Company Livestock Manual Updated 16.04.2018

MGM Marine Shipping Company Standing Instructions-
Guidelines for Livestock Ships
MGM MARINE SHIPPING
M/V JULIA L.S.
Revision No: 1 Revision Date: 07/2017 Page 1


MGM MARINE SHIPPING
COMPANY STANDING INSTRUCTIONS

GUIDELINES FOR LIVESTOCK SHIPS
SOLAS (IMO) INTERNATIONAL SAFETY MANAGEMENT CODE
© COPYRIGHT
MGM MARINE SHIPPING

This document is not to be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior written permission of MGM
MARINE SHIPPING (hereinafter referred to as the Company). The information contained herein is the
property of MGM MARINE SHIPPING and is to be used only for the purposes for which it is submitted and
is not to be released in whole or in part without prior written permission of The Company.
DOCUMENT CONTROL INFORMATION
FIRST ISSUE / DATE Issue 01 / SEPTEMBER 2016

LAST ISSUE / DATE Issue 02 / JULY 2017
AUTHOR / DATE MGM MARINE SHIPPING / JULY 2017
CHECKED BY / DATE DPA / JULY 2017
AUTHORISED BY / DATE MGM MARINE SHIPPING/ JULY 2017
CONTROLLED COPY NUMBER: 2


APPENDIX A - Distribution Table
This Manual is distributed as follows:

Issue Controlled
Destination Position
number copy no.
2 1 OFFICE MD/DP/TA OCIA/CTA
2 2 VESSEL Master/Ch.Eng
2 3 CLASS REGISTER Auditors
APPENDIX B - READERS LIST

Last read
No. Name Position
Date / Signature
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
APPENDIX C - AMENDMENT RECORD

Amendment Amendment Sections Amendment inserted by
number date (initials, title and date)
COPY 1 COPY 2 COPY 3
No. 1 JULY 2017 All DPA/ JULY 2017 DPA/ JULY 2017 DPA/ JULY 2017



Table of contents:
1. Guidelines for Livestock Ships…………………………….....pg 10
2. Guidelines for Emergency Slaughter of animals……..……pg 34
Annex
3. Official Journal of the European Union

(COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 1/2005
of 22 December 2004
on the protection of animals during transport and related operations and
amending Directives
64/432/EEC and 93/119/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1255/97
4.Transport of Animal by Sea (R.T Norris)
5.Shipboard personnel responsibilities and contingency plan


Cargo Handling Procedures and General Guidelines for Livestock Ships
General guidelines for load planning

The Master of the ship and his Crew is responsible for:
• the vessels loading configuration ensuring the safety of the vessel, crew and cargo during loading
• the tending, feeding and watering of the cattle at all times during the ship's voyage
• ensuring the crew of the vessel is of sufficient number, skill, and experience to be able to assist during
the voyage as required
• ensuring contingency plans are in place
Heavier cattle are usually loaded onto the lower decks first to ensure the stability of the vessel. This may
not always be the case especially on the large cattle vessels where there are different exporters on the one
ship or there is a two-port discharge. It is also important to try to put less athletic stock nearest to the exit
hatches. On short haul this will apply to heavy slaughter cows, oxen, buffalo and bulls as these animals
may have difficulty climbing long ramps from the bottom of the vessel at the end of the voyage. Pregnant
dairy cows are another category which will need special placement nearest the exit hatches whenever
possible. A different density calculation should be made for each weight range group of stock.
Identify any animals that need special consideration eg, fat Herefords or other heat sensitive temperate
breeds should be located where the ventilation is the best, breeding cows will benefit from extra space.
Cattle which are loaded in a tired condition will benefit from extra space initially even if this is at the expense
of other stronger and fitter cattle that can be loaded a bit tighter for a short time.
Brahman cross cattle from tropical zones will be best placed to handle the hotter locations on the vessel.
Once a final load plan is approved by the exporter, provide a copy to the Chief Officer and discuss the
details. Ensure that individual numbers and types set for each pen are known and understood by the Bosun
and crew. In most cases the appropriate number will be written in chalk on each pen to allow for efficient
flow of cattle.
Immediately prior to the commencement of the loading process recheck everything yourself including races,
ramp attachments, bad corners, sight boards, sawdust or sand on slippery spots, any sharp protrusions
into raceways etc. Check again with the exporter to determine if any changes have been made to the
delivery sequence, weights or types of stock being loaded. If so, review your load plan accordingly.
Ensure that you understand the correct lines of communications in case you need to discuss problems
during the loading process. In most cases the Chief Officer will be in overall charge of the loading
arrangements while the Bosun will be the person in charge of getting the correct number of animals safely
into their appropriate pens.
If you run into significant problems then the exporter should be informed immediately.
During the actual loading process the stockman is best placed to observe the overall process from the flow
of animals from trucks, down into the ship and into their pens.

By moving around during loading, problems in any area can be identified and addressed. Constantly
monitor what cattle are coming on board and check to ensure that they match with the load plan. If for
instance some trucks have arrived and unloaded out of sequence, then it will be necessary to determine if
any changes need to be made to the plan. Consult with the exporter and the Bosun. Don't be afraid to hold
up the loading to deal with a problem.
Special watch should be kept on slippery corners and areas where animals are blocking up. Attempt to fix
the cause of the blockage or arrange to station a crewmember in the problem area to assist with maintaining
a good flow of cattle. Asmooth flow of stock is much more important than speed. If any animals are
injured during the loading process, attempt to isolate them or at least identify their location on board so you
can attend to their needs as soon as you are able.
Make a note of any problems encountered during loading to ensure that others are aware of them next
time.
Pre-shipment Preparation
1. Where possible avoid exporting Bos taurus calves (especially Friesians) from south-eastern Australia
during the southern winter.
2. Ensure that holding facilities are well drained and protected from the elements, especially the wind.
3. Maintain modest stocking densities and change bedding frequently to avoid the development and
spread of disease.
4. Provide free access to good quality hay or chaff as well as the pellets to be used during the voyage.
5. Only receive animals that have been satisfactorily weaned or those that have an arrival weight of not
less than 150 kg at the holding facility.
6. Minimize the number and time of handling of calves during the application of the protocol and other
management procedures.
7. Draft calves into appropriate size groupings prior to delivery to the ship.
Shipboard Management
1. Conduct separate space calculations for groups of animals under 200 kg.
2. Give calves 10% additional space over when stock is sourced from southern ports during winter
months.
3. Provide calves with smaller pens and the better areas of ventilation and lighting.
4. Feed calves with conventional cattle fodder and good quality chaff throughout the voyage. Ensure
adequate supplies of chaff are provided to allow for this to comprise a significant supplement to the
diet of healthy animals & a major part of the diet of sick animals.
5. Ensure different weight range calves are adequately segregated.
6. Provide additional quantities of bedding materials.
7. Clean/wash frequently and provide fresh fodder immediately after the cleaning event. Take extra care
when cleaning the pens.
8. Ensure trough heights are appropriate for the supply of both fodder and water. Provide additional feed
troughs where possible.

9. Segregate calves of suspect health status to hospital pens with additional space and in locations that
allow for easy access and frequent inspections. Provide shipments of calves with additional hospital
pen space (3%).
10. Whenever calves are suspected of developing illness treat aggressively with the most appropriate
chemicals.
11. Take extra care when using ‘Westerguns’ on smaller calves. Use conventional syringes if this is
feasible.
12. Provide appropriate electrolytes/mineral supplements to all voyages carrying calves.
13. Provide additional stockmen to shipments of large numbers of calves.
PRE SHIPPING FACTORS AFFECTING THE TRANSPORT OF CATTLE
Breed and Type
Bos taurus types (British and European breeds) are less heat tolerant than Bos indicus (Brahmans and
Brahman Cross).Herefords and Friesians seem to be particularly susceptible to heat stress with Angus a
close second. Higher-grade Brahman cattle will generally cope best with heat stress. Heavier animals will
generally be less agile and more susceptible to stress, injury and illness during loading and transport.
Females and larger ox have wider hips and will more frequently strike their hip extremities causing hip
haematomas (fluid filled swellings).
Hereford, Friesian and Angus are much more susceptible to eye infections. Over fat animals will be much
more susceptible to heat stress than leaner animals of the same weight and breed. Nervous, agitated stock
will be much more likely to suffer from heat stress and injury than calm stock. As a general rule older cows
are the poorest travellers of all types of cattle. Pregnant females will always need more care than any non-
pregnant class of stock. Cattle with horns can cause problems injuring other stock or preventing them from
accessing the feed and water troughs.
Horned animals should be penned with other horned animals and given extra space. Where bulls are
shipped together, riding activities can be a serious cause of injury. Animals, which are constantly ridden,
should be removed from the pen. Those animals that constantly try to ride others frequently wear their
hooves down and should be isolated if possible or placed in a pen with high levels of bedding. Bull calves
travelling to Israel have special needs.
Origin of the stock
Animals from temperate areas will be much more susceptible to heat stress than the same breed and type
of animals sourced from tropical areas. Stock sourced during the winter will be more susceptible to heat
stress than the same animals exported during the summer months. Stock sourced from areas where feed
is particularly lush may have more trouble adjusting to shipboard fodder than those from areas where feed
quality is low. Those animals which have travelled long distances immediately prior to loading will be tired
and more susceptible to loading injuries and all the stress factors on board. The standards clearly specify
travel time limits and rest periods required prior to loading.
Check with the exporter as to which animals have been acclimatised to the shipboard fodder in holding
depots prior to loading. These animals will take to the feed on board much more quickly. Have the animals
had any vaccinations or treatments that may impact on their ability to travel? For example, Tick Fever
vaccination can cause fever and illness in some cattle about 10-14 days after injection.

