The Animal Diseases Act
This section gives the Act its short title: the Animal Diseases Act.
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Statute overview
About this statute
This section gives the Act its short title: the Animal Diseases Act. This section defines key terms used in the Act. The Minister must appoint a public-service veterinarian as Director for veterinary services, and the Director must carry out several listed administrative and regulatory functions. The Minister may appoint veterinarians or paraprofessionals as inspectors for specified areas and purposes. Inspectors have power to carry out inspector duties and duties set out in regulations. The Minister may appoint other staff by notice published in the Gazette.
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Provisions of The Animal Diseases Act
Showing 66 of 66
- 1 Verify source ↗
Short title
AI-assisted research summary: This section gives the Act its short title: the Animal Diseases Act.
1. This Act may be cited as the Animal Diseases Act. Interpretation - 2 Verify source ↗
Interpretation
AI-assisted research summary: This section defines key terms used in the Act.
2. In this Act unless the context otherwise requires- “animal” means any vertebrate or invertebrate other than human being; “animal disease free area” means an area in which the absence of disease under consideration has been declared as such pursuant to this Act; “animal product” include bees wax, beeshoney, blood, bone or bone meal, carcase or portion of carcase, hide, skin, horns, fat, eggs, meat, milk, offal, feathers and any other product derived from an animal; “animal sanctuary” means an area of place where animals are kept for refuge or safety; “animal wastes“ means anything derived from an animal other than an animal product and includes dung, urine, excretions, secretions and may include putrefying animal products; “border post” means an airport, any port, railway station or road station-point open to international trade of 536 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] commodities, where import veterinary inspection can be performed; “buffer zone or buffer area” means an area established within and along the border of an infected area using measures based on the epidemiology of the disease under consideration to prevent the spread of the causative agent; “carcase” means dead body of an animal; “classified disease zone” means a zone declared as such pursuant to this Act; “check point” means an airport, any port, railway station or road station-point open to local or national trade of commodities, where veterinary inspections can be performed; “compulsory disease control” means compulsory control of diseases as may be declared pursuant to this Act; “compulsory disease control area” means an area designated as such pursuant to this Act; “contagious disease” means a disease communicable by close contact or inoculation; “Director” means the Director responsible for veterinary services under the Ministry responsible for livestock; “disease” means any deviation from normal physiological functioning of the body and includes the clinical and pathological manifestation; “disposal” means getting rid of animal, animal product, animal waste, feed or litter, in a prescribed manner, for the purpose of disease control pursuant to this Act; “District Veterinary Officer” means a veterinarian incharge in a district; “feed” means any thing or materials commonly used for feeding animals; “fodder” means hay, silage or any other pasture material commonly used for feeding animals; “fomite” means a substance or thing by which a disease causing agent may travel from an infected area or place or animal to uninfected one; 537 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] “game reserves” means an area of land preserved for wildlife production; “hatching egg” means fertilized egg, suitable for incubation and hatching; “hunting block” means a demarcated hunting game area; “infected area” means an area in which the absence of the disease under consideration has not been demonstrated by the requirements specified by the Director pursuant to this Act; “Inspector” means a person appointed to be an Inspector under section 4; “infectious disease” means a disease communicable in any manner; “litter” means straw or any other materials commonly used for bedding or otherwise for or about animals; “livestock” means any domesticated animal and includes cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, cats, donkeys, chicken and game; “list” means a list of registration of diseases in different categories according to severity and prescribed criteria pursuant to this Act; “market value” means the value of the animal, animal products and property established at the place where the destruction is ordered pursuant to this Act; “meat” means all edible parts of an animal; “milk” means milk or any milk product which has not been subjected to any process; “Minister” means the Minister responsible for livestock; “national park” means an area of country side protected by the state for the enjoyment of the general public of preservation of wildlife; “notifiable diseases” means any disease, which the Director may by notice, declare to be notifiable in any area; “owner” includes a person having any right, title or interest in an animal or having an animal in his possession, custody or control and the owner in respect of a dead 538 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] animal, means owner of the dead animal or person who is in possession or control of it; “Paraprofessional” has the meaning ascribed for it under the Cap. 319 Veterinary Act; “quarantine area” means an area, vehicle, premises or any place declared as such pursuant to this Act; “stray” means any animal which has no owner or is moving uncontrolled in undesignated area for animals; “vector” means an animal by which a disease causing agent may travel from an infected animal or place to an uninfected one; “Veterinarian” has the meaning, ascribed for it under the Cap. 319 Veterinary Act; “Wildlife Management Area” means an area of land for management of native fauna like game ranching or commercial managed wildlife; “zoo” means an establishment which is used for keeping wild animals for study, conservation or display to the public; and “zoonotic diseases” means a disease with potential to affect both man and animals. PART II APPOINTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION Appointment of Director Act No. 5 of 2022 s. 4
Part
PART II
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Appointment of Director
AI-assisted research summary: The Minister must appoint a public-service veterinarian as Director for veterinary services, and the Director must carry out several listed administrative and regulatory functions.
3.–(1) The Minister shall appoint by written instrument a Veterinarian in public service to be the Director for veterinary services who shall exercise powers and functions conferred upon him pursuant to this Act. (2) The Director shall- (a) ensure successful implementation of all provisions of this Act; (b) list and maintain lists of all notifiable diseases; (c) categorise diseases into lists according to criteria prescribed in the regulations made under this Act; 539 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] (d) establish expert advisory committees for each regulation to advise on technical matters relating to provisions of this Act; (e) issue official position on the method to be used in the diagnosis, control, treatment, disposal and quarantine for each notifiable disease and cause the same to be published in print media yearly; (f) establish and maintain a national veterinary laboratory system and other means for analysing products for the purpose of this Act; (g) regulate the use of animal pesticide and prescribe the use of vaccines and any other related products that may be used under this Act; (h) define areas to be under the jurisdiction of Inspectors; and (i) cause publication of areas to be under the jurisdiction of Inspectors. Appointment of Inspectors - 4 Verify source ↗
Appointment of Inspectors
AI-assisted research summary: The Minister may appoint veterinarians or paraprofessionals as inspectors for specified areas and purposes. Inspectors have power to carry out inspector duties and duties set out in regulations.
4.–(1) The Minister may, by a written instrument appoint for a specified period of time such number of Veterinarians or Paraprofessional in public service or in private practice to be Inspectors for specific areas and for purposes of enforcing this Act, as may be prescribed. (2) Inspectors shall have powers to perform all or any of the duties of an Inspector or any duties spelt out in various regulations made under this Act. Appointment of other staff - 5 Verify source ↗
Appointment of other staff
AI-assisted research summary: The Minister may appoint other staff by notice published in the Gazette.
5. The Minister shall, by notice published in the Gazette appoint such number of other staff to perform various functions under this Act. Indemnity - 6 Verify source ↗
Indemnity
AI-assisted research summary: A person is not liable for loss or damage caused by the reasonable or intended exercise of powers given by this Act.
6. A person shall not be liable for any loss or damage resulting from the reasonable or intended exercise of powers conferred by this Act. 540 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] Measures to be regulated Restriction on movement in an infected area PART III MEASURES FOR CHECKING LIVESTOCK DISEASES
Part
PART III
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Measures to be regulated
AI-assisted research summary: The Minister may make regulations on livestock disease control, quarantine, buffer zones, and infected areas, and an Inspector may regulate disposal of diseased materials in infected areas.
