is it fit to load in the middle east.
Is it fit to load in the Middle East?
A guide for the selection of animals fit to transport in the Middle East
This guide was developed by the Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA)
and LiveCorp Joint Livestock Export Program.
“Is it it to Load in the Middle East” was derived from “Is it it to load?”
the Australian Guidelines developed in collaboration with:
Meat and Livestock Australia
WA Department of Local Government and Regional Development (DLGRD)
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA)
RSPCA
For more information contact:
Meat & Livestock Australia
Ph: +973 1722 3003
Fax: +973 1722 5394
Published by Meat & Livestock Australia Limited
June 2008
© Meat & Livestock Australia
ISBN: 9781741912548
Care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this publication; however MLA cannot accept
responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained in the publication.
1
About this guide
The preparation and treatment
of livestock that are it to travel is
critical for successful health and
welfare outcomes that underpin
the live export trade. “Fit to travel”
infers animals can complete the
journey without their welfare being
unacceptably compromised.
This guide assists in detailing the
standards that should be applied
to ensure the health and welfare of
livestock during transport. It illustrates
the types of stock that should not be
transported or that require special
consideration and treatment if the
alternatives are limited.
This places an obligation upon all
involved with the World Organisation
for Animal Health (OIE) standards,
including shipping agents and
stevedores, importers, transport
operators and stockmen handling
Australian livestock.
2
Animal Welfare Standards in the
Middle East
Countries importing Australian
Livestock should obey local
legislation and World Organization
for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines.
Land transport of livestock in the
Middle East is the responsibility
of all involved. Their welfare
during transport will be assisted
by applying the recommendations
described in the guide. Good
animal welfare makes good sense,
as it results in healthier, more
productive animals and ensures
the sustainability of the trade. The
standards contained in this guide
apply to all stages of transport in the
Middle East, from port, to feedlot, to
abattoir.
For further information on OIE
guidelines, visit http://www.oie.int/
eng/normes/MCODE/en_chapitre_
3.7.3.htm
3
An animal is fit to load and transport if it:
R is NOT blind in both eyes
R is strong enough to undertake the
journey
R can walk normally, bearing weight on
all four legs
R is NOT suffering from any visible
signs of disease or injury that could
cause it harm during transport
R can keep up with the group at loading
R is NOT in late pregnancy
R is NOT sick, injured, weak disabled
or fatigued
R and is NOT visibly heat stressed
Good preparation of all livestock is
essential to prevent suffering during
transport. Livestock should be prepared
for transport according to OIE guidelines.
Theimagesandrecommendationsin
thisguidesupporttheOIEguidelines
andprovideausefulvisualaidfor
operatorsintheield.Managerswillalso
indtheguideusefulinsettingpolicies
andstandards.Someoftheimages
showninthisguidehavebeendigitally
manipulatedforillustrativepurposesand
arenotintendedtobephotorealistic;
pleasebearinmindthattheimmediate
responsibilitytoprovidepropercarefor
animalsrestswiththepersonincharge
oftheanimalsatthetime.
4
Pre-transport preparation
Before yarding:
• Ensure your stockyard and loading ramp are in good condition
• Ensure your transport vehicles are in good condition and safe for transport
• Avoid extreme weather, where practical
At yarding:
• Use low stress handling for yarding and loading
• Ensure animals are adequately rested prior to loading
• Segregate livestock appropriately – don’t mix large and small or strong
and weak animals
5
Key areas to assess livestock
fitness to transport:
• Lameness
• Visible disease or injury
• Weakness
• Complete blindness
• Late pregnancy
• Heat stress
• Horn status
• Animal health status
• Water deprivation time
6
LAMENESS
Oneormorelegscannotbearweight
Injury
Arthritis
Deformity
Note–Thisisaguideonly.Theresponsibilitynottocauseunnecessaryharmstillrestswiththe
personinchargeoftheanimal.
7
VISIBLE DISEASE OR INJURY
Avisibleconditionlikelytocausefurtherpainorsufferingduringtransport
Swollentesticles
Cancer
Cancer
Openwounds
Note–Thisisaguideonly.Theresponsibilitynottocauseunnecessaryharmstillrestswiththe
personinchargeoftheanimal.