Feed and Water Curfews

Most livestock will arrive at a ship direct from a nearby registered premises hence curfews are principally a
commercial matter rather than a welfare one. The exporter will advise if any animals have had a curfew and
if special attention to feed and water is appropriate.
A small number of registered premises are more than 200 km from the loading port. Animals, which have
travelled more than 200 km to reach the ship, will have lost around 5% of body weight due to emptying of
the gut. This "weight loss" will be regained during the first few days on board. Allowance for this "weight
gain" should be made when calculating the loading densities. Any stock which have had a curfew or those
which have travelled some distance to the ship should receive a higher priority for the first feeding and
watering on board.
Storage of fodder and other supplies
It is important to ensure that small items such as the sawdust, electrolytes or chaff are not buried under
large quantities of feed where they will be difficult to access. Discussions with the exporter and Chief Officer
prior to the loading of the fodder and other supplies should ensure that this problem is avoided.
Pre shipment Equipment Checklist
In the busy environment of a loading vessel, it is easy to forget some items of equipment, which will be vital
to the success of the voyage. While the principal responsibility for this lies with the exporter, a backup check
by the Master can be very valuable. Checklists are provided in the appendices covering the veterinary
supplies and medicines as well as personal items that may be of use during the voyage. Always refer to
this checklist before preparing to join the ship.
Exporters Instructions
The exporter needs to provide detailed instructions to the Master and the Ch. Officer in relation to the care
of the livestock during the voyage and any special requirements for reporting and discharge. Make sure
you receive these instructions prior to sailing.
ONBOARD MANAGEMENT
Cattle Observation
This is the key to assessing the performance of the stock. The recording of the individual observations will
assist the stockman to determine what steps if any need to be taken to ensure the comfort of the stock.
There are a number of simple observations that can be made without annoying or distressing the animal
which, when considered together, allow anyone on shore with this information to draw a relatively clear
picture of the welfare of individuals or groups of animals.
There are no hard and fast rules about when animals should be observed but these few general guidelines
are recommended as a minimum.
• First thing in the morning
• During the hottest part of the day - whenever that may be - usually noon to mid afternoon (the hottest
time in Middle Eastern waters may be just before dawn)
• After the stock have had a chance to finish most of their feed - assuming they are eating normally
When the animals are first loaded they will often become quite agitated by the close proximity of humans
walking down alley ways adjoining their pens. This excessive nervousness will usually disappear after the

first twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Initial activities in the hold should be limited to essential movements of
stock from tight to loose pens or to allow for access to injured animals. All human movement in the cattle
space should be done calmly and quietly. Sudden movements or loud noises will startle the animals and
cause them to rush away from the disturbance. Try to keep the numbers of people in the hold to the
minimum and where possible only use experienced staff.
It is a matter of judgment as to what cattle movements and other interventions are made immediately after
loading. This will be a compromise between making the essential moves while leaving less urgent changes
until the animals have settled down the following day. If in doubt, discuss the options with someone with
more shipboard experience.
Respiration
Respiratory rate - breaths per minute is an excellent indicator of heat stress or ventilation efficiency. Note
the rates of a number of individuals in each area and get an average. When examining sick or suspect
animals compare their rate to the average. Healthy cattle on vessels which are not under any heat stress
have respiratory rates inthe 25 to 40 breaths per minute range.
Respiratory character - for reporting purposes this has been divided into three categories - normal
(reported as 1), panting (reported as type 2 respiratory character) and gasping = tongue out, drooling and
literally gasping for air (reported as type 3). If the majority of animals in a certain area are panting or gasping
then the temperature and humidity are usually to blame. If individuals only are showing respiratory distress
then this will suggest that they may have respiratory disease.
Appetite
Feed consumption is an excellent means of identifying distressed animals. One of the first things to happen
when cattle are placed under any form of stress is that they reduce their feed consumption, the more severe
the stress the more significant the reduction. Under severe stress animals will simply not eat at all. During
the routine observation of the animals after feeding times it is very obvious if any groups are not eating as
they will be the only ones with fodder left in their troughs. When non eating groups/areas are identified this
is the trigger for an immediate investigation as to the reasons for this and the development of a plan to
address the problem whatever it may be.
Average feed consumption for the whole ship is also an excellent indicator of the general comfort of the
stock. Daily feed consumption will often be similar for the whole shipment and reported as a single figure.
The exporter may request additional information such as a breakdown of the individual group consumption
rates and this may also be presented as a percentage of body weight.
Water consumption
This can usually only be determined from the Chief Officer's calculations although there will be some
instances where groups can be identified as not drinking. As above, this should prompt an immediate
investigation as to why and what to do to fix the problem. Daily reports will usually present a single figure
as an average for the ship as for fodder consumption. Normally consumption will slowly rise from 5-20 litres
per day over the first few days to around 30 - 35 litres per day when mature cattle are drinking normally.
Cattle under extremely hot conditions will frequently drink up to 45 litres per day. Remember that the ship’s
gross water consumption figure will usually include water wasted when troughs are cleaned out.
Dehydration

The level of dehydration of an animal is a very useful guide to its health and general condition. A simple
pinch test can provide a crude but helpful guide to the animal's level of hydration. Just pinch a loose area
of skin; the neck is usually the easiest, when the animal is eating.
If the skin springs back immediately to its normal position then the animal will be fully hydrated (score 1). If
the skin stays up in a little wrinkle for up to 10 seconds and the coat looks dull with mildly sunken eyes then
the level of dehydration is up to 6 % (score 2= medium). If the skin stays in the pinch position for more than
10 seconds and the animal has deeply sunken eyes and a very dry, dull coat then the dehydration will be
greater than 6 %(score 3 = severe). Note in your diary the actual number of seconds that the wrinkle takes
to go away.
Faecal (Manure) Consistency
The form of faeces an animal is producing is a good guide to its general health and performance. For
reporting purposes, the consistency has been divided into four types. Score 1 = normal, firm to soft
consistency, 2 = loose and sloppy, 3 = runny diarrhoea, 4 = hard "sheep pellets". Note also if there are any
other aspects of importance i.e. do the faeces have a putrid smell, are they an unusual colour, do they
contain any blood?
Urine
Changes in the appearance of urine can sometimes provide some useful information. If the urine is thicker
and darker than usual this will suggest that the animal is dehydrated. If the urine is "port wine" coloured and
the animal is feverish and depressed then this may indicate the presence of tick fever or other disease
conditions.
Other
A general description of the stock is often helpful e.g., all looking well, shiny coats, all panting but not
distressed, all hungry, not interested in feed etc. Noting of discharges from nose or eyes is also useful -
clear, pussy, smelly etc. Keep an accurate record of illness, treatments and mortalities.
Environmental Observation
Temperature and Humidity
These readings are collected daily (usually by the Chief or Second Officer) on each deck and outside the
bridge and can be accessed from the records kept on the bridge. If there are any specific times or areas of
the ship which you believe need a special recording because you feel it is excessively hot ask the Chief
Officer. Temperature and humidity are recorded at least daily with individual recordings of deck
temperatures as well as ambient temperatures (outside). Reporting of ambient temperature and humidity
must reflect the extremes of the day. The most effective means of detecting "hot spots" is often by just
feeling the pen environment yourself. If you walk into an area, which suddenly feels hotter than other areas,
make a note of it and observe the animals in that area more carefully to determine if they are distressed.
Recent research work has suggested that the recording of wet bulb temperatures may be more useful to
assist with understanding the level of heat stress experienced by stock.
Deck Conditions
A description of the conditions of the deck will be useful for monitoring progress on shore. A simple code is
to call good, dry conditions as score 1, wetter but not serious floor conditions as score 2, very wet conditions
which need cleaning out as score 3. The presence of ammonia fumes will also relate to the conditions of

the deck. If ammonia is noticeable and causes you personal discomfort then it is almost certainly doing the
same for the stock. Note if ammonia is present and if so, how strong it is. In most cases high ammonia will
coincide with score 2 or 3 floor conditions, which will necessitate cleaning at the earliest opportunity. Record
the use of bedding.
Stocking Densities
The Ch. Officer will need to know the stocking density regulations in order to participate in the load planning
exercise.
As well as considering the regulations for density, it is also necessary to consider other factors that may
influence the final density at which animals are loaded.
For example:
• Pregnant females will need additional space
• Fat animals will need more space than animals of the same weight with less fat cover
• Short and thickset animals will need more space than tall lean animals of the same live weight.
• Cattle with long horns will need more space
• Sick animals will benefit greatly from provision of additional space
• Tired animals will need more space to lie down and rest than fresh stock
• Animals carried on vessels with poor ventilation will need more space than the same animals on well
ventilated vessels.
• Animals loaded without curfew should receive a higher density than animals of the same weight which
have been loaded with a curfew off feed and water.
• Very young animals need more space, as they need to lie down to rest more frequently.
Animals which are loaded at a density which is significantly above their correct level will have difficulty
accessing feed, be subject to more bullying, sustain more injuries and disease, lose weight or gain less and
have a higher level of mortality than those penned at the proper levels.
Ventilation, Temperature and Humidity
These three elements combine on board ship to become the most important group of factors influencing
the welfare of cattle. Their affects during long haul journeys tend to be more critical as these voyages
usually involve Bos taurus cattle which are subject to the shipboard environment for longer periods. This is
especially true during the extremely hot and humid Northern Hemisphere summer months. When Bos
indicus cattle are transported in the short haul trade, ventilation, temperature and humidity are rarely an
issue unless the vessel experiences mechanical problems with its ventilation systems.
Ventilation has a high priority for industry research and development with understanding of the problems of
ventilation being constantly improved. Ventilation has two main purposes. The first is to remove noxious
gases such as ammonia, methane and carbon dioxide. The second is to create airflow past the stock to
assist in the removal of body heat.
Current regulations state that the air in the cattle hold must be changed at least once every two or three
minutes, depending on the height of the ceiling. This equates to between 20-30 air exchanges per hour.
Most vessels on the long haul run have air exchanges much in excess of this, with some vessels achieving
up to 70 air exchanges per hour.

Airflow can also be expressed in terms of cubic metres per hour and furthermore, this airflow can be directly
related to pen area (or the number of livestock through which it passes). This is a more direct measure of
ventilation efficiency. Vessels achieving 150-200 cubic m/hr/sqm of pen area (45-60 air exchanges per
hour), with well-designed delivery and distribution systems are well equipped to deal with most of the
conditions normally encountered.
Temperature and humidity constantly interact to affect the animal’s comfort. A ‘Temperature and Humidity
Index’ is included in the Appendix 5 to demonstrate this relationship. A common threshold point for the
commencement of animal discomfort is around 31-32ºC and 79% humidity. The same animals will be
experiencing severe heat stress at 35ºC and 88% humidity.
Whereas this table represents an important reference, recent research has found that the wet bulb
temperature may be a better and simpler indicator of when cattle are likely to encounter discomfort from
exposure to heat and/or heat stress. It is encouraged that wherever possible, the stockman and ship’s staff
discuss heat-related problems with reference to the wet bulb temperature. As a rough guide, unacclimatised
Bos taurus animals will begin to experience the first stages of heat stress when the wet bulb reading passes
28 - 29 degrees. Acclimatised Bos Taurus will begin experiencing heat stress when the wet bulb reaches
31-32. It is rare for tropically acclimatised Bos indicus cattle to show heat stress at any stage during the
voyages undertaken in both the long and short haul trades. In these animals, heat stress is only likely to be
seen under rare and exceptional environmental conditions or during failures of the vessel’s ventilation
system.
The ability of cattle to tolerate heat is affected by many factors. These factors will adjust the wet bulb
temperature at which the cattle will experience discomfort. The major factor involved is breed type, however
acclimatization (and the conditions experienced in the 2-3 week period prior to shipping) has been found to
be of almost equal importance. Large cattle have a smaller surface area compared to their weightand fat
cattle will have more difficulty maintaining body temperature than thin cattle of the same breed. Both these
factors adversely affect the ability of cattle to tolerate heat.
Cattle will also be affected by the duration of exposure. Cattle have the ability to tolerate a heat load, either
as extreme heat over a short duration or mild heat over a longer duration. It is only if conditions continue
unabated, and a respite is not offered that heat stress is incurred. Unlike land, where temperatures can be
expected to drop considerably during the night, the maritime environment is remarkably constant and the
opportunity for respite through a significant temperature drop reduction is often not forthcoming.
Air speed is another important factor to be considered. Ventilation systems that allow for significant jetting
of air over the surface of the cattle will allow cattle to tolerate a higher wet bulb temperature without
experiencing discomfort than systems relying on more passive movement of air. Ventilation system design
is especially important to ensure that all cattle pens receive equal levels of air flow. Even in some of the
newer vessels with total air exchange rates which far exceed minimum requirements, some individual pens
or areas may still have inadequate air flow.
Although heat stress is the most likely problem you will encounter, cold stress can also be very dangerous
to cattle. Care should be taken when considering washing down the decks with very cold water, (e.g.
Southern Australian, North African, Japanese and Chinese waters during winter). Very cold water may be
more stressful and dangerous to stock than delaying cleaning for a few days until the vessel reaches

