Disease Emergency Commission (NDEC)

There shall be a National Diseases Emergency Commission whose members will be nominated by their respective ministries’ or departments and approved by the President. The members of the commission will be comprised of representatives from Ministerial Disease Emergency Task Force, who will be the technical arm of the commission and one person each from:

Office of the President/cabinet office (for high level political coordination);
Ministry in charge of animal health (zoonoses control);
Ministry of finance (financial coordination);
Ministry of Interior affairs (for prompt engagement of local authorities/municipalities and the police force);
Ministry in charge of international cooperation (for soliciting international assistance);
Ministry in charge of planning (logistical support);
Ministry in charge of defense (field operations support); and
Universities and community leaders;

The Commission shall report to the Minister who will in turn report to the President.

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Section 12.4

Functions of the Ministerial Disease Emergency Task Force

The Ministerial Disease Emergency Task Force shall:

Prepare and regularly review a list of animal diseases that require emergency action and develop strategies and action plans for each of the emergency diseases;
Prepare and keep an updated list of institutions (public, private, civil society), that have resources that might be required for an animal emergency program;
Develop agreement protocols for the participation of the relevant institutions and agencies;
Prepare codes of practice for high-risk enterprises such as vaccine and biological products, abattoirs, meat and dairy processing plants and livestock markets;
Maintain key data on livestock and wildlife populations;
Maintain updated maps with necessary details such as livestock distribution, stock movement routes, watering points and holding grounds; and
Implement plans of action at national, regional and district levels and ensure their vertical and horizontal coordination.

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Section 12.5

Functions of the National Disease Emergency Commission

The National Disease Emergency Commission shall:

Advice the government on implementation of the decisions of the Ministerial Disease Emergency Task Force commission;
Review existing laws, regulations and policies to ensure that the national animal disease emergency control program is able to function effectively under all circumstances;
Develop a system for the gathering, dissemination and analysis of epidemiological data in an emergency disease control program;
ensure that finances, human resource, enforcement units, international assistance and other resources are available during a national emergency response declared by the veterinary authority; and
Ensure that all stakeholders are informed and involved in the national emergency declared by the veterinary authority.

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Section 12.6

Role of the CVO during disease emergencies

The CVO shall:

Coordinate emergency disease response;
Advise the Government on the organizational and legal structures of the Ministerial Disease Emergency Task Force and the National Disease Emergency Commission;
Advise the Government to enact statutes, policies and directives on the Ministerial Disease Emergency Task Force and the National Disease Emergency Commission and to periodically review their continuity and appropriateness;
Advice the National Disease Emergency Commission on a national disease emergency program and action plans; and
Advice the National Disease Emergency Commission on the finances (and other resources and their sources), required to permit immediate emergency animal disease task force action and to compensate private resources consumed and property destroyed in the course of disease control activity.

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Section 12.7

Obligations of other livestock stakeholders during the emergency

All animal health personnel including veterinary surgeons, zoo-technicians, animal health assistants, laboratory technicians, meat inspectors, vaccinators, livestock and dip attendants and other auxiliary personnel including community based animal health workers, are obliged to actively participate in an animal disease emergency task force action and operations whenever requested by a competent.
All public and private livestock stakeholders, including importers/distributors of veterinary pharmaceutical and biological products, livestock traders, meat processors/exporters and land/sea/air transport agents shall be enlisted for animal disease emergency programs and their support and active participation shall be sought following directives of the National Disease Emergency Commission and in the manner prescribed.

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CHAPTER 13

ACTION DURING DISEASE EMERGENCY

Section 13.1

Emergency action by National animal health authorities

In the event of an immediate threat of introduction of an emergency disease or presence of such disease in the neighboring countries, the CVO shall:-

Alert the Government about the threat, enhances surveillance at international points of entry and along the borders, and ensure that zoo-sanitary procedures are enforced;
Convene meetings of the national committee for National Disease Emergency Commission to plan overall strategy to counter the threat;
Enhance public awareness programs for stakeholder education and measures for disease control; and
Review requirements for equipment and other physical resources needed for an emergency response.

