This law amends the Animal Disease Act to improve response to diseases such as scrapie. The Minister of Agriculture gains authority to classify geographical areas, farms and facilities by risk level and impose specific measures for each zone. The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (Matvælastofnun) receives greater independent decision-making powers regarding disease control measures, sampling, animal isolation and carcass disposal, rather than always requiring ministerial orders. The law affects all livestock owners and others who keep animals in Iceland.