7.–(1) The Minister may issue regulations spelling out measures for checking and handling livestock disease outbreaks including the technical steps to be taken in order to effect quarantine and shall spell out epidemiological demarcations for buffer zones or areas and infected areas. (2) An Inspector shall have power to regulate the disposal of carcases, animal produce, feed, litter, animal waste and any other things associated with disease within the infected area. - 8 Verify source ↗
Restriction on movement in an infected area
AI-assisted research summary: People cannot move listed animal-related items into or out of an infected area without written permission from the Inspector.
8.–(1) A person shall not move any animal, animal produce, animal feed, litter, animal waste or anything as may be prescribed in the regulation into or from an infected area without a written permission of the Inspector. (2) An Inspector may seize, destroy, bury or otherwise deal with any animal, carcase, animal produce feed, litter and animal waste which shall have been moved contrary to the provisions of this Act. (3) The carcases of animals dying from the disease shall forthwith be buried or disposed of in any manner prescribed by the Inspector and in accordance with existing control regulations for the disease under consideration. (4) An owner of any animal infected or liable to be infected with the disease shall not leave the area without having complied with such directions for preventing the spread of disease as may be given by an Inspector. (5) Provisions for the prevention of the spread of each specific notifiable disease shall be followed as set out in the regulations or order for each notifiable disease. Barriers - 9 Verify source ↗
Barriers
AI-assisted research summary: People must not herd or graze animals within 200 meters of a public road unless a barrier separates the road from the grazing area. Inspectors must erect and maintain barriers, notice boards, or beacons around infected areas and may remove them.
9.–(1) A person shall not herd or graze animals within two hundred meters of a public road unless there is a barrier between the public road and the area of herding or grazing. 541 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] (2) An Inspector shall erect and maintain around the infected area and therein any barrier, notice board or beacon and may remove any barrier, notice board or beacon so erected. Isolation and separation of diseased animals - 10
AI-assisted research summary: Owners must isolate animals affected or suspected of disease, no one may move infected or diseased animals out of the infected area, and certain officials may order isolation in writing.
10.–(1) An owner of any animal affected or suspected of being affected with a disease shall have the duty to keep such animal isolated and separated from other animals. (2) A person shall not move an infected or diseased animal outside the infected area. (3) An Inspector or Veterinarian or Paraprofessional may in writing, order the owner of animal suffering or suspected of being suffering from a notifiable disease, to isolates an animal for such a time until the animal has been found not to be suffering from a disease. - 11 Verify source ↗
12. Declaration of buffer zone
AI-assisted research summary: The Inspector may require owners of animals in an infected area to isolate or move the animals, regulate animal movement, and mark animals for definitive identification.
11. The Inspector shall- (a) for the purpose of isolation of animals in the infected area, require the owner of any animal within the infected area to isolate the animal from other animals, or to move such animal within twenty four hours from one place within the area to another place within the same area, or from the area to such other place as directed by the Inspector; or (b) regulate the movement of animals within the infected area; and (c) cause any animal in the infected area to be marked for definitive identification. - 12 Verify source ↗
Declaration of buffer zone
AI-assisted research summary: An Inspector must declare and publicize a buffer zone, require animal owners there to vaccinate or take preventive measures, and collect samples regularly.
12. An Inspector shall- (a) declare a buffer zone between an infected and uninfected area of a size in accordance with control regulations applicable to the disease under consideration; (b) cause a declared buffer zone to be Gazetted and made public through popular media in the buffer zone, infected area and the neighbouring uninfected area; Isolation of animals in infected area Declaration of buffer zone 542 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] (c) require each animal owner in the buffer area to vaccinate all his animals or carry out any other preventive measures so directed against the disease under consideration in the buffer area; and (d) carry out regular collection of relevant samples to check the disease and immune status in animals in the buffer area. - 13 Verify source ↗
Restriction on movement in buffer area
AI-assisted research summary: People may not move animals, animal products, or waste into or out of the buffer area unless the Inspector gives written permission.
13.–(1) A person shall not move animals, animal products and waste into or from the buffer area without a written permission of the Inspector. (2) An Inspector shall, where there is contravention of subsection (1), have power to seize, destroy, bury or otherwise deal with any animal, animal product and waste. (3) Gathering of animal for sale or slaughter shall not be allowed unless such animals had gone through disease preventive measures instituted by the Inspector for the disease under consideration in the buffer area. (4) The Inspector shall- (a) cause any animal in the buffer zone to be marked for definitive identification; (b) erect and maintain between the infected and uninfected areas and the buffer area any barriers, notice boards or beacons; and (c) have power to remove such barriers, notice boards or beacons so erected. - 14 Verify source ↗
Reports to Inspector
AI-assisted research summary: Animal owners in a buffer area must report animal deaths to the Inspector, and some owners must not leave unless they have followed the Inspector’s disease-control directions.
14.–(1) An owner of animals shall, for the purpose of identifying the cause of death of an animal, have the duty to report to the Inspector on the death of animal in the buffer area: Provided that, where the death is caused by the disease under consideration in the infected area, all provisions relating to diseases in infected area shall apply. Restriction on movement in buffer area Reports to Inspector 543 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] Duty to report diseases or death of an animal (2) An owner of any animal that, is liable to be infected with the disease under consideration in the buffer area shall not leave without having complied with such directions for preventing the spread of the disease as may be given by the Inspector. (3) Provisions for the prevention and control of notifiable disease in buffer areas shall be followed as set out in the regulations made specifically for each of the notifiable diseases. - 15 Verify source ↗
Duty to report diseases or death of an animal
AI-assisted research summary: Owners must report certain animal disease or unexplained death events quickly, and dead animals from notifiable disease cannot be cut up or destroyed without consent.
15.–(1) Where any animal is affected or suspected of being affected or dies of a disease or from any cause, other than disease, which is not apparent, the owner of the animal shall, within twenty four hours, report the matter to the nearest Veterinarian or Paraprofessional. (2) A Veterinarian or Paraprofessional shall have a duty, after receiving a report from the owner to report the matter to an Inspector. (3) The burden of proof that an animal did not die of a notifiable disease or that the cause of death was that of a notifiable disease lie with the Veterinarian who first receives the report of the disease outbreak. (4) The carcase of any animal dead from a notifiable disease shall not be cut or destroyed in any way without the consent of an Inspector or Veterinarian. (5) The owner shall, where it is not reasonably possible for the report of the death of an animal to be received by an Inspector within twelve hours of such death- (a) report the matter in writing to the local government authority in the area prior to burying or burning of the carcase; (b) cause the intact carcase, to be wholly burnt or buried within twenty four hours after its death at a depth of not less than 2 metres below the surface of the ground located at least 100 metres from wells or water sources and at least 100 metres from any residence or any animal facilities; and 544 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] (c) report the matter to a Veterinarian or Paraprofessional after the burning or burying of the carcase. (6) A person in-charge of animal market or fair who suspects an animal having a notifiable disease is being sold or exposed or offered for sale or disposal, may seize and isolate the animal and forthwith notify the nearest Veterinarian or Inspector. (7) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the owner of a dead animal shall be allowed to take a blood smear from an ear of the animal before the animal is burnt or buried. Procedure for notification of diseases - 16 Verify source ↗
Procedure for notification of diseases
AI-assisted research summary: The veterinarian and inspector have duties to confirm, report, control, and escalate notifiable disease outbreaks, and certain exposed persons must notify the nearest veterinarian.