warmer waters. If washing can’t be avoided, ensure the crew keeps the splash of cold water onto the cattle
to an absolute minimum. Fast moving air can also be a hazard if the temperatures are low. In the event you
are faced with a dramatic reduction in temperature, discuss the options for reducing the air speed with the
Master.
The animal regulates the rate at which heat is transferred by dilating or constricting the peripheral blood
vessels and altering the circulation to the outer areas of the body. This will result in changes to the
temperature of the skin. Cattle seeking to retain heat will often have skin temperatures up to 10ºC lower
than normal body temperature, whereas animals seeking to release heat may have skin temperatures a full
3ºC higher than normal body temperature. Ordinarily, heat is transferred to the environment by convection,
conduction and radiation. This is particularly the case where there is a big difference between the
temperature of the environment and the body temperature of the animal. As environmental temperatures
approach (or exceed) their body temperature, convection, conduction and radiation are unable to achieve
sufficient heat loss and the animal is obliged to utilize evaporative cooling to achieve the heat loss required.
Evaporative cooling is achieved during respiration and by sweating. Sweating, provided there is sufficient
airflow, accounts for the major part of evaporative cooling in cattle, where up to 70% is achieved via the
skin. This differs in sheep which use the surfaces of the lungs and upper respiratory tract as the major site
of evaporative cooling. Sheep utilize panting to create air movement across the required surfaces whereas
cattle depend on airflow across the skin surface to assist in heat removal. Sheep will start panting at a much
lower temperature than cattle.
Bos indicus infused cattle have a much greater tolerance to heat. They have shorter coats and thinner skin.
They have a greater surface area due to their additional skin folds, particularly in the area of the brisket.
They have a greater number of sweat glands per unit area of skin and a greater ability to increase their
peripheral blood flow. These factors greatly enhance their ability to lose heat through the evaporative
cooling mechanism.
Bos taurus cattle have thicker and longer coats, thicker skin and a lesser ability to effect changes in the
skin that enables effective heat loss. The presence of excessive fat layers in the skin of both Bos indicus
and Bos taurus cattle inhibits the effectiveness of heat loss mechanisms. It is not uncommon for long haired
Bos Taurus animals to develop thick layers of mud and manure on their coats. This can further reduce the
animal’s capacity to lose body heat. Warm-blooded animals generate surplus energy as part of their normal
metabolism. In the most part, this is discharged as body heat. Think of cattle on board a ship as individual
heat radiators. Cattle loaded at a higher density will produce more heat in a given space. In addition to this,
cattle that are required to acclimatize quickly may in fact produce more heat than cattle that are allowed to
acclimatize over a longer period of time. The amount of heat generated by an animal is the result of a
complex balance that is influenced by the major body hormones and linked to the basic metabolic rate.
Adjustment to this balance is slow (in the order of 7 days to 3 weeks) and cattle that are taken say from
Portland in the Southern winter to the equator in 8-10 days may not have had sufficient time to adjust
resulting in excessive heat production.
Management activities such as washing, should be planned around the approach to known geographic hot
spots such as the equator, the Gulf of Aden, the area of the Red Sea approaching Jeddah, parts of the
Persian Gulf and specific ports such as Muscat.

Washing down has a significant effect on humidity. Whereas washing will often be accompanied by
increases in relative humidity levels, it also has a cooling effect by removing heat from infrastructure and
bedding. As a result there may be little discernable difference in the wet bulb temperature during the course
of the washing event. Conditions after washing, however, are often much improved, especially after the
distribution of new sawdust. The washing event also appears to have a direct cooling effect on the cattle
due to the action of the water on the peripheral blood vessels of the legs and extremities. This appears to
offer a real respite to cattle and alleviates some of the heat load.
Recent research has indicated that under certain circumstances, wetting of cattle can alleviate the
detrimental affects of heat stress. Wetting should be undertaken when animals are experiencing severe
heat stress (drooling, respiration rate greater than 120 per minute, open mouth panting and tongue out.
Cattle may also appear agitated, have a hunched stance and have their heads down).
Guidelines for wetting
• Either sea or fresh water can be used
• Water should be applied to the head and back of the cattle and enough water needs to be applied so
that it is beginning to run of their backs and down their sides
• Do not apply cold water (less than 25 degrees C) to the head of cattle with severe heat stress as the
cold shock may kill them
• Do not use high pressure water jets on cattle as this may cause injury. If high pressure hoses must be
used, the nozzle should be set to fan the water
• The duration of the wetting will depend on the volume from the hose, water pressure and the pen
stocking density
• At all times ensure that there is normal air movement for the pen or deck – if the ventilation system
fails – DO NOT WET CATTLE.
• It is recommended that cattle with severe heat stress are not moved.
• Under moderate conditions one short wetting may be effective for up to 24 hours
• Under severe heat stress wetting should be continued until the severe heat conditions has passed
• Ensure drainage is effective and bedding is changed once it becomes sloppy
• Positive effects including reduced respiration rates and character should be noted soon after wetting
commences
Some pregnant dairy cattle have been noted to commence lactation during long haul voyages even though
they are not about to have a normal calving or an abortion. Recent research suggests that this is not due
to heat stress factors but probably associated with plant oestrogens in the shipboard pellets. Appendix 19
provides a flow chart to assist with diagnosis and treatment of the problem. Essentially, the key is to
determine if the udder swelling is due to infectious (mastitis) or non-infectious causes. Intramuscular
injection treatments are recommended rather than attempting to use intramammary products. A list of
suitable antibiotics is provided. The usual TLC applications including clean bedding and additional space
are also recommended. Cleaning out the pens by shovelling may also reduce the amount of faecal material
splashed up onto the udder surface. Treatment of teats with teat dip may also assist to reduce the chance
of infection entering the udder.

It is of utmost importance that stockmen are aware of the prevailing weather conditions when approaching
known geographical hot spots. Many vessels are susceptible to the re-ingestion of exhaust air when
subjected to a following breeze that equals the ship’s own speed. These conditions are quite prevalent
whilst on the approach to the equator or in the Persian Gulf. It is the responsibility of the stockman to be
aware of this potential effect and monitor the resulting fresh air quality being provided to the lower holds.
Some vessels will have similar problems with light cross breezes and conditions will often deteriorate on
the lee side of open decks. Again the stockman should be aware of the peculiarities of the vessel. Speak
to the Master and Chief Officer about these issues.
‘Hot spots’ occur within some vessels. Hot spots are rare on vessels that have properly designed delivery
systems. ‘Converted’ vessels, especially those that rely on air to be distributed from the sides of the vessel
only, can sometimes struggle to eliminate ‘short circuiting’ effects that leave some areas with little or no
airflow. There is generally a good reason why hot spots exist. Sometimes it may be that the ceiling is
subjected to direct exposure to the sun or that the area is directly adjacent to a poorly insulated engine
room. Other times the reason may be less obvious and the hot spot may appear and disappear at different
times of the day or they may move about a deck as air movement patterns are altered by changes in the
prevailing weather conditions.
Efforts to rectify hot spots in one area generally create problems elsewhere on the deck (or vessel) and
often it is better to manage these areas rather than try to solve them. Careful attention should be paid to
stocking densities in these areas. Where possible, avoid handling animals during heat stress periods, as
the exertion involved may be enough to kill them. Heat stress occurs when the animal’s heat loss
mechanisms fail to control their core temperature. At this point all the peripheral blood vessels are fully
dilated, sweating is profuse and respiration is either very rapid and/or laboured. Because so much blood is
now being pumped to the extremities, the amount returning to the heart is becoming limited and the animal
is suffering from a ‘lack of venous return’. The animal now faces a difficult dilemma. If it continues to pump
more blood to the extremities it is likely to suffer a heart attack due to a shortage of blood returning to the
heart. If the animal maintains its blood pressure by returning more blood to the heart, the excessive heat
may ‘cook’ the heart and other vital organs. In this case the animal may either die immediately due to a
heart attack or two to three days later due to organ dysfunction and/or toxins produced by the extensive
organ damage.
It is important to note at this stage that any additional stress when the animals are dealing with a heat stress
situation can invoke the flight or fight reflex in which blood is pumped to the skeletal muscles. This
aggravates the problem of reduced blood flow to the heart as discussed above and can have the effect of
quickly tipping the cattle ‘over the edge’ and induce a dramatic heat failure. Some of the deaths associated
with the washing event are thought to be caused by this response. Handle all cattle carefully and gently
during periods of heat stress.
In the event that animals are experiencing heat stress, possible options to improve the situation include the
following: - If there are only a few isolated hot spots then those pens affected should have some cattle
removed to reduce the density. In severe cases the pens may have to be left completely empty. If the
problem is isolated to temperate cattle (Bos taurus), then these can be given a lower stocking density by
spreading them out and increasing the density of tropical cattle (if there are any on board).

