The Animal Epidemic Prevention Law was promulgated in 1997 and amended in 2007, 2017 and 2015 respectively. The latest revision entered into force on April 24, 2015.

There are 85 articles in total.

The key points are as follows:

1.The animal epidemic prevention as mentioned in this Law includes the prevention, control and elimination of animal epidemics as well as the quarantine of animals and animal products.

2.The state implements compulsory immunization for animal epidemics that seriously harm the production of the breeding industry and human health.

3.Markets trading animals and animal products shall satisfy the animal epidemic prevention conditions.

4.State provisions on the administration of pathogenic microorganism laboratories shall be observed in collecting, storing and transporting animal pathologic materials or pathogenic microorganisms and in conducting pathogenic microorganism-related research, teaching, testing and diagnosing activities.

5.The veterinary administrative department under the State Council shall, in accordance with the treaties and conventions concluded or acceded to by China, notify the relevant international organizations or trading partners of the occurrence and handling situation of gross animal epidemic situations in a timely manner.

6.Before slaughtering, selling or transporting animals or selling or transporting animal products, the owner shall apply to the local animal health supervision institution for quarantine in accordance with the provisions of the veterinary administrative department under the State Council.