16.–(1) The Veterinarian may, after receiving information from the farmer, take appropriate measure to confirm the disease and shall- (a) immediately take measures to control the disease; and (b) report the matter to the Inspector in a prescribed form and to the farmer; (2) The Inspector shall, after receiving the report of the outbreak from the Veterinarian, and after satisfying himself that the disease is notifiable- (a) institute measures to control the spread of disease through quarantine and slaughtering; (b) initiate the compensation process; (c) inform the owner and the neighbours about the disease outbreak; (d) supervise owners to take immediate measures to control the spread of the disease; and (e) report steps taken to the Director. (3) A person who analyses specimens affected with a notifiable disease or who comes in contact with a notifiable disease shall notify the nearest Veterinarian. Quarantine - 17 Verify source ↗
Quarantine
AI-assisted research summary: If the District Veterinary Officer has reasonable grounds to suspect a place or area contains or has contained an animal, fomite, or vector with a notifiable disease, the officer must quarantine it in the manner prescribed and gazetted by the Minister.
17. Where the District Veterinary Officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that the place or area contains or has contained an animal or fomite or vector that has a notifiable disease, shall institute quarantine of a place or area in a manner prescribed and Gazetted by the Minister. 545 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] Slaughter of affected animals Disposal of animals, carcases, products and wastes Identification and traceability of animals, fomites and animal products - 18 Verify source ↗
Slaughter of affected animals
AI-assisted research summary: An Inspector must have certain animals slaughtered or destroyed if they are affected, suspected of being affected, or have been in contact with a notifiable disease.
18.–(1) An Inspector shall cause to be slaughtered and or destroyed any animal affected or suspected of being affected with or which has been in contact with a disease registered with the Director as a notifiable disease pursuant to this Act. (2) The Inspector shall cause a copy of the statements on identification of the animal, value, circumstances of slaughter or destruction to be given to the owner. (3) The slaughter of animals specified under subsection (1) shall be witnessed by the police and public valuers. - 19 Verify source ↗
Disposal of animals, carcases, products and wastes
AI-assisted research summary: Animals, carcasses, animal products, and wastes covered by this section must be disposed of as required by the Inspector, and buried carcasses cannot be dug up without the Inspector’s written permission.
19.–(1) Where an animal has been slaughtered under the authority of this Act or animal products or wastes destroyed under any provision of this Act, the carcase or animal products or animal wastes shall belong to the Government and shall be disposed of by the Inspector. (2) The Inspector shall cause disposal to be carried out in a manner to be stipulated by regulations. (3) Where an animal is known or suspected to have died from a notifiable disease, the owner of the animal shall dispose of it in accordance with the directions of the Inspector and in no case may the animal be disposed of by natural means. (4) A person shall not dig up whole carcase or part of the buried carcase of an animal unless he obtains a written permission from the Inspector. - 20 Verify source ↗
Identification and traceability of animals, fomites and animal products
AI-assisted research summary: The Inspector may use a special mark to identify animals connected with quarantine, disposal, or disease control, and other people must not mark, brand, or tamper with those marks except when the Inspector directs it.
20.–(1) The Inspector may use a special mark for purposes of identifying animals under quarantine, disposal or any matters pursuant to disease control. (2) A person other than an Inspector shall not- (a) brand or mark any animal with any of the brands or ear tags or with any brand or mark calculated to cause it to be believed that the animal has been branded or ear tagged by an Inspector in accordance with the provisions of this Act; and (b) willfully blotch, deface, render illegible or alter any mark or brand that has been impressed on or inserted in any animal or product, in accordance with the provisions of this Act except by the direction of the Inspector. 546 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] Disease to be listed with Director Certification of farms and ranches Notification of disease outbreaks PART IV MEASURES FOR CHECKING DISEASES OF ANIMALS OTHER THAN LIVESTOCK
Part
PART IV
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Disease to be listed with Director
AI-assisted research summary: The Director must register, classify, and annually list notifiable animal diseases.
21. The Director shall- (a) register all notifiable diseases of animals other than livestock; (b) classify diseases of animals other than livestock as to those not found in Tanzania, causing high mortalities and severe economic losses and code according to international specifications; (c) classify diseases that exist in Tanzania, that would cause high mortalities and severe losses; and (d) classify and provide annually a list of the notifiable diseases. - 22 Verify source ↗
Certification of farms and ranches
AI-assisted research summary: People who want to deal in the farming import or export of certain animals must register with the Director for disease control.
22.–(1) A person who desires to deal with the farming import or export of fish, birds, reptiles, mammals, mollusks and animals other than livestock shall, for the purpose of disease control, register with the Director. (2) The Director shall upon registration under this section and after consultation with the Directors responsible for wildlife and for fisheries, issue a certificate that will require a licence holder to keep records regarding tracking of animals, export and imports. - 23 Verify source ↗
Notification of disease outbreaks
AI-assisted research summary: People responsible for animals in covered places must report suspected notifiable disease cases within 24 hours, and veterinarians, inspectors, and the director must pass the report and take control measures.
23.–(1) In aquaculture, farms, zoo, national park, animal sanctuary, game reserve, wildlife Management Area, hunting block or other places keeping or maintaining animals other than livestock, if any animal is affected or suspected of being affected or dies of a disease suspected to be of notifiable in nature, the owner or in-charge of the animal shall, within twenty four hours, report the matter to his Veterinarian or the nearest Veterinarian or Paraprofessional. 547 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] (2) The Veterinarian or Paraprofessional shall, after receiving a report from the owner or in-charge, be required to report the matter to the Inspector. (3) The burden of proof that an animal did not die of a notifiable disease or that the cause of death was that of a notifiable disease shall lie with the Veterinarian first receiving the report of the matter. (4) In aquaculture, farms, zoo, national park, animal sanctuary, game reserve, Wildlife Management Area, open area, hunting block or other places keeping or maintaining animals other than livestock, the owner or officer in-charge or any body responsible for the animals, shall keep any animal affected or suspected of being affected with disease isolated and separate from animals not so affected or suspected, to have been affected. (5) A Veterinarian receiving information from the owner or in-charge of a place for keeping animals other than livestock shall take appropriate measures to confirm and control the disease and shall- (a) immediately report to the Inspector in a prescribed form; and (b) report the matter to the farm, national park, zoo, game reserve or other Veterinarian. (6) The Inspector shall, after receiving the report of the matter from the Veterinarian and after satisfying himself that the disease is notifiable- (a) institute measures to control the spread of the disease through quarantine, prohibition of escape or any other measures; (b) inform the owner or officer in-charge, and neighbours about the notifiable disease outbreak; (c) ensure that they take immediate measures to control the spread of the diseases; and (d) report the matter to the Director who shall cause additional measures to be taken in consultation with the Director of Wildlife. 548 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] Quarantine for animals other than livestock - 24 Verify source ↗
Quarantine for animals other than livestock
AI-assisted research summary: The Inspector must quarantine places or areas for non-livestock animals that are considered potentially infected with a notifiable disease, as regulations prescribe.