Portable fans can be of considerable benefit for small hot spots. Ensure easy access to plenty of water.
Where cattle rely on small drinkers it may be necessary to utilize hand watering, as feed troughs become
available. Stressed cattle can sometimes sulk and fail to keep fully hydrated. This can aggravate the heat
stress problems described earlier. Providing easy access to water is an important precaution, especially
when bedding conditions make it difficult to move around the pens. In extreme heat stress conditions it may
be appropriate to tip out the fodder and fill all available troughs with fresh clean water. Individual animals
demonstrating severe stress may benefit from a treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Finadyne).
Electrolytes can be provided to cattle to assist their level of hydration.
Utilize any spare spaces to create additional cattle pen area e.g. Use any empty sick pens, laneways or
storage areas which are safe enough to hold stock, but be careful not to compromise important
management procedures. Fronts of pens can be removed to include the laneway space in the pen for short
periods. Removing subdividing gates between pens will significantly increase the space available in the
pen. Never take these steps without discussing the matter with the Master or Chief Officer first.
In the case of top deck hot spots, the deck can be shaded with tarpaulins or fodder and if necessary the
deck can be sprayed with water to cool it down. In cases where the vessel encounters very hot and humid
conditions with following winds it may be appropriate to change course to search for cooler conditions. This
applies in particular to open decks with no additional mechanical ventilation. Discuss this option with the
Master. In vessels with open decks that have ‘closed’ fronts (or closed backs), very slight course deviations
may make a large difference. Ask for weather forecasts to indicate how long the hot period is likely to persist
as this may assist in planning the most appropriate response. Speak to the Master or Chief Officer about
any possible mechanical or ventilation management solutions to the problem. Ensure that all intake and
exhaust fans are operating and that there are no obstructions or problems that have been overlooked. Avoid
emptying fouled drinking water onto the decks. Ask the Master to instruct the crew to carry the water outside
for emptying into the sea or directly into bilges. During periods of extreme temperature and humidity it may
be of benefit to temporarily reduce fodder intake (up to 50%). Cattle will often do this voluntarily under
extreme conditions. Wetting cattle as described earlier is a possible option.
Decks and Bedding
The management of bedding and cleaning is a constant compromise between allowing a build-up of soft,
relatively dry faeces to provide a comfortable pad for the cattle to lay down on and a need to remove loose,
wet faeces and urine which discourage animals from lying down, produce ammonia and contribute to
increased humidity. The most appropriate management of the deck may vary from day to day and needs
the careful consideration of all concerned in order to design a regime, which provides maximum comfort for
the animals on-board. Research initiatives are currently under way to learn more about the management
of ammonia on livestock vessels.
The issues relating to the decks and bedding are clearly much less critical on short haul voyages. As the
majority of stock transported in the short haul trade are tropically adapted animals, bedding is usually only
used for special categories of stock which require additional care such as pregnant dairy cows. The majority
of short haul voyages do not use bedding of any sort. Policy regarding deck washing on short haul voyages
varies considerably depending on the exporter, stockman and shipping company’s individual experiences.
No single management method is considered to be the most appropriate on short voyages. Good results

are obtained from a range of approaches which include some voyages where no deck cleaning is done to
those
where decks are thoroughly washed every day. The decision on deck management for short haul voyages
should be a matter for all of the parties involved to decide based on the individual circumstances faced
during each voyage. The same general principals as described below are true for both short haul and long
haul. The information in this section should all be considered before deciding on a specific course of action.
The regulation requiring all long haul voyages to load sawdust or other bedding material has proved to be
a major advantage to bedding management and overall animal comfort.
A number of bedding materials has been trialled including hay, straw, wood shaving, rice hulls and sawdust.
Sawdust seems to be the most favoured of the alternatives. Wood shavings and straw which generally have
longer fibres, have caused some bilge pumping systems to block up. Sawdust provides the animal with a
comfortable, non-slip pad immediately. When faeces and urine drop onto it, their moisture is partly absorbed
into the sawdust and the bedding / deck stays drier for longer. Cleaning is only indicated if the bedding
conditions become wet or the ammonia levels high enough to warrant a full clean out.
The general aim of the bedding exercise is to clean the deck the least number of times during the voyage
while maintaining animal comfort and preventing the build-up of ammonia gas.
Washing down distresses cattle and causes them to move around the pen in such a way as to increase the
possibility of death or injuries either to themselves or the animals they crash into or step on. Obviously
reducing the level of this type of activity to a minimum will also reduce the opportunities for deaths and
injuries. This becomes even more important in rough weather and when the cargo includes particularly
fragile animals such as pregnant females. As an additional aid to the control of ammonia gas it may be
possible to keep the levels of this gas production under control to some extent by the application of mild
acids such as Acetic or Citric acid. These can be mist sprayed on the bedding pad to neutralise the ammonia
(2% acid misted twice per day can significantly lengthen the periods between washing out).
Recent research has shown that dietary additives have the capacity to acidify the urine which has a similar
result as spraying the bedding with weak acid – ammonia release is reduced. More research needs to be
done to clarify the best options for this approach. Another approach to reducing ammonia is to add gypsum
to the sawdust bedding at an inclusion rate of 50%. While this has proved effective in reducing ammonia
release, the effectiveness is reduced at high temperatures so dietary additives are likely to provide the most
practical solution. As mentioned in the previous section on temperature and humidity, the cleaning of wet
decks contributes in the short term to an increase in humidity in the cattle space but subsequently results
in a net reduction. The magnitude of this reduction in humidity is dependent on the effectiveness of the
deck drainage. If the decks remain wet or have significant puddles of water lying in low areas after the wash
then any favourable affect on humidity will be reduced. Placing sawdust or other bedding materials in the
wet patches will result in a significant reduction in the humidity in the immediate area. If this is practised
over the whole deck the net reduction in humidity can be dramatic. Cleaning events should be planned to
take the passage through hot locations into account. ie when approaching the equator or the Gulf of Aden,
cleaning should be programmed to allow for the lowest humidity following the cleaning process to coincide
with the passage through the hottest locations.

If the vessel’s ventilation is adequate, the decks are well drained and sawdust is available to treat any wet
spots then washing out during passage through hot locations may be appropriate. This is something, which
should be considered very carefully by all parties before being undertaken.
One option for cleaning the deck without hosing is to simply shovel the accessible faeces from the floor of
the pen or alleyway into wheelbarrows and remove it to the bilges or throw it overboard. While this will be
less effective than hosing the pen and represent more work for the crew, it will reduce the fouling of the
floor with much less stress to the stock and will immediately reduce humidity especially if accompanied by
the application of sawdust. This option may be most appropriate for pens containing sick or particularly
stressed animals. The use of sawdust has been suspected of increasing the number of eye infections on
some vessels. There is a possibility that hosing down the decks causes sawdust particles to lodge in
animal’s eyes thus initiating these infections. This should be considered when cleaning out sawdust bedding
with a view to minimising the splashing of the deck wash into the faces of the stock. On some vessels where
stocking densities are quite low, e.g. pregnant dairy cows on long haul voyages, the stockmen and crew
have been able to redistribute animals prior to cleaning in order to produce an empty pen. After the empty
pen has been cleaned out by hosing or shovelling, the animals in the next pen are moved in and the process
repeated for the entire deck. This allows cleaning to take place in only empty pens. Once the cleaning event
has been completed then the animals are redistributed again to utilise all of the space on the deck. Hosing
the decks down with very cold seawater can be a dangerous and stressful event for warm cattle. Regardless
of how careful the crew is, the cattle will still be sprayed to some extent with the cold water. Cold shock has
the same capacity as heat stress to result in the development of an outbreak of pneumonia or other stress
induced illness. Any attempt to clean the decks by hosing with very cold seawater should be delayed until
the vessel reaches warmer waters.
Fodder and Feeding
Although the stockman will have no control over the type of fodder loaded by the exporter he does have a
major role to play in the management of the feeding arrangements throughout the journey. The minimum
amount of feed are 2% of body weight perday plus 3 days (or 20%, whichever is less) additional feed for
contingencies. Minimum feed loaded rises to 2.5% in the case of cattle and buffalo under 250 kg, breeding
heifers and pregnant cows. The ASEL standards describe the minimum protein and energy levels of the
feed. The daily feed requirement per head can be calculated using the following formula:
2% of body weight = 2/100 x body weight
eg 2/100 x 400 kg = 8 kg per head per day
For a voyage with 1,500 head of cattle of average weight 400kg that is expected to take 7 days, the feed
loaded will need to be: 8 kg per head per day x 1500 head x 7 days = 84,000 kg or 84 tons. In addition
thereneeds to be 20% extra loaded as per the AMSA standards 84 tons + 20% = 84 +20/100x84 = 84 +
16.8 tons = 100.8 tons
Once the voyage has commenced it is the stockman's responsibility in conjunction with the Chief Officer to
manage the fodder distribution to ensure that the animals receive adequate feed and that the fodder supply
is budgeted to last for the entire voyage. This will entail recalculating the amount of feed left and the quantity
needed for the remainder of the trip at least once every day. The aim of the feeding on board is to recapture
lost gut fill due to recent transport rather than attempting to gain real weight. What will often happen is that

cattle will be weighed onto the ship with a relatively empty gut, which then fills over the journey producing
a "weight gain" of up to 5%. This is only gut refilling, not body weight gain as such. Real weight gain on
board ship has the capacity to exacerbate temperature problems, as animals which are gaining weight will
generate significantly higher levels of body heat than those which are maintaining. This additional heat,
especially during long haul voyages into the northern summer can be enough to turn a very hot environment
into a potentially lethal one. Short haul voyages only have the capacity to recover gut fill as their average
length is usually only 5 days. Despite the longer duration of Middle Eastern and South American voyages
it appears that most animals are still only able to recover their lost gut fill before discharge at the port of
destination. Storage of feed is an issue frequently overlooked by the crew. As most trips will encounter rain
at some time or other it is essential to check on the arrangements made by the crew to cover the feed. You
will frequently find that either the tarpaulins are not adequately tied in place or that bags of feed are used
as weights to hold the tarps down. Once fodder is spoilt by water it will go mouldy and be unsuitable to feed
to the stock. Even if they will eat it (and this is unlikely) mouldy feed is extremely dangerous and should not
be fed. The only useful role for mouldy feed is for bedding if the primary source has run out. As the end of
the voyage approaches and the animals are eating to their full capacity every bag of feed left on board will
be vital to ensure that the animals are discharged at their optimal weight.
Always be on the lookout for other forms of feed contamination. Whenever feed is not eaten in the normal
pattern, examine the remainder closely for contaminants such as fuel or chemicals. If you are concerned
that this may be a problem at least save this feed till last and try not to use it unless there is no other
alternative. Also try a small quantity on a few animals initially to determine if there is any danger to the
stock. Contamination of feed in the trough with faeces is an important problem for feed consumption. One
of the main jobs for the crew and the stockman is to check the feed troughs frequently and remove faeces
and contaminated feed during routine inspections. Cattle are very fussy about this; even hungry cattle will
not eat feed, which is contaminated by or close to a dung pat in the trough. Fibre is essential for the physical
process of digestion in the rumen. When fibre is lacking and feed has high levels of small particles or "fines"
it is not uncommon for animals on this diet to develop bloat. While this form of bloat can be life threatening,
it is not as deadly as the kind seen on clover pastures but will usually result in reduced appetite and weight
loss in a proportion of the cattle. As pellets are too small to contain suitable fibre length (about 1 cm is the
minimum needed) they are the most common cause of bloat on board. To counteract this problem simply
feed the animals some chaff or hay. Even quantities as small as 1/2 or 1 kg per day seem to be adequate
to correct the problem. Cubes are usually large enough to provide adequate fibre length but suffer from
their inability to be managed easily in shipboard silo/auger systems. Chaff or hay is ideal for balancing the
pellet diet with suitable fibre.
Hay or chaff is usually only loaded on short haul vessels to encourage certain groups of stock to eat more
quickly. As an example, mature slaughter cows may be stimulated to eat considerably more of the ship’s
ration of pellets or cubes if they are provided with a small supplement of chaff or hay. Appetite on board is
affected by a large number of factors. As a general rule, animals which have not been accustomed to the
ship's feed prior to loading onto the vessel will take a number of days until they are able to consume their
maintenance volume. In the majority of cases intake will be only 1/4 to 1/3 of full intake on the first day.
From the second till the fourth or fifth day, consumption will gradually rise to the full consumption level. Eg.

