ABSTRACT

An authorised officer may inspect any aircraft at a customs airport. The purpose of the legislation is the prevention of spread of disease of international concern and to control chemical, biological and radiological risk. The health part of the Aircraft General Declaration must be delivered to the authorised officer by the commander of the aircraft, or by a member of the crew acting on his behalf. An authorised officer can require the aircraft to be deratted or disinfected if the presence of rodents is suspected on board or an infected animal, or suspected of being infected, is found on board on arrival. Local authorities can charge for services where there is a danger to public health from a ship arriving in its district, or the spread of infection from a ship leaving its district. A Port Health Plan is usually produced, which identifies the relevant organisations involved, along with their roles and responsibilities.