24. The Inspector shall, in a manner prescribed by regulations, institute quarantine of a place or area for animals other than livestock which are deemed to be potentially infected with a notifiable disease. Destruction and disposal of affected animals other than livestock Power to enter and examine - 25 Verify source ↗
Destruction and disposal of affected animals other than livestock
AI-assisted research summary: An Inspector must destroy animals affected or suspected of having a notifiable disease, and must dispose of the related carcass, products, or wastes as prescribed. The Director may make regulations about compensation under this section.
25.–(1) An Inspector, shall cause to be destroyed any animal affected or suspected of being affected with or which has been in contact with a notifiable disease in the manner as may be prescribed. (2) Where an animal has been destroyed under the authority pursuant to this Act or destroyed under any other provision in this Act, the carcase or animal products or animal wastes shall belong to the Government and shall be disposed of by the Inspector. (3) The Inspector shall cause the disposal to be carried out in the manner as may be prescribed in the regulations. (4) The Director shall in consultation with the Directors responsible for wildlife and fisheries make regulations for governing compensation under this section. PART V POWERS OF INSPECTORS
Part
PART V
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Power to enter and examine
AI-assisted research summary: Inspectors have power to enter and examine certain places, vehicles, and vessels for animal disease control purposes; inspectors, police officers, and law enforcement agents may also enter premises to check compliance with regulations, orders, or directions under the Act.
26.–(1) An Inspector shall have power- (a) to enter any land, building, shed, place or vehicle containing or suspected of containing or suspected of having contained any animal, animal products or animal wastes or fomite and make such examination as may be required for the purpose of ascertaining whether any such animal, animal product or animal waste or fomite is capable of transmitting diseases; and (b) to stop and enter any vehicle or vessel in which an animal is conveyed and make such examination of the animal as is reasonably required to ascertain whether or not it is suffering from a notifiable diseases. 549 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] Power to enter with warrant Power of inoculation and disinfection (2) An Inspector or police officer or any law enforcement agent may enter any land, building, shed, place vessel or vehicle for the purpose of ascertaining whether any regulation, order or direction made or given under this Act have been properly carried out. - 27 Verify source ↗
Power to enter with warrant
AI-assisted research summary: An Inspector must apply to a magistrate for a warrant to enter certain places if admission is refused or likely to be refused. A magistrate may issue the warrant, and it must end within one month. When executing the warrant, the Inspector must also seize and impound any identified animal, animal product, or property used to commit an offence under the Act.
27.–(1) An Inspector shall apply to a magistrate for the issue of a warrant in relation to a specified dwelling, land, place, premises or vehicle to which the Inspector has been, or is likely to be, refused admission. (2) A magistrate to whom such an application is made, and who is satisfied with information on oath that entry is necessary for purposes relating to the administration of this Act may at any time issue a warrant authorising the Inspector to enter the premises. (3) A warrant mentioned under subsection (2), shall specify a date not being later than one month from the date of issue upon which the warrant ceases to have effect. (4) An Inspector who executes a warrant under subsection (3) in addition to an animal or animal product or property spelt out in the warrant shall seize and impound any animal or animal product or property which the Inspector identifies that, it is used to commit an offence pursuant to this Act. - 28 Verify source ↗
Power of inoculation and disinfection
AI-assisted research summary: An Inspector must disinfect or otherwise treat animals to help prevent disease spread and may order the owner to bring the animal to a directed place.
28. An Inspector shall- (a) in preventing the spread of disease quarantine, inoculate, spray, dip, wash or otherwise disinfect an animal or in the case of an animal infected or suspected of being infected with a notifiable disease deal with it in a manner as may be prescribed by the regulations for that disease; and (b) order the owner of such animal to bring the animal to such place as may be directed. 550 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] Power to carry out tests - 29 Verify source ↗
Power to carry out tests
AI-assisted research summary: An Inspector may take samples and apply other tests to detect or diagnose diseases.
29. An Inspector shall for the purposes of detecting or diagnosing diseases- (a) take or cause to be taken from an animal blood, carcase, fluid, samples or specimen; (b) take or cause to be taken from any building, shed, place, vehicle, fluid, hay, straw or litter; and (c) apply such other tests as he may consider necessary. Inspection of animals etc. - 30 Verify source ↗
31. Powers of seizure and destruction
AI-assisted research summary: The owner of an animal, animal product, or animal waste must produce it for inspection when an Inspector asks under this Act.
30. The owner of an animal, animal product or animal waste shall produce the same for inspection when called upon to do so by an Inspector pursuant to this Act. Powers of seizure and destruction - 31 Verify source ↗
Powers of seizure and destruction
AI-assisted research summary: An Inspector may seize and impound certain animals, products, waste, fodder, fittings, or vehicles in specified disease-control situations, and may release them if destruction is not necessary.
31.–(1) An Inspector shall have power to seize and impound an animal, animal product, animal waste, fodder, fitting or any vehicle, that is placed, exposed, moved, imported or sold contrary to a prohibition or restriction provided for under this Act, or which the Inspector reasonably suspects to be infected with a notifiable disease, or which is astray in or near a place where there has been an outbreak of a notifiable disease. (2) Where in the opinion of the Inspector it is not necessary to destroy the animal or thing seized, the Inspector shall- (a) release the animal or animal products or property to its lawful owner; or (b) release the animal or animal products or property to its lawful owner on conditional payment of any charges incurred in connection with its impounding or other measures taken by an Inspector. (3) At the time of release, the Inspector shall by order in writing require the owner to take measures to eliminate any risk associated with a notifiable disease. Disposal of carcases of diseased animals - 32 Verify source ↗
Disposal of carcases of diseased animals
AI-assisted research summary: If an animal dies of a notifiable disease, the area Inspector must give directions on burying, destroying, or disposing of the carcass, animal products, and animal wastes.
32. Where an animal dies of a notifiable disease, the Inspector designated for the area shall give directions with reference to the burial, destruction or disposal of the carcase, animal products and animal wastes associated with the animal. 551 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] Powers to issue notices - 33 Verify source ↗
Powers to issue notices
AI-assisted research summary: An Inspector may require the owner or person in charge to disinfect specified animals-related premises, vehicles, or items if disease is suspected, and may also issue notices, erect notice boards, and issue transport permits in restricted areas.
33.–(1) Where an Inspector has reasonable grounds to believe that a vehicle or any premises or place where animals or animal products or animal waste are commonly exposed for sale, exhibition, parade, racing or any other form of recreation or competition or where animals or animal products are processed for human or animal consumption, is infected with a disease, he may, by notice in writing to the owner or person in charge, require that person to disinfect the place, premises or vehicle specified in the notice, any fodder or fitting within the premises, place or vehicle, any vehicle within the premises or place. (2) A disinfection notice issued under subsection (1) shall specify the time within which the owner or person in-charge is required to comply with the requirements of the notice and the manner in which the disinfections is to be carried out. (3) An Inspector- (a) shall have power to issue notices intended to control the spread of animal diseases; (b) may erect notice boards for the display of important notices, which shall inform the general public on current measures being applied to limit the spread of notifiable diseases; and (c) may after consultation with a District Veterinary Officer, responsible for the destination area and if he is convinced that, such a permit shall not contravene this Act in preventing spread of the disease, issue permits to allow transportation of animals and animal products either into or out of a restricted area. Power to prohibit movement - 34 Verify source ↗
Power to prohibit movement
AI-assisted research summary: An Inspector may prohibit certain animal exhibitions, movements, sales, and livestock slaughter in any place to prevent disease spread.