@ 400 kg live wt x 2% = 8kg. While cattle will be able to eat more than this, 2% is adequate for maintenance.
Feeding patterns are the subject of considerable debate. At the present time there is not enough hard
evidence to support any one feeding pattern although it is probably safe to say that different feeding
arrangements are appropriate under different circumstances. The basic rules to be guided by are:
- Cattle are usually fed twice per day with about 50% fed first thing in the morning and 50% mid-afternoon.
When smaller feeds are being delivered eg. During the first few days, it may be appropriate to feed out only
once. Some companies prefer to provide feed to cattle at all times. This is more commonly practiced during
long haul voyages. Some exporters/stockmen prefer one big feed per day. Others believe three feeds per
day are best. Some prefer to reduce feed during the middle of long haul voyages in order to lift the intake
at the end of the voyage and hopefully end up with cattle that are fuller on arrival and consequently weigh
more over the weighbridge. Short haul voyages need to focus on speedy gut fill recovery as available time
to achieve this is limited. Any means which will encourage animals to eat a greater proportion of their normal
daily intake have the capacity to significantly improve the commercial outcome of the voyage.
For those vessels that manually water into troughs, after the feed has been largely consumed, tip the
remainder into one of the troughs and fill the other with water. When budgeting for feed reserves it is
generally better to have a substantial contingency supply available at the end of the voyage to allow for
problems immediately prior to and during discharge. Once you have arrived in port then you will be able to
feed virtually as much as the animals will eat depending on the progress of the discharge. Feeding during
discharge can be a touchy issue with importers. As a general rule, the liveweight of discharged animals will
increase if they have had constant access to fresh feed immediately prior to discharge. As long as this is
not a problem for the importer, (clarify this with the exporter) make every effort to feed (and water) animals
during the discharge process. This may involve enlisting crewmembers to assist or even employing labour
from the wharf to help keep the troughs full. In addition to keeping the troughs full it is important to turn the
feed over in the trough to keep it “fresh”. After cattle feed from a trough for a short period they slobber on
the remaining feed and have a tendency to pack it down making it difficult for those feeding next to get the
feed out of the trough. Also, feed which has been dribbled on is less attractive to stock than freshly turned
feed.
When extremely hot weather is encountered in Egypt or the Middle East it may be an advantage to reduce
feed consumption to reduce the amount of heat generated by the animal through normal digestion. Don't
overfill troughs, as the top layers will simply be wasted as they are pushed onto the floor as the animals
eat. Washing the decks constitutes a stress to the stock so if you have plenty of feed then an additional
amount of feed after washing may help the cattle to settle down again. Sudden reductions in consumption
are excellent indicators that there is something wrong and that the cattle are under some sort of stress.
This may be heat stress or the sudden onset of a disease problem. Whenever it is observed that a certain
group of animals suddenly reduce its consumption you should immediately undertake a close examination
of all aspects to determine the cause. Shy feeders are best detected during feeding times. Shy feeders are
individuals that for a variety of reasons eat less than normal. Reasons for this include: -
• Bullying by other animals in the pen
• Stress from heat, ammonia gas, disease conditions, bloat, injuries, other…

• Older cows are more susceptible to becoming shy feeders, sometimes without any obvious sign of
stress factors except the fact that they are on board the ship in a strange environment.
If at all possible, remove the shy feeders to an area where the cause of their stress is eliminated or reduced.
This will usually mean moving them to a sick pen with plenty of room or to another pen where they are the
same size as their pen mates. Provide them with ad-lib feed and electrolytes in their water. The use of
injectable appetite stimulants such as Coforta have been shown to benefit shy feeders especially on long
haul voyages.
Water and Electrolytes
Water consumption is a little like the feed intake, slow at first then working up to a fairly constant level.
Generally mature cattle will drink around 15 - 20 litres for the first day or so, gradually working up to around
30 - 35 litres. As with feeding regimes there are plenty of opinions as to whether automatic or manual
watering systems are better. On balance there doesn't seem to be much difference except that the
calculation of intakes for manual trough type systems is a little harder to estimate as a significant amount
of water is wasted when the troughs are emptied due to contamination with faeces. When using manual
watering systems don't take too much notice of the ship's daily water consumption figures. These will be
gross figures only. Make an allowance in your reports for wastage when troughs are cleaned out or
accidentally tipped over. Recent experimental work has demonstrated that heat stress can cause alterations
in body electrolytes. Further experiments showed that when animals were provided with an electrolyte
replacement mixture in their drinking water treated cattle drank more water, had more alkaline urine and
had a weight advantage over non-treated stock. The initial trials showed that the treatment was cost
effective. More trial work needs tobe completed to determine the optimum nature and dose rate of the
supplement. At present the treatment is only recommended for Bos Taurus cattle on long haul voyages.
Importers in some ports are very sensitive about electrolyte use in stock they are about to purchase over
the weighbridge. Discuss the appropriate arrangements with the exporter but as a general rule the use of
electrolytes is recommended for the period of discharge if the circumstances are appropriate. Don't however
"advertise" the fact that electrolytes are being used by leaving empty bags lying around as this may lead to
a dispute and delay to discharge. On some voyages, electrolytes will be available for all the stock for the
duration of the journey but this may not always be the case. Where only limited quantities are available they
should be kept for use when cattle are experiencing the highest levels of stress. This may be during the
equatorial crossing, entering the Red Sea or the Persian Gulf, in individual hot spots, sick pens, for those
with diarrhoea or any other cause of cattle stress or dehydration. Instances have been reported where salt
water has mistakenly been provided to the cattle drinking troughs. If you notice that water consumption has
stopped completely, taste the water to determine if this is the cause. When water is contaminated in the
ships tanks by rust or other compounds make a note of this in you end of voyage report. Ships with
consistently poor water quality will be encouraged to rectify the problem. In the event that water delivery
systems are inadequate for any reason it is essential to ensure that the animals continue to obtain suitable
supplies. In extreme circumstances it may be necessary to hand carry water to individual pens. In hot
environments it is far more important to provide water rather than feed. If a situation arises where it is not
possible to provide both feed and water manually then water supply should receive the highest priority.

Animals will live without feed for more than a week but cannot last more than a few days without water
when experiencing very hot conditions like those encountered during the summer in the Middle East.
2. HEALTH PROBLEMS
Diarrhoea
The two main causes of diarrhoea are due to dietary disturbances and infection with disease causing
agents.
Dietary Diarrhoea
The development of diarrhoea by cattle presented with a new diet is a well-known phenomenon on both
land and sea. This form of diarrhoea is the most common cause of digestive problems on board ships
although the overall incidence is not high. The cattle will appear otherwise well but present with a profuse,
watery diarrhoea (with a normal smell). Their appetite will generally be normal. In most cases the cause of
the problem will be the new pellet diet and this is usually successfully treated by removing the pellets from
the diet and replacing with chaff or hay. If the diarrhoea is only mild then the addition of chaff or hay to the
pellets may be adequate to return the gut to normal function. Treatment with Probiotics may be indicated if
they are available. These are natural bacteria that inhabit the gut which can be given to the animal to assist
its gut to return to normal more quickly. Diarrhoea tends to be a relatively minor problem on short haul
voyages as the digestive changes brought about by shipboard feeding have less time to develop over a 5
day shipping period. Pre feeding with shipboard rations is also normal practice. Acidosis is the result of
excessive consumption of carbohydrates. On board ship this may be a result of the high grain content of
some pellets. The high levels of acid produced from the fermentation of excessive carbohydrate kills off
rumen microorganisms and stops the rumen from functioning. Usually only mild forms of this syndrome are
likely to be seen on cattle vessels and only on long haul voyages. In these cases, the rumen movements
are reduced but may not be entirely absent. The animals will be off their feed but otherwise bright and alert.
Diarrhoea is common. Respiration rate is usually increased. Treatment is by replacement of pellets with
roughage. Electrolytes will assist. In rare instances where excessive quantities are consumed the acidosis
produced can be extremely severe and result in death.
Infectious Diarrhoea
There are two common causes of this type of diarrhoea, Salmonella and Coccidia. Both are usually
associated with stress factors acting on southern Australian cattle during long haul voyages. Infectious
diarrhoea is very rare on short haul voyages. Salmonellosis is a bacterial disease, which can cause
diarrhoea and general illness. The faeces will have a putrid smell and may contain blood. The animal will
usually have a fever, be obviously sick and off its feed. In severe cases the animal may die quite quickly
while the majority will have a longer course and will respond to treatment with antibiotics. Treatment of
choice is Trisoprim (Trimethoprim and Sulfadiazine) and electrolytes. Diarrhoea powder may also be of
use. Coccidiosis is a disease caused by parasites infecting the gut. The cattle will develop very smelly and
sometimes bloody diarrhoea but will generally not be as sick as those with Salmonellosis. The animals will
usually have no signs of fever. Affected animals will frequently strain to pass further faeces. They will go
off their feed and lose weight over the voyage. Deaths will be uncommon. Treatment of choice is with Sulfa
drugs which are included in Trisoprim.
Bloat

This problem is most frequently seen on vessels feeding small pellets especially if the storage system uses
silos and augers, which tend to increase the level of pellet dust. Bloat is rare on short haul voyages. The
cause of the bloat is the presence of fine particles in the rumen and shortage of fibre which disrupts normal
rumen function leading to the formation of foam. This foam makes it difficult for the animal to burp gas
effectively and so causes the signs of bloat. While it tends not to be as life threatening as clover type bloat,
it does cause reduced appetites and hence inferior performance of affected animals. Treatment is by the
addition of chaff or hay to the diet. When individual cases become serious, the use of oil administered via
stomach drench or a trocar to lance the distended rumen can be used. Where dietary changes are not
possible, the use of bloat treatment chemicals (Teric Bloat Liquid) applied to the water will help. These
treatments can also be applied to the sides of the animals where they lick it off themselves.
Wounds and Injuries
The most common injuries and wounds will be of the lower limbs, usually sustained during loading or
through misadventure in the ship's pens. The animal will usually be in considerable pain and stress placing
it at a disadvantage in its pen when competing for feed and water. The standard treatment is to transfer the
animal to a sick pen with more space, electrolytes in the water and softer bedding i.e. TLC ("Tender Loving
Care"). Treatment with antibiotics (Long acting tetracycline or penicillin) in the case of open wounds and
anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and swelling is recommended. The long acting antibiotics may need
to be repeated after 3 days but the anti-inflammatory products can be repeated up to twice per day if
necessary. Antibiotics are always indicated on long haul voyages, as even if the injury is not likely to
become infected, the stress of the injury will predispose the animal to pneumonia and other illnesses. In
the case of short haul journeys, treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs alone may well be adequate. Long
acting penicillin may not have the same broad spectrum as oxytetracycline, however it has a lower dose
(20 mls) and is much less painful than oxytet. For very stressed animals with a simple wound, penicillin
may be the best choice. Where the skin has been broken, the wound area should be treated with topical
antibacterial products such as Defiance S or Cetrigen. Electrolytes are recommended for all animals in sick
pens as well as ad lib fodder.
Keep an eye out for ‘hairless tails’, as these can be a good indication that the animal has spent a
considerable amount of time down and had the hair trodden off the brush. Take extra time to observe these
animals very carefully to determine if they have a problem.
Hip Haematomas are the large "fluid filled" lumps seen in the pelvic area especially the points of the hips.
While they feel as though they are filled with fluid that could be easily drained, they are in fact filled mainly
with gelatinous blood clot material.
They are usually not painful to the animal and are best left alone. DO NOT attempt to lance and drain them.
You will get very little fluid out and stand an excellent chance of introducing infection leading to the formation
of an abscess. If they do appear to be painful then anti-inflammatory treatments are indicated.
Swollen Legs
This condition is seen more frequently on long haul voyages especially during rough weather, where deck
conditions are poor or where cattle have soft feet. While the cause of this problem is not completely
understood, it seems likely that infection has entered the leg either through foot abrasions or minor lower
leg wounds. These wounds may not be obvious. The leg (often more than one leg) is hot, swollen, very