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Section 13.2

Action when an emergency disease is suspected

The first priority shall be to obtain an accurate diagnosis and preliminary measures taken to prevent any possible spread of disease in the suspected area.

The CVO shall: -

Appoint a specialist diagnostic team to investigate the disease and to collect diagnostic specimens;
If difficulties are experienced, and without undue delay, seek international assistance for provision of diagnostic specialists;
Declare and implement quarantine where disease is suspected and institute any other preliminary control measures deemed necessary;
Ensure that a confirmatory laboratory diagnosis is obtained with minimum delay either by the National Veterinary Laboratory or with the assistance of an international reference laboratory; and.
Send preliminary advice to the regional Office International des Epizooties (OIE) of the suspected presence of an epizootic disease in the country.

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Section 13.3

Action when the presence of an emergency disease is confirmed.

The CVO shall:-

Activate the national animal disease emergency plan and task force establishment.
Declare a state of disease emergency;
Institute an emergency disease control program in accordance with agreed plan of action, or with modification when necessary;
Institute intensive epidemiological, clinical and laboratory surveillance to determine the geographical extent and incidence of infection;
Ban or control movement of susceptible livestock and livestock products over an epidemiologically determined control area around the outbreak until assessments indicate the possibility of reducing the size of the control area quickly as the situation becomes clear;
Send regular reports on progress to the regional office International des Epizooties and to other regional and international bodies as required (OIE, WHO, FAO); and
Monitor the progress of the emergency control program and advice the national disease emergency committee of any desirable changes in control strategy.

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Section 13.4

Action towards the end of an emergency program

The CVO shall:-

Intensify surveillance to ensure that the remaining pockets of infection are detected and eliminated. Surveillance may continue for as long as necessary, after the control program has been scaled down;
Prepare and present evidence to demonstrate that the country is again free of the disease; and
Assist other free countries in their contingency planning

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CHAPTER 14

THE VETERINARY BOARD

Section 14.1

Establishment of the Veterinary Board

Article 14.1.1

Members of the Veterinary Board

The President of Somalia shall appoint a National Veterinary Board on recommendation by the Minister.
The National Veterinary Board shall consist of seven (7) members comprising the following:

One registered veterinary surgeon elected by a congress of the professional association of registered veterinary surgeons and zoo-technicians, who shall be the Chairman of the Board;
the Chief Veterinary Officer, who shall be the Registrar of the Board;
two registered zoo-technicians from the Veterinary Administration;
one registered veterinary surgeon and one registered zoo-technician, who are active in veterinary drugs business or with experience in veterinary drugs handling/inspection, both elected by the congress of livestock professionals; and
One honorary member nominated and recommended by the Minister, who shall be an ex-officio member.

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Article14.1.2

Office bearers of the Board

The office bearers of the Somali Veterinary Board shall comprise:

the Chairman;
The Chief Veterinary Officer, (and the Registrar of the Board); and
A secretary appointed by the Board from among its members who shall work under the Chairman and on whose behalf shall be responsible for all administrative matters of the Board.

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Article 14.1.3

Tenure of office of the members of Board

The members of the Board shall hold office for three years, but shall be eligible for re- appointment.
Any member of the Board, other than an ex-officio member, may at any time resign his office in writing to the Minister, and from the date of the receipt by the Minister of such instrument such member shall cease to be a member of the Board.
The President shall, on recommendation by the Minister, in consultation with the Director General and the CVO appoint a registered veterinary surgeon or zoo-technician to act temporarily in the place of any member of the Board in the case of death, resignation or absence from Somalia or inability to act.
The office bearers of the National Veterinary Board shall perform such duties in connection with their positions and as may be prescribed by this Code.

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Article 14.1.4

The meetings of the Veterinary Board

The Board shall meet at such times, as may be necessary or expedient for the transactions of its business and such meetings shall be held at such places and times and on such days as the Board may determine.
The Chairman shall preside at all the meetings of the Board, and in his absence the members present and constituting a quorum shall elect a Chairman for that meeting from their number.
A quorum of the Board shall be five.
The decisions of the Board shall be by a majority of votes, (50+1) and the Chairman of the meeting shall have an original and a casting vote.
Minutes of each meeting in proper form shall be kept, and shall be confirmed by the Chairman as soon as practicable for those decisions.