34.–(1) An Inspector shall, for the purpose of preventing the spread of disease, prohibit in any place- (a) the holding of any exhibition or movement of animals or animal products or animal wastes or the sale of any such products in open markets or in private yards; or (b) the slaughter of livestock for food and the sale of meat or carcases. 552 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] Power to get information on outbreaks of diseases (2) An Inspector who exercises the powers of prohibition under this section shall forthwith inform the Director of the measures taken and success achieved and steps he intends to take to completely control the disease. - 35 Verify source ↗
Power to get information on outbreaks of diseases
AI-assisted research summary: An Inspector may require people to answer questions, produce records, undergo vaccination or disinfection, and the Inspector may inspect, extract from, or copy records for disease-control purposes.
35. For the purposes of preventing, controlling or eradicating notifiable diseases, an Inspector shall- (a) require a person to answer any question that the Inspector reasonably believes may provide information bearing on the prevention, control or eradication of the disease; (b) require a person who had been ordered or directed or given directives under provisions of this Act but failed to comply with such requirement, to vaccinate, disinfect or act as directed by the warrant and at the expense of such person; (c) require any person to produce any record or other document; and (d) inspect and take extracts from or make copies of any record or other document. Power to examine at points of entry into country - 36 Verify source ↗
Power to examine at points of entry into country
AI-assisted research summary: An Inspector must carry out inspection, search, seizure, testing, treatment, disinfection, sampling, movement control, and marking actions to help control the introduction of diseases into the country.
36.–(1) For the purposes of controlling introduction of diseases into the country, an Inspector shall- (a) stop, board, enter, search or impound any vehicle, marine vessel or aircraft; (b) break open and search any box, container, package or receptacle including any place that could be used as a receptacle; (c) inspect, count, examine, mark for identification, test, vaccinate, treat, disinfect or take samples from any animal, animal product, animal waste, fodder, fitting or any item or receptacle; and (d) stop the movement or order the movement or mustering of any animal or animal product, for the purposes of examination, treatment, disinfection or the taking of samples. testing, vaccination, 553 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] (2) An Inspector shall for the purposes of identifying animals or animal products, apply special marks. Power to use force - 37 Verify source ↗
Power to use force
AI-assisted research summary: An Inspector may use reasonable force, when necessary, to stop a person from acting against a disease-control requirement and may ask the police to help enforce the Act.
37. An Inspector shall, where it is necessary, use reasonable force to restrain a person who is apparently acting contrary to a requirement relating to control of notifiable diseases pursuant to this Act from so acting and may require the assistance of the police to ensure compliance with this Act. Power to ensure compliance in hatcheries and artificial insemination centres - 38 Verify source ↗
Power to ensure compliance in hatcheries and artificial insemination centres
AI-assisted research summary: Inspectors must ensure disease-control rules are applied in hatcheries and artificial insemination centres, and people may need a Minister-issued licence to use premises or eggs for hatching for sale.
38.–(1) An Inspector shall have the duty to ensure that, regulations and appropriate measures to limit the spread of disease are applied in hatcheries and artificial insemination centers within his area of jurisdiction. (2) A person, group of persons or company may not keep or use premises for hatching an egg for sale of a chicken unless the person, group of persons or company holds a licence issued by the Minister in respect of the premises for that purpose. (3) A licence shall not be issued by the Minister unless he is satisfied that proper facilities and adequate resources are available for- (a) the maintenance of the premises in a state of hygiene to the satisfaction of the Minister; (b) the regular cleansing, disinfecting and fumigating of incubators and equipment used in connection with the hatching of chickens; (c) the recording of all eggs used for hatching to enable the property of origin of the eggs to be identified; (d) the recording in respect of all chickens hatched; (e) particulars of the property of origin of eggs used for hatching; (f) the date of hatching; (g) particulars of the name and address of the person to whom the chickens are dispatched; and (h) the date of the dispatches. (4) A person, group of persons or company may not sell or use any egg for hatching for sale unless the egg is a product of a domesticated fowl which has been tested for notifiable or 554 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] scheduled diseases, as listed by the Minister, at a veterinary diagnostic laboratory appointed for that purpose by the Minister. Powers to make declarations
Part
scheduled diseases, as listed by the Minister, at a veterinary
- 39 Verify source ↗
Powers to make declarations
AI-assisted research summary: The Director may declare an area quarantine, infected, buffer, or disease-free after checking its status and examining animals under regulations made under the Act.
39. The Director shall declare any place or area a quarantine or infected or buffer or disease free area after ascertaining status and examining animals pursuant to regulations given under this Act. PART VI COMPENSATION Entitlement to compensation
Part
PART VI
- 40 Verify source ↗
Entitlement to compensation
40.–(1) The Minister shall order compensation to be paid to the owner of animal, where physical evidence is provided that an animal is slaughted or destroyed as consequences of a disease. (2) The Minister may specify the amount to be compensated according to the market value. Claim for compensation - 41 Verify source ↗
Claim for compensation
AI-assisted research summary: Claims for destruction of animals, animal products, or property must be lodged with the Director in the prescribed manner within 30 days, unless the Minister prescribes a longer period.
41. Claims which arise from the destruction of animals, animal products or property shall be according to regulations pursuant to this Act and shall be lodged in a prescribed manner to the Director within thirty days after the death or destruction or such longer period as the Minister may prescribe. Compensation to be withheld - 42 Verify source ↗
Compensation to be withheld
AI-assisted research summary: The Minister may withhold compensation, in whole or in part, if specified problems arise about entitlement, if the claimant’s animal/property was involved in a violation or offence, or if imported animals/products were already diseased or contaminated. A person who breaches section 40 or tampers with seals/identifying devices commits an offence and may be fined or imprisoned.
42.–(1) Compensation may be withheld in whole or in part by the Minister where- (a) doubt or dispute arises to the entitlement of a person to receive compensation as stipulated under this Act; (b) the owner of or the person having the possession, care or control of animal, animal product or properties in respect of which compensation is claimed has committed a violation or an offence under this Act; and (c) the animal or animal product at the time it was imported to Tanzania was already affected or contaminated by a disease. 555 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] (2) A person who contravenes section 40 or who deliberately breaks, alters, tampers with or removes a seal or other identifying device in contravention of the regulations or forfeits any claim to compensation in respect of animal, animal product or property, commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term of not less than six months or to both. (3) In determining the amount of compensation to be paid under this Act, allowance for loss of profit occasioned by breach of contract or loss of production or any other consequential losses shall not be made. PART VII COMPULSORY ANIMAL DISEASES PREVENTION MEASURES Movement of livestock
Part
PART VII
- 43 Verify source ↗
Movement of livestock
AI-assisted research summary: A person must not move animals, animal products, or animal wastes without a permit in the situations described here.