painful and the animal will often be obviously sick and off its food. Standing up and moving about the pen
will be difficult and painful. The recommended treatment is with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs,
isolation with more space, soft bedding, plenty of feed and electrolytes. If the animal is unable to move to
a sick pen then remove healthy animals from its pen to reduce the pen density and the likelihood of other
pen mates standing on or tripping over it.
Broken Horns
These can be quite painful. If there is a crush on board it may be best to remove the horn completely.
Regardless of horn removal, the animal should be provided with some form of pain relief, given additional
space to feed and the horn treated with topical wound products. It is important to remember that in some
long haul ports, especially Adabiya (Egypt), lame, sick and injured animals will be rejected during the
Quarantine arrival inspection and prevented from discharging. This should be taken into account when
deciding on treatment options for those animals which are likely to be rejected. Unless you think that the
animal has a fair chance of recovery by the time the vessel is due to discharge then destruction may be the
best option for the animal's sake. If significant numbers of animals are involved then communication with
the exporter and veterinarian is essential. In some ports emergency slaughter of sick and injured animals
is permitted. Where this is the case, these animals should be discharged first, if possible, to reduce the time
they are suffering. Bulls or fat heifers may ride each other repeatedly resulting in the wearing away of the
forward part of their hind claws. This can be difficult to stop and may lead to significant numbers of animals
developing very severe lameness. In some cases it may be best to remove the animals, which are being
ridden. This may simply lead to a new animal being selected. An alternative is to isolate the animal doing
the riding but if there are a few there will soon be no space left to keep them separate. The simplest
response to minimize foot damage is to put additional sawdust or other bedding materials into the pen to
stop the toes coming in contact with the steel or concrete deck surface.
Pneumonia
This is one of the more common and serious disease conditions seen on long haul cattle voyages. It is
almost always associated with some form of stress placed on the stock, especially hot environmental
conditions and poor ventilation. The disease can present in a wide range of forms from sudden death with
no other signs to chronic poor doers with low-grade lung infections and abscesses. Any form of pneumonia
is quite rare on short haul voyages. Acute pneumonia will best be diagnosed on post mortem. The animal
will often have blood and white foam discharging from the nostrils. When the chest cavity is opened up, the
lungs will be dark red and have a solid appearance like a liver. The chest cavity may contain bloody fluid
and the heart will be covered in haemorrhages. The less acute cases will present with nasal discharges of
various types from cloudy mucus to creamy / yellow pus. The animal may have a fever and will generally
have a faster respiratory rate than those pen mates that are not affected. Treatment with antibiotics,
preferably Micotil (Tetracyclines or Trisoprim are OK as a second choice) and non-steriodal anti-
inflammatory compounds (Tolfidine, Finadyne, Ketoprofen) are indicated. Depending on numbers affected
and the cause of the problem, it may be beneficial to isolate affected animals. The most important thing is
to try to identify the principal cause of the problem and take action to reduce the stress factors. As usual,
electrolytes, additional space and general TLC are indicated.
Heat Stress

Heat stress is rare in short haul voyages as these journeys mainly involve the movement of tropically
adapted stock. In addition, the extreme combination of temperature and humidity encountered in the Middle
Eastern summer months are almost never matched in Asia. The comments below relate mainly to long
haul voyages and those short haul vessels carrying non-acclimatized southern Australian temperate cattle
into the SE Asian monsoonal season. While heat stress is commonly linked to other disease conditions
such as pneumonia, it is certainly capable of killing animals in its own right. This will usually only happen
when the heat insult is extreme or delivered over an extended period. Death can be quite sudden during
the heat stress event or take place up to 72 hours later. The signs of heat stress will be obvious if the
animals are observed prior to death and have been described in the section on cattle observation and
ventilation. If an animal is found dead and heat stress is a possibility then it is important to try to determine
if it was indeed the primary cause or if there are other complicating factors such as pneumonia. Post Mortem
signs of death from simple heat stress include a reddening (congestion) of the lungs with small spotty
haemhorrages over the surface of the heart similar to the signs of a heart attack. If the animal has been
dead for some hours then there will also be a noticeable acceleration of the decomposition of the internal
organs. In recently dead animals the internal organs may feel very hot at post mortem.
Downers
This group is often the most difficult to diagnose and treat. They will generally be found down in their pens
with little or no signs as to the cause. The range of options for consideration include :- simple injury /
knocked down and trampled, metabolic disturbances, acute or chronic illness ranging from terminal
pneumonia to twisted bowel, infected limbs causing pain and poor mobility, bloat, general weakness due
to acute diarrhoea, bullying, shy feeders, fatigue or impending birth. Animals that become stressed during
loading may show signs of Transit Tetany. This condition will be most commonly seen in mature slaughter
cows and oxen travelling to SE Asia. They will appear nervous, agitated, tremble violently, become
aggressive and charge humans. They will often become so uncoordinated and distressed they will fall over
soon after their aggressive behaviour and be unable to rise. Treatment with Calcigol + anti-inflammatories
and TLC will often lead to complete recovery. The treatment of downers will obviously be determined by
the primary cause. In the event that no obvious cause can be identified then it is recommended that the
animal receive a shotgun mixture of treatments that may cover a wide range of possibilities. This can include
long acting antibiotics, anti-inflammatory injections, Calcigol plus (or other mineral and glucose replacement
solution), more space and general TLC. In order to treat the animal it may be necessary to lighten off the
pen. If the animal is not able to stand and walk to a sick pen after treatment it is best to keep the density in
the pen low to allow recovery with less danger of being trampled or knocked down again. If the animal can
walk to a sick pen then isolation with plenty of space to rest without being trampled is best. This will also
reduce the danger of the treating stockman being kicked or injured. If a number of unexplained downers
are observed, a post mortem on one or more may shed some light on the problem and assist with the
development of treatment options. Consider the welfare of the animal. If it is not able to rise within 24 hours
of treatment and there appears to be no improvement in its condition then serious consideration should be
given to humane destruction.
Pink Eye

This is most commonly seen in Hereford, Angus and Friesian dairy cattle. It may occur as isolated cases
or as an outbreak. The development and transmission seems to be promoted by dust, areas with fast airflow
or in some cases high water pressure cleaning of decks covered with sawdust. It can be contagious. Pink
eye is seen only rarely on short haul voyages and usually associated with physical injury to the eye.
Where possible isolate affected cases and treat. Treatment options range from sprays, puffer packs and
eye ointments to intramuscular injections. If there are only a few isolated cases and they are very quiet then
individual treatment with sprays or tubes of ointment may be the simplest option. If there is a crush on board
then Orbenin eye ointment is the preferred treatment. With a crush, injections of tetracycline and Dexapent
into the eyelids may be possible. If the cattle are flighty and won't allow treatment into the eye then
intramuscular injections of long acting tetracyclines will assist. For severe and painful cases anti-
inflammatory injections will also be of benefit (Tolfidine, Finadyne or Ketoprofen). An enterprising stockman
has created a mixture of glycerine and oxytetracycline powder which when mixed together and squirted
from a kitchen trigger spray bottle has proved to an effective means of getting the product into the eye of a
nervous animal. Results to date have been promising.
Sudden Death
This will be one of the most difficult riddles to solve. Unless there have been some signs observed prior to
death then a post mortem examination is the only means of shedding some light on the cause. In many
cases the PM won't provide any useful answers either. As sudden death is more common on long haul
voyages during periods of high temperature and humidity, it is probably fair to say that heat stress is an
important trigger for most cases of sudden death regardless of the final cause. Problems which may result
in sudden death include: - acute pneumonia, heat stroke, intestinal catastrophe, acute generalized bacterial
infection (septicaemia = blood poisoning), heart attack, neck / spinal fractures, Enterotoxaemia (same as
pulpy kidney in sheep), Black leg, acidosis, acute tick fever and poisoning. If these sudden deaths become
numerous and no obvious cause can be determined then communication with shore to assist with a solution
is indicated.
Enterotoxaemia
Usually seen in forward condition animals on good diets. Sudden death or sometimes convulsions may be
seen just prior to death. Diagnosis on board can be very difficult. Post mortem signs include fluid filled heart
sack, haemhorrages on the heart muscle, reddening of some parts of the small intestine. Only seen on
long haul voyages.
Blackleg
Likely to be seen only in southern cattle in forward condition on long haul voyages. Sometimes acute
lameness, depression and an area of swollen leg muscles will be seen just before death. Post mortem may
reveal an area of swollen, bruised and “rotten” muscle. Outbreaks of Blackleg have been seen after large
numbers of soft cattle have been injured during severe and extended periods of very rough weather.
Penicillin is the drug of choice but there is usually little warning before animals become sick with death often
following quite quickly afterwards.
Non Eaters / Ketosis / Yellow Liver Syndrome
Following a severe stress of some sort, some cattle will stop eating. The cause of the original stress may
not have been obvious and the non-eater may not be noticed in the pen before it becomes weak and goes