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Article 14.1.5

Powers and functions of the Veterinary Board

The veterinary Board shall have the functions and powers to:

Regulate the quality and standards of veterinary education at all levels.
Register and de-register veterinarians, zoo-technicians and animal health assistants.
License private veterinary practices and register veterinary drugs outlet premises in compliance with the provisions made under this Code.
Specify the standards to be provided in respect of premises, procedures and quality of veterinary services offered.
Set procedures for the establishment of veterinary/livestock professional associations, approve and certify their constitutions, supervise their performance, and make regulations as deemed necessary for better carrying out their functions and roles.
Prepare, enforce and review a veterinary code of ethics.
Carry out professional sanctions in cases of malpractice on behalf of the profession in the manner prescribed in section 14.3.
Develop by-laws and regulations governing the provision of private veterinary services to be promoted and regulated by the Veterinary Administration.
Assist the Veterinary Administration in the formulation of the various Ministerial Decrees and Acts of Parliament pertaining to veterinary matters.
Assist the Minister in the formulation of livestock policies and strategies.
In hierarchical terms, the Board shall report to the Director General.

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Section 14.2

Election for Appointment to the Chairman of the Veterinary Board

Article 14.2.1

Qualification for appointment to be Chairman of the Veterinary Board

Persons who qualify for the appointment as the Chairman of the Board shall:

Be a Somali citizen who holds a degree in veterinary medicine or animal production/zoo technician from a recognized university and registered by the National Veterinary Board.
Be between 30 and 70 years of age.
Have at least 5 years of experience in livestock/veterinary services.
Have leadership skills, scientific management capacity and experience in the management of livestock/veterinary services and/or projects.
Be reputable and respected locally and have demonstrable experience in working with international organizations and agencies.
Be proficient in spoken and written English language. Any other foreign language shall be an added advantage.

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Article 14.2.2

Election and appointment of the Chairman of the Veterinary Board

Chief Veterinary Officer, in consultation with the Director General and the Minister shall call for a general assembly meeting of the Association to elect the Chairman of the Veterinary Board. Also shall issue, by mass and electronic media, notice the specific day for the general assembly, at least 15 days before that date.
The quorum for the congress shall be two-thirds of the membership.
The election shall be supervised by an Electoral Commission that shall consist of:

The oldest member of the sitting members shall act as the Chairman of the Commission;
the Chief Veterinary Officer; and
A registered zoo-technician from the private sector, elected by the congress members.

Any registered veterinary surgeon or zoo-technician may nominate a potential candidate satisfying the requirements of 14.2.1 of this section for election to the Chairmanship of the Board. The nomination form shall contain in block letters the name of the proposer and of the candidate, and shall bear their signatures
The nomination form shall be delivered in person to the Electoral Commission before start of elections.
The Commission shall then provide to every veterinarian and zoo-technician a voting paper in the form set out in the Second Schedule Annex II Form 2/2, which shall contain the names of all the candidates who have been nominated in accordance with paragraph 4 above.
Each veterinarian or zoo-technician who receives a voting paper shall, if he/she wishes to record his/her vote, place an X against the name of the candidate for whom he/she wishes to vote, inscribe his/her name in block letters and sign the voting paper in the spaces provided for those purposes; and any voting paper which does not contain these particulars, or which contains more than those particulars, shall be treated as a spoilt voting paper
The voting paper shall be returned to the Commission Chairman by personal delivery.
Within the Election Day, the Commission shall count the votes given to each candidate, and shall forthwith declare the candidate who receives the highest number of votes to be duly elected for appointment as the Chairman of the Board.
. In the event of equality of votes, the voting should be repeated. In such manner concession shall consider and determine the successful candidate.
The Commission shall report the candidate duly elected for appointment as the Chairman of the Board to the Minister who shall recommend him/her to the President for his/her official appointment.