43. A person shall not- (a) move an animal on foot or by use of a vehicle outside the Inspectors’ area of jurisdiction without a permit; or (b) move an animal or animal products or animal wastes from outside of the country or introduce animals into any area without a permit. Issuance of permits - 44 Verify source ↗
Issuance of permits
AI-assisted research summary: The Inspector must issue permits for disease control when the animals are clinically healthy and free from disease, and when the owner has met compulsory disease-control conditions including vaccination.
44. The Inspector shall for the purposes of disease control issue permits where- (a) he has satisfied himself that animals are examined clinically healthy and are free from diseases; and (b) the owner has satisfied the Inspector that he has fulfilled conditions under compulsory disease control which include vaccination. Zoosanitary border post and internal checkpoints - 45 Verify source ↗
Zoosanitary border post and internal checkpoints
AI-assisted research summary: The Director must establish and maintain border posts and internal check points, and the Minister may announce and vary them by order.
45.–(1) Migrating herds, trade livestock shall be controlled at obligatory border post and internal check points where official veterinary inspection shall be carried out. (2) The Director shall be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of border posts and internal check points. 556 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] (3) The Minister may by order, announce and vary the border post and internal check points. Compulsory animal identification - 46 Verify source ↗
Compulsory animal identification
AI-assisted research summary: Owners of livestock must take reasonable steps to keep their animals identified, and the Director controls identification devices. Manufacturing or selling those devices requires a written permit from the Director.
46.–(1) The owner of livestock shall have the duty to take reasonable steps to ensure that his livestock is identified at all times and in a manner specified by the regulations. (2) The Director may for the purpose of identification, design register and regulate the manufacture, use and distribution of identification devices. (3) A person livestock identification devices shall not make or sell or offer or expose for sale devices intended for identification of livestock unless the person receives a written permit from the Director. to manufacture intending (4) The Inspector shall use special definitive identification during disease outbreaks. Power to delegate - 47 Verify source ↗
Power to delegate
AI-assisted research summary: The Minister may delegate disease prevention and control powers to local government authorities for compulsory disease control.
47. The Minister may for the purposes of implementing compulsory disease control, delegate powers of prevention and control of diseases to local government authorities. System for disease control - 48 Verify source ↗
System for disease control
AI-assisted research summary: The Director must establish a national epidemiological system for controlling diseases.
48. The Director shall, for the purposes of controlling diseases, establish a national epidemiological system. Declaration of disease free areas - 49 Verify source ↗
Declaration of disease free areas
AI-assisted research summary: The Minister may declare an area a Disease Free Zone and set related rules, and the Director may classify an area as disease free or remove that status if the stated conditions are breached.
49.–(1) The Minister may, upon consultation with the Director, by order, declare an area to be a Disease Free Zone area and prescribe: (a) the use of such area; (b) the measure to be taken by owners of cattle within a Disease Free Zone; and (c) measures to be taken by owners of cattle outside a Disease Free Zone in order to prevent introduction of diseases into such area. (2) Without prejudice to subsection (1), an area shall be classified disease free where- (a) diseases announced by the Director have not occurred for a specified period; (b) no notifiable disease has occurred in the area for the past specified period; 557 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] (c) measures to prevent introduction of disease or infection are in place; (d) a buffer zone or a natural barrier exists to prevent animals other than livestock to enter the area; and (e) no diseases announced by the Director have been including wildlife in neigbouring areas detected establishments. Declaration of chemicals for use in disease control (3) An area shall have the disease free status removed by the Director when any of the above mentioned provisions are contravened. - 50 Verify source ↗
Declaration of chemicals for use in disease control
AI-assisted research summary: You cannot test, register, use, sell, or research certain animal pesticides/chemicals without the required Director permission or permit, and handlers of registered chemicals must keep them to approved standards and notify changes in advance.
50.–(1) A person shall not test, register or use animal pesticides or animal chemicals for disease control in the country without a written permission of the Director in respect of that particular animal pesticide or animal chemical. (2) A person who produces, distributes and stores or sells or deals with pesticide and other registered chemicals shall- (a) ensure through research or otherwise the chemical is maintained according to approved standard; and (b) provide information of any change or anticipated changes and that shall be three months before the introduction of the change. (3) A pesticide or chemical substance for sale or offer for sale shall bear on the container in Kiswahili and English- (a) a trade name and registration number; (b) a description of the active ingredients in relation to netweight or volume; (c) dose or amount to be used; (d) a description of precautious to be taken on tissue or animal; (e) a description of treatment in case of emergency; (f) instruction on disposal of use of chemicals; (g) the name and address of the holder of the registration certificate; (h) date of manufacture; (i) expiry date; 558 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] (j) batch number; and (k) the name of the registration authority. (4) A person shall not- (a) distribute, sale or offer or expose for sale any pesticide or chemicals which are not registered or conform to requirements of this section and regulations made under this Act; and (b) carry out research or activities related to research on notifiable diseases without a permit from the Director. PART VIII GENERAL PROVISIONS ON CONTROL OF ANIMAL DISEASES Restrictions on milk and milk products
Part
PART VIII
- 51 Verify source ↗
Restrictions on milk and milk products
AI-assisted research summary: The Inspector may stop an animal from being used for milk products and require marking of the animal if the milk may be harmful or unfit for human consumption; a notified dairy farmer must comply, and no one may use the animal for milk products while the notice applies.
51.–(1) The Inspector may, where he is of the opinion that, milk produced for sale from an animal would be deleterious to the health of human beings or unfit for human consumption- (a) by written notice given to the dairy farmer upon whose dairy farm the animal is kept- (i) prohibit the use of the animal for the production or preparation of any milk product for the sale for a period as may be determined; and (ii) mark the animal or cause the animal to be marked in a non-permanent manner as may be prescribed by the regulations; or (b) after examining the animal- (i) prohibit permanently the use of the animal for production or preparation of any milk product for sale; and (ii) mark the animal or cause the animal to be marked in a permanent way. (2) A dairy farmer who is given a written notice under subsection (1) shall prevent the use of the animal to which the notice relates for the production or preparation of any dairy product for sale for the time prescribed in the notice. 559 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] Restrictions on meat and meat products Slaughtering premises ante- mortem and post-mortem inspection (3) A person shall not use or permit the use of an animal to which the notice relates for the production or preparation of any milk product. - 52 Verify source ↗
Restrictions on meat and meat products
AI-assisted research summary: A person must not sell or buy meat from diseased or otherwise unfit animals, and must not use diseased meat or meat products to compound animal feeds.
52. A person shall not- (a) sell or buy meat from a diseased animal that may affect human health or effluence the spread of diseases to other animals or to other areas in the country; (b) compound animal feeds using diseased meat or meat product; or (c) sale or buy meat from an animal affected by any other conditions considered to render the meat unfit for human consumption. - 53 Verify source ↗
Slaughtering premises ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection
AI-assisted research summary: Slaughterhouse premises must be suitably designed to help disease detection, and an Inspector must ensure post-mortem inspection is carried out on dressed carcasses.