down. When the animal is opened up for post mortem examination the rumen will be virtually empty with
only a small amount of liquid and a handful of solids. The liver may be pale to bright orange, enlarged and
soft. The body will be thin and the internal body fat will be clear and jelly like. In more mild cases the animal
will go off its feed and simply look very hollow in the flanks. Some cattle will return to feeding and watering
without treatment but the majority will continue to refuse to eat and develop the full syndrome as above.
Early detection is vital if treatment is to be successful. When the animal stops eating, it mobilizes its body
fat and this leads to excessive fat deposited in the liver and metabolic disturbances. Treatment is by
Dexafort or Dexapent injections, injectible glucose if available, electrolytes, segregation and general TLC.
This syndrome will only be seen on long haul voyages as it takes some time to develop (1-2 weeks). In
the case of short haul animals, it can be seen in importing feedlots if the animals remain under stress after
discharge. Pregnant animals are much more susceptible to this syndrome.
Other Diseases
The categories above only cover the more common problems you may encounter. Below is a list of other
conditions you may occasionally be faced with.
Ephemeral Fever - "Three Day Sickness" This is a viral fever associated with the tropics during the wet
season, hence it is likely to be seen only in the short haul trade during the wet season. Animals will develop
a fever, joint pain and go off their feed for about 3 days. Most affected animals will go down and be difficult
to get up. The fever is usually quite high and the animals will feel quite hot to the touch. There will generally
be a significant number of animals affected. The majority of cattle will recover. Treat with anti-
inflammatories. Use antibiotics only if secondary pneumonia or other infections are suspected. It is
important to provide additional space in pens with affected animals as they will lay down for extended
periods and others in the pen will injure them. This disease is more severe for larger animals such as heavy
oxen.
Tick Fever - or reaction to tick fever vaccine The location of ticks in northern Australia and the main use
for tick fever vaccine in association with the Indonesian protocol means that this condition is much more
likely to be seen in the short haul trade. Fever, off feed, depressed, possibly port wine coloured urine (Red
Water) and sometimes sudden death. Post mortem signs include enlarged spleen, enlarged yellow and soft
liver, dark kidneys and port-wine coloured urine in the bladder. Treatment of choice is Imizol and Tolfidine,
but if Imizol is not available, tetracyclines are the next best option. If tick fever vaccine has been used during
the preparation of the stock then Imizol will usually be added to the veterinary kit by the exporter to cover
this contingency.
Prolapsed anus or uterus. Attempt to replace the prolapse if facilities are available. Depending on the
condition of the animal and the discharge port, affected animals may be able to be discharged for
emergency slaughter or require euthanasia.
Ringworm
This disease has become a serious problem for the live trade of dairy cattle to China. Chinese veterinary
authorities reject animals presented for export if they are affected by ringworm. As the disease is quite
common in Australian dairy cattle and is spread by the contact experienced when animals are collected
and handled in yards it can become a major issue for China shipments. The treatment of choice is imidazole
spray on preparations for animal treatment and disinfectant treatment of yards and handling facilities.

Treatment may stop the progress of the disease but lesions remain for a long time as the hair needs to
grow back before the skin appears normal again. If there is an outbreak during a voyage then the use of
the spray treatment will at best stop further lesions from appearing and halt the spread to other stock.
Effective ringworm vaccines are available in Europe and attempts to allow these to be used in Australia are
under way. Northern Australian cattle are often affected by Herpes virus resulting in skin lesions, which end
up looking very similar to ringworm. No treatment is given and the lesions resolve over several months.
Severely affected cattle are rejected for export. Minor cases are permitted to travel. Buffalo Fly scars can
also cause rejection problems with the quarantine vets in Egypt.
IBR is a respiratory tract virus causing fever, depression, clear nasal and eye discharge, nasal ulcers
with possible complication by secondary bacterial pneumonia. This is likely to be seen only in the long haul
trade associated with cattle from southern Australia. Vaccines are available for preventative treatment. For
on-board cases use antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs combined with TLC.
Stomach ulcers Some animals on long haul voyages have been observed to have their fourth stomach
ulcerated with gut contents entering the abdominal cavity. This leads quickly to peritonitis and death. The
cause of this disease is not clear but may be associated with the feeding of pellets with high levels of "fines".
Misadventure This covers a multitude of unfortunate accidents, which can happen to cattle on board ships.
They range from the more common fractured limbs when legs are caught in gates or animals jump down
ramps from one deck to the next to drowning in the water trough. Leg injuries form the vast majority of this
category.
DISCHARGE
At the conclusion of every voyage it is absolutely essential to be well prepared for discharge to ensure that
all the hard work by yourself and the crew is not undone because of poor unloading arrangements.
Planning
Convene a meeting with the Master and / or the Chief Officer to plan the strategy for unloading
arrangements. Establish the most efficient lines of communication. Confirm what labour will be available
and who will be in charge for the various shifts so you know who to look for when support is needed.
Feed Budgeting
Collect the best information as to the likely time needed for discharge and budget feed accordingly.
Remember that some importers will be requesting (and in some cases personally supervising) feed and
water curfews prior to discharge and weighing. As a general rule curfew will be enforced in Egypt but
animals can be fed and watered during discharge at all other Middle East and North African ports. Curfew
can sometimes be an important issue with some individual SE Asian importers. Ensure that labour is
available for feeding as required.
Clarify with the exporter prior to sailing if there are any specific arrangements with the importer regarding
discharge curfew.
Electrolytes used at the time of discharge may assist cattle to maintain their bodyweight during the trucking
and weighing process. Once again, confirm the arrangements for this with the exporter prior to sailing.
Equipment Check

Check that ramps, unloading platforms and other vital equipment are in good working order. Check
alleyways and gate arrangements to ensure that they are clear and free of troughs, hoses, dangerous
protrusions etc.
Presentation
Attempt to present the cattle in their best light. Clean out the pens if possible prior to entering the port to
reduce manure soiling. Put down remaining sawdust if available to reduce slipping on deck and improve
cattle comfort and the appearance of the pens.
Redistribute Remaining Cattle
In the case of slow discharges, consider the option to spread remaining cattle into the empty pens to
increase their comfort. This will be especially important when weather is hot as the ship is almost always
hotter when not moving through the water. Ensure that any such redistribution is first discussed with the
Master or Chief Officer to allow him to consider the stability of the vessel.
Veterinary rejections
These will be important, especially in Egypt. Take any recovered animals out of sick pens in case they are
rejected just because of their location. Make notes of individual animals that are rejected including the
apparent reasons. This may be important for insurance purposes. Where emergency slaughter is available,
prepare sick and injured animals for discharge first. Destroy and dispose of any animals unlikely to
discharge prior to entry to the port.
Inspect trucks
Check at least a percentage of the trucks and the loading platform to ensure that they are suitable, have
some form of non-slip material on the floor and are free of floor holes and sharp protrusions. Don’t be afraid
to stop discharge if the trucks, ramp or labour is unsatisfactory. A slow discharge of healthy stock is
preferable to rapid progress with numerous injuries, stress and escapes. Discharging during the Chinese
winter presents new potential risks of cold stress for uncovered trucks and poor ventilation for covered
vehicles. Monitor progress carefully.
Escapees
While you may be able to assist with recapture, remember that your primary responsibility remains the
discharge of the main consignment. Rodeo work can be scheduled for after the completion of discharge. A
5 - 10 ml dose of Rompun (Xylazine) delivered from a Westergun can help to slow a beast down enough
tocapture it safely and return it to the ship or truck. Best to take great care with preventative measures.
Counting
The counting of the stock off the ship is usually supervised by the importer/agent and a member of the
ship's crew. Hopefully these two counts match but frequently this is not the case.
Attendance at the weighbridge
This is usually the responsibility of the exporter or his agent. It may be necessary on some occasions to
assist with this supervision although your principle responsibility is the smooth discharge of the cattle from
the ship.
Always have contingency plans for delays, feed shortages and other problems

Guidelines for Emergency Slaughter of animals
Introduction
When animals are injured, or have a disease associated with severe pain
or suffering, emergency killing may be the best, or only, option to alleviate
the animal’s suffering.
This online guide provides practical guidance on the humane emergency
killing of cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry. The guide is aimed primarily at
livestock producers but will be of interest and use to veterinary surgeons,
knackermen, animal welfare inspectors, Animal Health Officers, agricultural
students and any others who may be involved in dealing with emergency
killing of livestock.
For more detailed information about any of the equipment mentioned in this
guide, see the other titles available in the HSA’s series of online guides.
Important points about this website
This guide is intended to assist operators in planning for and dealing with
the emergency killing of livestock. In order to safeguard the welfare of the
animals to be killed, it is necessary for the guide to be both thorough and
illustrated. As such, some people may find some of the descriptions and
graphics upsetting. Please do not read further or view the video clips if you
feel you may be negatively affected by the content.
Specific guidance regarding the emergency killing of poultry may be found
in the online guide titled Practical Slaughter of Poultry.
Equipment used for killing livestock is also potentially lethal to humans. If
you are in any doubt as to any aspect of the operation of such equipment,
you should consult the manufacturer.


Principles
If there is no other practical and humane possibility to alleviate pain or

suffering of animals which are injured or diseased, then emergency killing
becomes the only option.
Once the decision has been made to undertake emergency killing of an
animal, it is important that the animal is killed as soon as possible to avoid
any further suffering.
Proper advance planning for emergencies is essential to protect animal
welfare. Decide on standard operating procedures in advance so that,
when necessary, emergency killing can be performed quickly and
efficiently, minimising suffering.
This guide will help you decide:
Who should perform the emergency killing
Where the animal should be killed
How best to handle the animal
What method should be used to kill the animal
Although not covered in depth in this guide, it is also important to consider

carcase disposal and human safety.

Who
When deciding who should carry out the emergency killing of an animal, it
is important to remember that the animal should be killed as soon as
possible. The appropriate person may be a veterinary surgeon, a
slaughterman, a knackerman, or the owner of the animal or someone else
with the necessary skills, acting on behalf of the owner.
Veterinary surgeon
A veterinary surgeon should be the first person to call if the animal is
involved in an accident which results in serious injury, or if the animal is
suffering from a serious illness. A veterinary surgeon will be able to decide
if emergency killing is necessary and, if so, kill the animal using any of the
methods described in this guide, including lethal injection. Remember that
an animal cannot be eaten after being killed by lethal injection. A veterinary
surgeon should be able to attend quickly in an emergency.
Slaughterman
A trained slaughterman may be able to kill an animal in an emergency
using captive-bolt equipment or firearms. In some countries, certain
certification and licences could be required. A slaughterman might not be
able to attend quickly in an emergency.
Knackermen
In some countries, knackermen may be available to kill an animal in an
emergency and dispose of the carcase. Knackermen may be required to
hold certain certification and licences to carry out such a service. As with
slaughtermen, a knackerman might not be able to attend quickly in an
emergency.
Owner
If other options are not available, or will incur a significant time delay, it may
be necessary for the owner of the animal to kill the animal (this should only
be considered if the owner is competent), or request someone else with the
necessary skills to do it. Owners of animals should consider seeking
training in emergency killing methods so that they are prepared for when
such emergencies occur. The methods available may be restricted,
depending on the equipment available. Owners should also make sure they
are familiar with any legal requirements before killing an animal.
It is important for the welfare of the animal that the killing is carried out
confidently, quickly and humanely.