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Section 14.3

Regulation of veterinary education

The Board shall have the powers to satisfy itself that the courses of study to be followed by students for a degree, diploma or certificate in veterinary science, including the standard of proficiency required for admission thereto and the standard of examinations leading to the award of the degree, diploma or certificate, are sufficient to ensure that the graduate thereof will have acquired the minimum knowledge and skill pertaining to the degree, diploma or certificate.
For the purposes of article, the Board shall:

approve the curriculum of training/courses
appoint a person from time to time to visit the university or institution offering a course in veterinary science and to report to it on the course of study, staffing and equipment available for such training
require the dean or head of university or institution to provide written information to it concerning any matter referred to in paragraph (a)

The Board shall forward a copy of any report made under section (2) to the university or institution concerned, and may, if satisfied that the standard of the course or examination is insufficient, and after it has given the university or institution an opportunity to study the report, require the university or institution in writing to take specified measurers to rectify the standard of such course

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Section 14.4

Registration and licensing of veterinarians, zoo-technicians and animal health assistants

Article 14.4.1

Persons who qualify to apply for registration

No person shall, unless registered under this Code, practice veterinary surgery
Any person who has a veterinary certificate or skill is entitled to be registered under this Code may apply to the Registrar of the Board.
The persons who qualify to apply for registration, as a veterinary surgeon, zoo-technicians or animal health assistant shall be:

Somali nationals who hold a degree in veterinary medicine from a university or institution recognized and approved by the Veterinary Board.
Somali nationals who hold a diploma or a certificate in animal health, laboratory techniques or meat inspection from a veterinary school or school of animal science recognized and approved by the Board.
Non-Somali nationals with the above qualifications recognized and/or approved by the Board. May register if the ministry approved to work in the country and meet the requirements of residence.

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Article 14.4.2

Application for registration

Any person entitled to be registered under article 14.1.2 above shall make his/her application in the prescribed manner on the application Form 3/1 set out in Annex III.
The prescribed form should be accompanied by:

a prescribed fee as determined in regulations made through a ministerial decree following recommendations of the Veterinary Board;
Original copies of degree diploma or certificate by which the applicant purports to prove his qualification to be registered;
If the Board so requires, can ask for evidence to ensure that the name and the certificate are valid or it can ask where they studied;
Letters from two referees.

Where the applicant has complied with the above provisions and has satisfied the Board as to his/her qualifications, he/she shall be registered in the Register and issued a Certificate of Registration in the prescribed Form 3/2 (Annex III).
A separate register shall be kept in respect of each category of applicants

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Section 14.5

Licensing of private veterinary practices

Article 14.5.1

Entitlement to practice

Every licensed veterinary surgeon shall be entitled to practice, and to demand, sue for and recover in any court of competent jurisdiction or through the Board, reasonable charges for professional aid, advice and visits, and the value of any medicine or veterinary appliance supplied by him/her.

Article 14.5.2

Persons who qualify for licensing

Persons who shall qualify to apply for a license shall be:

Veterinary surgeons registered under article 14.4.1 of this Code 2. Whenever the Board is satisfied that it is in the public interest to do so, it may in its discretion recommend that a license be granted to practice to any non-Somali person who holds a veterinary degree, which would entitle him/her to practice in the country in which it was awarded under article 14.4.1 of this Code.

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Article 14.5.3

Application for a license

Application for a license shall be granted subject to such conditions, including:

payment of the prescribed fee; and
production of a registration certificate

A license shall be in the prescribed form (Form 3/3, Annex 3) and shall be granted subject to such conditions, including restriction on the area in which a licensee or license holder may practice, and for such period as the Board thinks fit.

The Board may order the suspension of registration, which entails the refusal of issue or cancellation of the license if it finds irregularities in the application process for registration or licensing.