53.–(1) The slaughterhouse premise or establishment shall be of suitable design, layout and construction in order to facilitate disease detection during ante-mortem inspection and post- mortem inspection by an Inspector. (2) An ante-mortem inspection shall be carried out within twenty four hours preceding slaughter in a registered slaughter house premise or establishment so as to ensure that only those animals that are free from diseases or conditions are permitted to proceed for slaughter. (3) An Inspector shall ensure that post-mortem inspection is carried out on dressed carcase to detect diseases or conditions which prevent the carcase from being passed for human consumption. (4) Appropriate measures as provided by the regulations shall be instituted upon detection of disease or condition during post-mortem inspection where such disease or condition is a threat to human or is capable of spreading to other animals. Restrictions to importation - 54 Verify source ↗
Restrictions to importation
AI-assisted research summary: Imports of diseased animals and related items are restricted unless the Director authorises them or certifies them.
54.–(1) A person may not bring or cause or permit or allow to be brought into the country any diseased animal, diseased animal product except in accordance with prior authority of the Director or certificate issued by the Director. 560 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] (2) A person shall not- (a) bring or cause or permit or allow to be brought into the country any animal, animal product, fodder or thing contrary to any order or regulation prescribing the introduction of animals, animal products, fodder or thing into the country or without the animals, animal products, fodder or thing being inspected and certified in the prescribed manner; (b) abandon, allow to stray, drive or cause to be driven or herded any animal or move or cause to be moved any animal product, fodder or thing introduced in the country contrary to any order or regulation regarding the introduction and without the animals, animal product, fodder or thing being inspected and certified in the manner prescribed. (3) The Director may- (a) in writing authorise the bringing into the country of any diseased animal or diseased animal products that is specified in the authorisation; and (b) issue a licence authorising the bringing into the country of diseased livestock or livestock products or a class of diseased animal or animal product for the period specified by the Director in the licence and may impose conditions on the licence. (4) Importers of animals other than livestock or their products, eggs, gametes or wastes shall comply with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Minister to ensure that imported animals, animal products or animal wastes are free from any notifiable disease. - 55 Verify source ↗
Restrictions on artificial insemination
AI-assisted research summary: Certain people or companies must not sell, use, train with, or import semen unless the Director has approved or licensed the relevant person, premises, sire, course, or importation.
55. A person, group of persons or company shall not- (a) sell semen from any sire unless, at the time, the semen was collected from a sire registered and approved by the Director; (b) sell any semen if that person, group of persons or company suspects or has reasonable cause to know the semen is diseased; 561 Restrictions on artificial insemination ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] (c) use any premises for the collection of any semen for sale unless the person, persons or company holds a licence issued by the Director in respect of those premises; (d) conduct a course of training for persons to use semen for the purpose of artificial breeding unless the course and the person, group of persons or body delivering the course have been approved by the Director; and (e) import semen unless the person, group of persons or company holds a licence issued by the Director in respect of that importation. Use and sale of embryos and ova - 56 Verify source ↗
Use and sale of embryos and ova
AI-assisted research summary: Section 55 restrictions apply to activities involving the collection, use, and sale of embryos and ova.
56. Restrictions under section 55, shall apply mutatis mutandis to all activities related to collection, use and sale of embryos and ova. Restriction on genetically modified organisms - 57 Verify source ↗
Restriction on genetically modified organisms
AI-assisted research summary: A person must not make, import, or use genetically modified organisms of animal origin unless they have a permit from the Director.
57. A person shall not make or import or use genetically modified organisms of animal origin without a permit from the Director. Prevention and control of bee diseases - 58 Verify source ↗
Prevention and control of bee diseases
AI-assisted research summary: The Minister may make regulations about bee diseases, after consulting the Minister responsible for wildlife.
58. The Minister may after consultation with the Minister responsible for wildlife, make regulations relating to the introduction and spread of exotic and natural bee diseases and by such regulations- (a) regulate and monitor the introduction including the importation of exotic bees from other countries which may carry bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal infections that will affect natural honey bee colonies; (b) introduce including the importation of honey, bee and hive products must be pasteurised and shall pass specific health certification requirements; (c) regulate the movement of bees between veterinary inspectorate areas; and (d) control the occurrence of notifiable bee diseases. Restrictions on bee keeping - 59 Verify source ↗
Restrictions on bee keeping
AI-assisted research summary: A person must not import or export honey, bee or hive products, or run or keep a bee keeping farm or enterprise for sale to other farmers, unless permitted by the Director.
59. A person shall not import, export honey, bee and hive products or run, keep or maintain a bee keeping farm or enterprise for purposes of selling to other farmers without a permit from the Director. 562 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] Prevention and control of fish diseases - 60 Verify source ↗
Prevention and control of fish diseases
AI-assisted research summary: The Minister must make regulations on fish health, disease eradication, and fish introduction/transportation after consulting the Minister responsible for fisheries.
60. The Minister shall after consultation with the Minister responsible for fisheries, make regulations for- (a) assessment of fish health status in the production sites through inspections and standardised procedures; (b) eradication of fish diseases by slaughtering of infected stocks, and restocking with fish from approved disease free resources; and (c) regulating and monitoring the introduction and transportation of fish. Detection and arrest PART IX MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Part
PART IX
- 61 Verify source ↗
Detection and arrest
AI-assisted research summary: Inspectors, veterinarians, paraprofessionals, and police officers may stop, detain, arrest, seize, and examine suspected offenders or related animals and things without warrant; magistrates can order forfeiture and related payments in some cases.
61.–(1) Where a person is seen or found committing or suspected of being engaged in committing an offence against this Act or any regulation made under this Act, an Inspector or a Veterinarian or a Paraprofessional or police officer shall, without warrant, stop and detain the person and where his name and address or other indications of identity are not known to such officer and he fails to give them to the satisfaction of the officer, the officer may, without warrant, arrest that person. (2) Where the officer or Inspector arresting is not a police officer, he shall, hand over the offender to a police officer or, in the absence of a police officer, take the offender, or cause him to be taken, to the nearest police station or local government authority. (3) An Inspector or Veterinarian or police officer shall seize and examine any animal, carcase, vehicle, vessel or thing with regard to which he suspects that an offence against the provisions of this Act has been or is being committed and may order the same to be taken back to any area or place wherefrom it may be suspected to have been unlawfully removed or may remove it to any place and detain it there subject to the orders of a Magistrate: 563 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] Provided that, any seizure and detention so made shall be reported forthwith by the Inspector or Veterinarian or police officer to a magistrate having jurisdiction in the district within which the seizure has been made. (4) Where it is reported to a magistrate that any animal or thing has been seized and detained under subsection (2) and the person who is alleged to, have committed an offence in respect thereof is unknown, the magistrate may if he is satisfied that there is reason to believe that such offence has been committed, order the animal or thing to be forfeited. (5) Where the owner is known but cannot immediately be found, no order shall be made against him until the owner have had an opportunity of appearing before the magistrate to show cause as to why such order shall not be made. (6) The magistrate may order the owner of any animal or thing seized and detained under this section to pay such sum as he may consider reasonable to cover the expenses connected with the removal of such animal or thing to the place of detention, and in the case of an animal, the cost of its maintenance during such detention. (7) Where the owner fails to pay the sum prescribed by the magistrate within the time specified in the order, the animal or anything seized shall be forfeited. - 62 Verify source ↗
Offences and penalties
AI-assisted research summary: A person who breaks the Act or obstructs authorized officials commits an offence and may be fined, imprisoned, or both.