8
WEAKNESS
Inability to keep up with the mob during both loading and unloading
Deformity
Emaciation/
malnutrition/
exhaustion
Note–Thisisaguideonly.Theresponsibilitynottocauseunnecessaryharmstillrestswiththe
personinchargeoftheanimal.
9
COMPLETE BLINDNESS
Unable to see at all
Note–Thisisaguideonly.Theresponsibilitynottocauseunnecessaryharmstillrestswiththe
personinchargeoftheanimal.
10
LATE PREGNANCY
Ewes more than four months pregnant and cows more than eight months
pregnant should not be transported
Note–Thisisaguideonly.Theresponsibilitynottocauseunnecessaryharmstillrestswiththe
personinchargeoftheanimal.
11
HEAT STRESS
Animals that are exhibiting signs of severe heat stress
Heataffectedsheepandcattle
Note–Thisisaguideonly.Theresponsibilitynottocauseunnecessaryharmstillrestswiththe
personinchargeoftheanimal.
12
Horned animals - Are they fit to load?
Slaughter and Feeder Cattle
• 12 cm maximum length and blunt ended
Slaughter and Feeder Sheep and Goats
• Horns must not be turned in so as to damage the head or eyes
• Horns must not endanger other animals
• Horns must not restrict access to feed or water
Hornsofslaughterandfeederrams
mustbeonefullcurlorless.
Note-Additionalconditionsmayapply.
13
Animal Health Summary
Animals with the following conditions are not fit for loading?
Pinkeye
Lameness
Flystrike
Scabbymouth
Note-PleaseconsulttheOIEguidelinesforacompletelistofhealthrejectioncriteria.
14
Water deprivation time
Dehydration is a major potential
risk to the well being of livestock
being transported. The following are
suggested maximum times for water
deprivation under normal environmental
conditions. Deprivation time is the total
continuous time livestock are without
access to water during mustering,
yarding, curfew, transport and at their
destination after unloading. Cattle must
not normally be deprived of water for
more than 36 hours. Mature sheep and
goats must not normally be deprived
of water for more than 32 hours. Young
sheep (less than six months old) and
young goats (less than 12 months old)
must not normally be deprived of water
for more than 20 hours.
Operators in the Middle East should
consider time off feed and water
from when stock leave the vessel
and not only in the feedlot. Also,
hotter conditions exist in the Middle
East and the effects of heat will
be greater. The times should be
reduced in hotter weather.
15
“If in doubt, leave it out”
Each animal should be inspected by
a veterinarian or an animal handler to
assess itness to travel. If its itness to
travel is in doubt, the animal should be
examined by a veterinarian. Animals
found unit to travel should not be
loaded onto a vehicle, except for
transport to receive veterinary treatment
or in circumstances where leaving
the animal will further compromise
and worsen its welfare. In these
circumstances, animals should be
provided special treatment and care
and not transported with the rest of
the fit and healthy livestock. Downer
animals risk being trampled.
Livestock that need obvious
veterinary treatment should be
transported in a smaller specialized
vehicle that is specifically reserved
for sick and injured animals. The
driver should be specially trained
and aware of the importance of
taking extra care of these animals. In
severe cases, animals may be best
transported direct to an abattoir for
immediate processing.
16
Summary
Ask these questions before you load any animals for transport:
• Has the animal been prepared according to the relevant husbandry and transport
procedures as outlined in the OIE guidelines?
• Can it walk normally and bear weight on all four legs?
• Is it free from visible disease or injury?
• Can it keep up with the lock/herd at both loading and unloading?
• Can it see?
• Is it in late pregnancy?
• Is it exhibiting signs of heat stress?
• Has it collapsed and unable to walk?
17
Is it fit to transport in the
Middle East?
If in doubt, leave it out.