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Section 14.6

Striking off the register or cancellation of the license of a veterinary surgeon

If any registered or licensed veterinary surgeon is convicted of any felony, or of any misdemeanor, or any offence under this Code, or is after inquiry by the Veterinary Administration and/or the Veterinary Board found guilty of any infamous or disgraceful conduct in a professional respect, the Veterinary Board may , in the case of a registered veterinary surgeon, direct the Registrar to remove the name of such a person from the register, and in the case of a licensed veterinary surgeon may cancel the license granted to such a person. A suspension of registration automatically entails the cancellation of the license.
Upon any inquiry held by the Board under this section, the person whose conduct is being inquired into shall be afforded an opportunity of being heard, either in person or by an advocate.
In any Inquiry proceedings, the Board shall have power to regulate its own procedure.
During the inquiry period, the Veterinary Board, may direct that during such period as may be specified the registration of the concerned person in the Register or the license granted to him/her shall not have effect.
Where an order has been made for the removal of a person's name from the Register, or for suspending the effect of a person's registration under this Code, or for canceling or suspending a license granted to a person under this Code, the Veterinary Board, may either of its own motion or on the application of the person concerned, and in either case after holding such inquiry as the Veterinary Board thinks fit, cause the name of that person to be restored to the Register or terminate the suspension of the registration or, as the case may be, grant a new license or terminate the suspension of the existing license, in any such case either without fee or on payment of such fee, not exceeding the registration or license fee, as the Veterinary Board may determine.
Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Board may write his complain letter to the mister, if the minister agrees with the board, he/she may appeal to the High Court, and any order of the court shall be final.

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Section 14.7

Registration and entitlement to practice as zoo-technicians and animal health assistants

Animal development assistants and animal health assistants shall be registered by the Board, on the basis their qualifications as recognized and approved by the Board, as per provisions of Articles 14.4.1 and 14.4.2.
Animal development assistants and animal health assistants shall be entitled to practice, but under the responsibility and license of a registered and licensed veterinary surgeon, as prescribed by the Board.
They shall perform such duties in respect of their professional training and skills as recognized and approved by the Board, and under regulations made under this Code through a Ministerial Decree.

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CHAPTER 15

PROVISION FOR ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS OF THIS CODE

The Minister may make regulations generally for better carrying out the provisions of this Code, order to improve the health of animals and the people in this profession and any such regulations may, without prejudice to the generality of forgoing power:

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CHAPTER 16

ABOLISHING THE LAW

Any law that contravenes or cannot be compatible with this Act was abolished; however, what is not included will look it back into the previous law No. 20 of 27/06/1967 and its follow amendments.

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CHAPTER 17

LEGALIZATION

This law is legal when signed by the President, and will be published in the official bulletin of the government.

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APPENDIX 1

REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VETERINARY PROFESSIONALS

FORM 1/1

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION AS A VETERINARY SURGEON, ZOO-TECHNICIAN, ANIMAL HEALTH ASSISTANT, OR ANIMAL PRODUCTIONIST

The Register

National Veterinary Bord

Address:

I, …………………………………………… of ………………………………………….

Hereby make application for registration as a Veterinary Surgeon/ Zoo-technician/Animal Health Assistant/ Animal Productionist *.

My qualifications are …………………………………………………………………….

I enclose:

The following certificates/diplomas
Curriculum Vitae (C.V)
Letters from two referees

Date …………………………………………………

Applicant Signature ………………………………………

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FORM 1/2

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION

Dr/Mr./Ms …………………………………………………………… is hereby registered

As a Veterinary Surgeon, Zoo-technician, Animal Health Assistant or Animal Productions* under the National

Veterinary Code of………………………………………………………

Given at Mogadishu this …………………..…………… day of

…………….……….20…………………………………………....

Fee: U.S. $ 10. ……………………..……………………………………

……………………………………Registrar, National

Signature chairman…………………………………………………………………………

Note: A license will be expired, Day................... Month......................... Year 20......................

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FORM 1/3

LICENSE TO PRACTICE AS A VETERINARY SURGEON/ASSISTANT

Letter label/Ref No.................................................... Date……………………………….

Doctor / Assistant…………………………………………………………

Dr …………………………………………………………….. Is hereby licensed to practice as a veterinary surgeon in accordance with the provisions of the veterinary law code on private veterinary services.

This license is subject to the conditions set out below.

Registration fee paid is: US $ 50......................................

………………………………………………………………………Registrar, National Veterinary Board

Signature chairman…………………………………………………………………………

Note: A license will be expired, Day................... Month......................... Year 20....................