62.–(1) A person who- (a) acts in contravention of or fails to comply with any of the provisions of this Act or any order, direction or prohibition or restriction given lawfully or made there under; or (b) obstructs an Inspector or a Veterinarian or any other person in the lawful exercise of his powers or the lawful performance of his duties under this Act, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of not less than five hundred thousand shillings but not exceeding ten million shillings or to imprisonment for a term of not less than six months but not exceeding twelve months or to both. 564 Offences and penalties Act No. 14 of 2019 s. 4 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] Compounding of offences Act No. 14 of 2019 s. 5 Reports (2) Where any person is convicted of an offence, the court convicting such person shall in addition to or in lieu of imposing any other punishment, order that, the animals or things or any of them in respect of which such offence has been committed be forfeited. - 63 Verify source ↗
Compounding of offences
AI-assisted research summary: This section lets the Director, or a person the Director authorises in writing, compound certain offences after a written admission, and it sets reporting and enforcement rules.
63.–(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act relating to penalties, where a person admits in writing that he has committed an offence under this Act or any other sector legislation, the Director or a person authorised by him in writing may, at any time prior to the commencement of the proceedings by a court of competent jurisdiction, compound such offence and order such person to pay a sum of money not exceeding five million shillings. (2) Where the person fails to comply with the compounding order issued under this section within the prescribed period, the Director may, in addition to the sum ordered, require the person to pay an interest at the rate prescribed in the regulations. (3) Where the person fails to comply with subsection (2), the Director may enforce the compounding order and interest accrued thereof in the same manner as a decree of a court. (4) The Director shall submit quarterly reports of all compounded offences under this section to the Director of Public Prosecutions. (5) The forms and manner of compounding of offences shall be as prescribed in the regulations made under this Act. [s. 62A] - 64 Verify source ↗
Reports
AI-assisted research summary: In prosecutions under this Act, a report signed by an Inspector or Veterinarian may be accepted as evidence unless the accused asks for the officer to attend as a witness and the court thinks the attendance is necessary.
64. In prosecution for an offence against this Act, a report signed by an Inspector or a Veterinarian as to the presence of disease in any animal or thing examined by him may be accepted as evidence unless the accused person requires the officer to attend as a witness and the court considers his attendance necessary. [s. 63] 565 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] Repeal and savings Ord. No. 22 of 1939 - 65 Verify source ↗
Repeal and savings
AI-assisted research summary: This section repeals the Animal Diseases Ordinance and keeps existing subsidiary legislation in force until it is revoked or replaced under the Act.
65.–(1) [Repeals the Animal Diseases Ordinance.] (2) Notwithstanding the repeal of the Ordinance under subsection (1), any subsidiary legislation made under the repealed Ordinance, will continue to be enforced until revoked or replaced by the new subsidiary legislation to be made under this Act. [s. 64] Power to make regulations - 66 Verify source ↗
Power to make regulations
AI-assisted research summary: The Minister may make regulations for animal disease control and related matters under this Act, and those regulations must be published in the Gazette.
66.–(1) The Minister shall, to the extent that is necessary to the control of animal diseases or for averting disease outbreaks and other dangers, issue regulations for carrying out the purposes and provisions of this Act. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Minister may make regulations- (a) appointing and empowering Inspectors and any other officer pursuant to this Act; (b) prescribing measures for identification of animals at all times for purposes of traceability and also for specific identification during disease outbreaks; (c) prescribing measures for checking outbreaks of all animal diseases including notification, quarantine, disposal and any other measures of disease control; (d) prescribing in consultation with Ministers responsible for wildlife, national parks, conservation areas, fisheries, beekeeping, measures governing the control of diseases in animals other than livestock including notification, quarantine, disposal and any other measures of disease control; (e) prescribing rules governing compensation to be paid for livestock and animals other than livestock slaughtered, died or destroyed for purposes of disease control and shall include entitlement, modalities, compliance and conditions which may lead to compensation to be withheld; (f) prescribing how to categorise a disease as notifiable as well as the specific control and disposal measures including technical details of quarantine measures for each notifiable disease; epidemiological 566 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] (g) prescribing regulations governing movement and transportation of animals, animal products and animal wastes; (h) prescribing rules governing the seizure, detention and disposal of any animal in relation to which a breach of this Act or of any regulation, order or direction made or given thereunder has been committed; (i) prescribing compulsory disease control measures for all areas in the country including specifying measures to be taken by owners of animals, local government authorities, Inspectors and Veterinarians; (j) prescribing conditions and the tests to be carried out for classification of areas as disease free areas; (k) prescribing regulations governing the importation, testing, distribution of acaricides or chemicals for use in animal diseases control including the establishment and maintenance of a register, manner, composition, time, place and codes for proper use for acaricide or chemical; (l) prescribing prohibition or restriction of the importation into Tanzania of livestock, animals other than livestock, animal products, animal waste or other material or substance to which this Act applies including vaccines; (m) prescribing the manner of declaration of animals, animal products, fomites, vectors, biological agents at port of entry by persons arriving into Tanzania; (n) prescribing the manner of exportation, inspection, detection, treatment, destruction, reshipment of any imported livestock, animals other than livestock, animal product, animal waste including packaging and to provide for the manner in which and the conditions subject to which quarantine stations and post entry quarantine stations shall be, used and such regulations shall comply to international export regulations; (o) prescribing the procedures and requirements for establishing and operating hatcheries; 567 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] (p) prescribing the manner, conditions, procedures and requirements for handling and processing milk; Cap. 219 (r) prescribing (q) prescribing the manner, conditions, procedure for handling and processing of meat and meat products; in consultation with the Minister responsible for the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Act, regulations governing the inspection of animals to be slaughtered for food and the carcases thereof, and the construction and management of slaughter houses and animal markets; (s) governing the manufacture within the country of any veterinary vaccine or serum of the virus of notifiable diseases or of any other diseases; (t) prescribing in consultation with the Minister responsible for wildlife, national parks, fisheries, for export and import of animals other than livestock, animal products and animal wastes; (u) governing artificial breeding of animals by artificial insemination, embryo and ova transfer including sexing of semen, in-vitro fertilisation and embryo production, collection, dissemination, preservation of semen, embryos or ova, the licensing of artificial insemination centers, ova and embryo transfer activities; (v) prescribing regulations for health and disease control in beekeeping and farming for sale; (w) prescribing the appropriate acquisition and application of biotechnologically and genetically altered animals, foods, animal products and animal wastes; (x) prescribing regulations for farming and ranching of animals other than livestock; (y) prescribing in consultation with the Minister responsible for finance, the fees and charges for the examination, inoculation, testing, dipping, disinfection or slaughter of animals or for testing the strength of acaricides, or for any certificate, license, permit or other document issued or done under this Act, or any 568 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE ANIMAL DISEASES ACT [CAP. 156 R.E. 2023] regulation made thereunder and for the feeding and confining of animals detained in quarantine and the examination and disinfection of hides or other animal parts; (z) prescribing the duties of local government authorities including the delegation to the local authorities of district towns, divisions and wards to carry out some activities on disease control pursuant to this Act; and (aa) prescribing any other regulations for control of animal diseases pursuant to this Act. (3) The regulation made under this section shall be published in the Gazette. [s. 65] 569 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.
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The Animal Diseases Act
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