For more information contact:
Meat & Livestock Australia
Ph:+973 1722 3003
Fax: +973 1722 5394
Published by Meat & Livestock Australia Limited
June 2008
© Meat & Livestock Australia
A guide for the selection of animals fit to transport in the Middle East
This guide was developed by the Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA)
and LiveCorp Joint Livestock Export Program.
“Is it it to Load in the Middle East” was derived from “Is it it to load?”
the Australian Guidelines developed in collaboration with:
Meat and Livestock Australia
WA Department of Local Government and Regional Development (DLGRD)
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA)
RSPCA
For more information contact:
Meat & Livestock Australia
Ph: +973 1722 3003
Fax: +973 1722 5394
Published by Meat & Livestock Australia Limited
June 2008
© Meat & Livestock Australia
ISBN: 9781741912548
Care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this publication; however MLA cannot accept
responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained in the publication.
1
About this guide
The preparation and treatment
of livestock that are it to travel is
critical for successful health and
welfare outcomes that underpin
the live export trade. “Fit to travel”
infers animals can complete the
journey without their welfare being
unacceptably compromised.
This guide assists in detailing the
standards that should be applied
to ensure the health and welfare of
livestock during transport. It illustrates
the types of stock that should not be
transported or that require special
consideration and treatment if the
alternatives are limited.
This places an obligation upon all
involved with the World Organisation
for Animal Health (OIE) standards,
including shipping agents and
stevedores, importers, transport
operators and stockmen handling
Australian livestock.
2
Animal Welfare Standards in the
Middle East
Countries importing Australian
Livestock should obey local
legislation and World Organization
for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines.
Land transport of livestock in the
Middle East is the responsibility
of all involved. Their welfare
during transport will be assisted
by applying the recommendations
described in the guide. Good
animal welfare makes good sense,
as it results in healthier, more
productive animals and ensures
the sustainability of the trade. The
standards contained in this guide
apply to all stages of transport in the
Middle East, from port, to feedlot, to
abattoir.
For further information on OIE
guidelines, visit http://www.oie.int/
eng/normes/MCODE/en_chapitre_
3.7.3.htm
3
An animal is fit to load and transport if it:
R is NOT blind in both eyes
R is strong enough to undertake the
journey
R can walk normally, bearing weight on
all four legs
R is NOT suffering from any visible
signs of disease or injury that could
cause it harm during transport
R can keep up with the group at loading
R is NOT in late pregnancy
R is NOT sick, injured, weak disabled
or fatigued
R and is NOT visibly heat stressed
Good preparation of all livestock is
essential to prevent suffering during
transport. Livestock should be prepared
for transport according to OIE guidelines.
Theimagesandrecommendationsin
thisguidesupporttheOIEguidelines
andprovideausefulvisualaidfor
operatorsintheield.Managerswillalso
indtheguideusefulinsettingpolicies
andstandards.Someoftheimages
showninthisguidehavebeendigitally
manipulatedforillustrativepurposesand
arenotintendedtobephotorealistic;
pleasebearinmindthattheimmediate
responsibilitytoprovidepropercarefor
animalsrestswiththepersonincharge
oftheanimalsatthetime.
4
Pre-transport preparation
Before yarding:
• Ensure your stockyard and loading ramp are in good condition
• Ensure your transport vehicles are in good condition and safe for transport
• Avoid extreme weather, where practical
At yarding:
• Use low stress handling for yarding and loading
• Ensure animals are adequately rested prior to loading
• Segregate livestock appropriately – don’t mix large and small or strong
and weak animals
5
Key areas to assess livestock
fitness to transport:
• Lameness
• Visible disease or injury
• Weakness
• Complete blindness
• Late pregnancy
• Heat stress
• Horn status
• Animal health status
• Water deprivation time
6
LAMENESS
Oneormorelegscannotbearweight
Injury
Arthritis
Deformity
Note–Thisisaguideonly.Theresponsibilitynottocauseunnecessaryharmstillrestswiththe
personinchargeoftheanimal.
7
VISIBLE DISEASE OR INJURY
Avisibleconditionlikelytocausefurtherpainorsufferingduringtransport
Swollentesticles
Cancer
Cancer
Openwounds
Note–Thisisaguideonly.Theresponsibilitynottocauseunnecessaryharmstillrestswiththe
personinchargeoftheanimal.