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APPENDIX 2

REGISTRATION OF PREMISES

FORM 2/1

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF PREMISES

The Registrar National Veterinary Board

Address:……………………………………………………………

I/We …………………………………………………………… request to register with a business premise at ........................................................................ in the town of ..................................................................

The business will be under the control of ………………………… a registered pharmacist/veterinarian* in accordance with provisions made under veterinary law Code.

Registration fee, Somali Shillings _____________________ equivalent of 50 US dollars

Date: …………………………………………………………

Signature of applicant / applicants ………………………………………………………………….

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FORM 2/2

REGSITRATION OF PREMISES

Letter label/Ref. No................................................................

Premises No... ……………………………. Situated at …………………….. In the town of ……………………………… is hereby registered in accordance with the provisions under the veterinary law Code to carry on business of wholesale/retail drug sale under the control/supervision of ……………………………a registered pharmacist/veterinarian.

Date: ………………………….

………………………………………………………………………Registrar, National Veterinary Board

Signature chairman…………………………………………………………………………

Note: A license will be expired, Day................... Month......................... Year 20....................

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APPENDIX 3

REGSITRATION AND LICENSING OF DRUG IMPORTATION AND SALES

Form 3/1

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION AND LICENSE OF IMPORTATION AND SALES VETERINARY DRUGS

The Registrar

National Veterinary Board

Address:……………………………………………………….

I/We ……………………………………………………………

We request to license on business of veterinary drugs

The business will be under the control of ………………………… a registered pharmacist/veterinarian* in a national veterinary board.

Signature of applicant / applicants --------------------------------------

Date: …………………………………………..

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FORM 3/2

License to sell veterinary drugs

Letter label/Ref. No.................................. Date.................... ..

Mrs. ………………………………….. of …………………………… carrying on a business at …………………………………. are hereby registered to sell veterinary drugs by way of wholesale/retail dealing.

The registered doctor for the control of the business is……………………………………………………………………………….

Registrar, National Veterinary Board……………………………………………………………

Signature chairman…………………………………………………………………………………….

Note: A license will be expired, Day................... Month......................... Year 20....................

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FORM 3/3

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF IMPORT VETERINARY DRUGS

To: Registrar, National Veterinary Board

Address.........................................................

I / We of..........................................................We request a license to import veterinary drugs. The drugs control of Dr............................................ registered in the national veterinary board.

Signature of applicant / applicants --------------------------------------

Date: …………………

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FORM 3/4

LICENSE TO IMPORT VETERINARY DRUGS

Letter label/Ref. No……………….................................

Date.............................................................................

Mrs. ………………………………….. of …………………………… carrying on a business at …………………………………. are hereby licensed to import veterinary drugs.

Registrar, National Veterinary Board………………………………………………………………………

Signature chairman…………………………………………………………………………

Note: A license will be expired, Day................... Month......................... Year 20....................

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APPENDIX 4

ELECTION OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL VETERINARY BOARD

FORM 4/1

NOMINATION OF THE CANDIDATE

Name and Address of Candidate in full

(BLOCK LETTERS)

___________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

Name and Address of Proposer in full

(BLOCK LETTERS)

____________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________

I agree to accept nomination.

Signature of Candidate ___________________________________________________

Signature of Proposer ____________________________________________________

Date ______________________________________

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FORM 4/2

SECOND SCHEDULE: VOTING PAPER

NAME OF THE CANDIDATE	INSERT X IN THIS COLUMN AGAINST THE NAME OF THE CANDIDATE FOR WHOM YOU WISH TO VOTE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

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Download English: Veterinary Law

Download Somali: Veterinary Law

List Measures/Standards

Name	Description	Status	Measures/Standards	Measure Class
Animal health certificate for export	Anyone expecting to import or export animals to Somalia must fulfill all the requirements required by the ministry of livestock	Active	Measure	Goods
Requirements to obtain Animal health certificate-Import	Anyone expecting to import or export animals to Somalia must fulfill all the requirements required by the ministry of livestock.	Active	Measure	Goods

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