8
WEAKNESS
Inability to keep up with the mob during both loading and unloading
Deformity
Emaciation/
malnutrition/
exhaustion
Note–Thisisaguideonly.Theresponsibilitynottocauseunnecessaryharmstillrestswiththe
personinchargeoftheanimal.
9
COMPLETE BLINDNESS
Unable to see at all
Note–Thisisaguideonly.Theresponsibilitynottocauseunnecessaryharmstillrestswiththe
personinchargeoftheanimal.
10
LATE PREGNANCY
Ewes more than four months pregnant and cows more than eight months
pregnant should not be transported
Note–Thisisaguideonly.Theresponsibilitynottocauseunnecessaryharmstillrestswiththe
personinchargeoftheanimal.
11
HEAT STRESS
Animals that are exhibiting signs of severe heat stress
Heataffectedsheepandcattle
Note–Thisisaguideonly.Theresponsibilitynottocauseunnecessaryharmstillrestswiththe
personinchargeoftheanimal.
12
Horned animals - Are they fit to load?
Slaughter and Feeder Cattle
• 12 cm maximum length and blunt ended
Slaughter and Feeder Sheep and Goats
• Horns must not be turned in so as to damage the head or eyes
• Horns must not endanger other animals
• Horns must not restrict access to feed or water
Hornsofslaughterandfeederrams
mustbeonefullcurlorless.
Note-Additionalconditionsmayapply.
13
Animal Health Summary
Animals with the following conditions are not fit for loading?
Pinkeye
Lameness
Flystrike
Scabbymouth
Note-PleaseconsulttheOIEguidelinesforacompletelistofhealthrejectioncriteria.
14
Water deprivation time
Dehydration is a major potential
risk to the well being of livestock
being transported. The following are
suggested maximum times for water
deprivation under normal environmental
conditions. Deprivation time is the total
continuous time livestock are without
access to water during mustering,
yarding, curfew, transport and at their
destination after unloading. Cattle must
not normally be deprived of water for
more than 36 hours. Mature sheep and
goats must not normally be deprived
of water for more than 32 hours. Young
sheep (less than six months old) and
young goats (less than 12 months old)
must not normally be deprived of water
for more than 20 hours.
Operators in the Middle East should
consider time off feed and water
from when stock leave the vessel
and not only in the feedlot. Also,
hotter conditions exist in the Middle
East and the effects of heat will
be greater. The times should be
reduced in hotter weather.
15
“If in doubt, leave it out”
Each animal should be inspected by
a veterinarian or an animal handler to
assess itness to travel. If its itness to
travel is in doubt, the animal should be
examined by a veterinarian. Animals
found unit to travel should not be
loaded onto a vehicle, except for
transport to receive veterinary treatment
or in circumstances where leaving
the animal will further compromise
and worsen its welfare. In these
circumstances, animals should be
provided special treatment and care
and not transported with the rest of
the fit and healthy livestock. Downer
animals risk being trampled.
Livestock that need obvious
veterinary treatment should be
transported in a smaller specialized
vehicle that is specifically reserved
for sick and injured animals. The
driver should be specially trained
and aware of the importance of
taking extra care of these animals. In
severe cases, animals may be best
transported direct to an abattoir for
immediate processing.
16
Summary
Ask these questions before you load any animals for transport:
• Has the animal been prepared according to the relevant husbandry and transport
procedures as outlined in the OIE guidelines?
• Can it walk normally and bear weight on all four legs?
• Is it free from visible disease or injury?
• Can it keep up with the lock/herd at both loading and unloading?
• Can it see?
• Is it in late pregnancy?
• Is it exhibiting signs of heat stress?
• Has it collapsed and unable to walk?
17
Is it fit to transport in the
Middle East?
If in doubt, leave it out.
For more information contact:
Meat & Livestock Australia
Ph:+973 1722 3003
Fax: +973 1722 5394
Published by Meat & Livestock Australia Limited
June 2008
© Meat & Livestock Australia