Where
In an emergency due to an accident or sudden illness, it may not be
possible for an animal to be moved without causing unavoidable suffering.
In these instances, the animal must be killed where it is found. In some
situations it may be possible to move the animal to a better or more
convenient location.
In general, it is less stressful for the animal if it is killed in familiar
surroundings. However, the nature of the emergency may mean this is not
possible; a road traffic accident for example.
If firearms are used, be aware of any possibility of ricochet and make sure
that the animal is on soft ground. It is not advisable to use a free-bullet
firearm in an enclosed space. It is important that a suitable backdrop is
present in order to stop the bullet, should it exit the carcase or should the
target be missed.
› See the firearms Operation and Safety pages from the HSA online guide
to Humane Killing of Livestock Using Firearms for further information.
It may be relevant to consider also ease of access for any machinery
required to remove the carcase after killing the animal. Note that the onset
of rigor mortis can make it difficult to remove carcases from restricted
spaces. However, such considerations should not take precedence over
welfare considerations.
You may wish to consider informing neighbours of what is happening,
especially if firearms are to be used. This will help to protect human safety
and to make sure the procedure is carried out with the minimum of
disturbance.
If the animal is to be transported to another location it needs to be fit to
travel - a veterinary surgeon can help decide about this. It may be possible
to transport the animal to a veterinary surgery or to a slaughterhouse,
depending on the nature of the emergency. It is important not to cause the
animal any unnecessary suffering

Handling
Animals should always be handled
with care. In many cases where
animals have to be killed to
protect their welfare, they will be
recumbent or their movement
limited by their injuries or situation.
However, some may require
restraint in order to facilitate safe
and effective killing. The following
methods of restraint are
suggested:
Cattle: Use a halter or confine the animal

in a narrow pen constructed of
hurdles or gates.
Deer: Confine the animal in a narrow
pen constructed of hurdles or
gates. Covering the eyes of the
animal, for example with
lightweight fabric, may help calm
the animal.
Goats: Use a halter or confine the animal
hurdles or gates.
Horses: Control with a head collar and
lead rope, halter or bridle.
Pigs: Pass a rope around the upper jaw,
behind the canine teeth. The pig
will pull away from the operator,
who stands in front of the animal.
This ensures that the shot is being
discharged directly away from the
operator.
Sheep: Use a halter, or confine the animal
hurdles or gates.

Methods
There are a variety of methods available for emergency killing of animals:
Lethal injection
Free-bullet firearms
Captive-bolt stunning followed by bleeding or pithing
External trauma followed by bleeding
The choice of method for killing an animal in an emergency depends on who

is to kill the animal, the availability of equipment, legislation and licensing
requirements, the location of the animal, and the species.
Emergency killing methods for poultry are described in the online guide to
Practical Slaughter of Poultry.
Lethal injection
Emergency killing by lethal injection is typically carried out by a veterinary
surgeon. The animal will be injected intravenously with a lethal dose of
anaesthetic drugs following, in some cases, initial injection of a sedative. The
animal will rapidly lose consciousness and die.
When an animal is killed by lethal injection there may be restrictions on how
the carcase can be disposed of. The carcase cannot be used for human or
animal consumption if it has been killed by lethal injection.
Free-bullet firearms
The operator of any firearm must be competent in order to protect the welfare
of the animal. It is very important that the correct ammunition is used,
otherwise the animal might not be killed immediately and/or the operator
could be injured. The use of firearms in enclosed spaces, or when animals
are on hard surfaces, could result in ricochet of free bullets and is to be
avoided for health and safety reasons. There is no need to bleed or pith an
animal following effective use of firearms.
Various firearms can be used to kill livestock:
A humane killer is a single-shot, free-bullet pistol with a vented barrel.
They are extremely dangerous and must only be used by experienced
operators. Humane killers are frequently used by veterinary surgeons and
knackermen. It is very important that the correct ammunition is used. The

muzzle of the gun is placed against the forehead of the animal and a bullet
fired into the brain, causing instantaneous death. When using any free-bullet
weapon it is possible the bullet may exit the animal’s body and ricochet off
solid walls and floors. Animals should therefore be positioned on soft ground
near a suitable backdrop. Great care must be taken to get the direction of
the shot correct when inside buildings. More information: Humane killer.
Shotguns are the best firearm for on-farm destruction of all livestock,
when used by a competent operator. Shotguns are a safer firearm to use
because the shot disperses within
the head of large animals and, in other cases, does not have the potential to
travel as far as rifle bullets, reducing the possible risk of operator injury. A
forehead shot at close range (5-20cm) will kill outright animals of all species
and sizes. The muzzle of the shotgun must not be held against the animal’s
head as this will result in severe injury to the operator. More information:
Shotgun.
.22 Rifles can be used to kill sheep, pigs and small cattle, but correct shot
placement is difficult to guarantee and so shotguns are usually the preferred
option. The gun should be fired 5-20cm away from the forehead of the
animal. The muzzle of the rifle must not be held against the animal’s head
as this will result in severe injury to the operator. More information: Rifle.
Once shot, the animal should collapse and may bleed from the bullet entry
point, its nose and its mouth. After shooting (typically starting about a minute
later) the animal may demonstrate some involuntary movement of the limbs
but this is normal and does not necessarily indicate consciousness.
Legislation controlling firearms differs across the world. Operators must
ensure that they operate within the bounds of relevant national legislation.
Contact your local authority for information before obtaining or using any
firearm.
› See the HSA online guide to Humane Killing of Livestock using Firearms
for more detailed information on the use of firearms. Information is available
on firearms equipment, the correct shooting positions for different species
and the operation, maintenance and safety of firearms.

Captive-bolt stunning
Captive-bolt stunning followed by bleeding or pithing can be used for

emergency killing of animals where a free-bullet is impractical for safety
reasons. Certification and licensing may be necessary for the use of this
method.
A captive-bolt stunner fires a retractable bolt against the animal’s head and
in many cases into the animal’s brain, rendering it immediately unconscious.
The animal will collapse, but there may be some involuntary movement of
the limbs. There is likely to be some bleeding from the hole in the skull made
by the bolt and from the nose of the animal.
A rapid death is ensured by bleeding or pithing the animal immediately after
stunning. Whilst both these procedures are humane when carried out
correctly, they may be distressing to watch and require a competent and
confident operator.
Pithing is the physical destruction of the brain by insertion of a cane or rod

through the hole in the skull made by the bolt. During pithing the animal will
initially exhibit violent involuntary muscle contraction. An animal that has
been pithed must not be used for human or animal consumption
The easiest way to bleed an animal in an emergency is to cut the throat

completely from ear to ear, exposing the spine and ensuring all major blood
vessels are cut. Due to the specific blood supply to the brain in cattle, it is
worthwhile performing a chest stick after the throat cut; insert the knife into
the furrow at the base of the neck, aiming into the chest to sever the blood
where they emerge from the heart. The signs of an effective bleed out are
rapid blood loss for around two minutes. More information: Bleeding.

› See the HSA online guide to Captive-bolt Stunning of Livestock for more
detailed information on the use of captive-bolt equipment. Information is
available on the types of equipment available, the correct positioning for
different species and the maintenance procedures and safety
considerations.

External trauma
Infant lambs, kids and piglets can be humanely killed by delivering a heavy
blow to the head. This must only be used if no other method is immediately
available.
There are two variations of this method:
1. Hold the animal by the back legs and deliver a firm blow to the back of the
head with a blunt instrument, e.g. an iron bar or hammer.
2. Hold the animal by the back legs and swing it through an arc to hit the
back of its head with considerable force against a solid object, e.g. a brick
wall or metal stanchion.
With both methods it is essential that the blow is delivered swiftly, firmly and
with absolute determination. If there is any doubt that the animal has not
been killed effectively, the blow should be immediately repeated.
Death should be ensured by bleeding the animal by cutting the throat from
ear to ear to sever both carotid arteries and both jugular veins. An alternative
method is to insert the knife into the base of the neck towards the entrance
of the chest to sever all the major blood vessels where they emerge from the
heart.

Species recommendations
Recommended emergency killing methods for each species are listed below.
The choice of method will depend on the individual circumstances.
Cattle
Cattle may be killed using captive-bolt stunning immediately followed by
bleeding or pithing; shotguns; humane killers; rifles; or lethal injection.
Deer
Deer may be killed using captive-bolt stunning immediately followed by
Goats
Goats may be killed using captive-bolt stunning immediately followed by
Horses
Horses may be killed using captive-bolt stunning immediately followed by
Infant lambs, kids and piglets
Lambs, kids and piglets may be killed using captive-bolt stunning
immediately followed by bleeding or pithing; or lethal injection. If no other
method is immediately available, external trauma may be used, immediately
followed by bleeding.
Pigs
Pigs may be killed using captive-bolt stunning immediately followed by
Poultry
Poultry may be killed using captive-bolt stunning or electrical stunning
immediately followed by bleeding or neck dislocation; or lethal injection. If no
other method is immediately available, neck dislocation may be used without
prior stunning.
Sheep
Sheep may be killed using captive-bolt stunning immediately followed by
Rabbits
Rabbits may be killed using captive-bolt stunning immediately followed by
bleeding; or lethal injection. If no other method is immediately available,
external trauma or neck dislocation may be used without prior stunning.

Carcase disposal
It is important that carcases are disposed of properly and promptly. Apart
from the obvious environmental, public health and disease implications, this
is often also a legal requirement. It is recommended to have a carcase
disposal procedure in place before killing any animal, although it is
recognised that this may not be possible in the case of an emergency.
Remember that if a large animal is killed in a confined space, such as a
stable, the carcase must be removed promptly. If left for too long it will go
into rigor mortis and will be difficult to remove.
Depending on the circumstances, the options for carcase disposal may
include:
Transport to an abattoir, making sure to comply with any relevant food
hygiene legislation
Collection by or delivery to a knackerman for disposal
Collection by or delivery to a licensed incinerator
On-farm incineration
On-farm burial
Check with your local authority before proceeding to dispose of any carcases
using any of these methods. Legislation regarding carcase disposal varies
between countries and operators should take care to ensure that they comply
with relevant laws.
Safety
The methods used for killing animals are also potentially lethal to humans. If
you are in any doubt as to any aspect of the operation of humane killing
equipment, you should consult the manufacturer. It is essential that safety
and operating procedures recommended by equipment manufacturers are
precisely followed, and that all operators are properly trained in safe
operation and maintenance of the equipment.
General safety information for firearms and captive-bolt equipment may be
found at the following links:
Firearms
Captive-bolt equipment

Humane Killing of Livestock Using

Firearms
Introduction
In all livestock production systems, no matter how well they are managed, there will be times when
animals have to be humanely destroyed in order to protect their welfare. In most cases, these
animals will be casualties which have not responded to treatment, or emergencies (animals with
serious physical injuries or in acute, unrelievable pain). The latter may occur: on‐farm; in transit; in
markets, lairages or collection centres; or as a result of accidents on the public highway, at
racecourses, shows or exhibitions.
Used properly, firearms provide one of the quickest and most effective methods of humane killing of
livestock. This publication has been written for all those, particularly veterinary surgeons,
knackermen, slaughtermen, farm staff and police firearms officers, who may be directly or indirectly
involved with the killing of large farm animals. It covers the humane destruction of cattle, sheep,
pigs, deer, goats and horses, using humane killers, handguns, rifles and shotguns, discharged at close
quarters, i.e. within 25 centimetres of the target – the animal’s head. All of these weapons fire free
projectiles (single bullets or shot‐charges) and their use is intended to kill the animals outright, with
no need for further action on the part of the operator. This has definite advantages in certain
situations where exsanguination or pithing would be undesirable or inappropriate.
These guidance notes explain how free projectiles kill animals, describe how the equipment should
be used and maintained, and highlight the associated animal welfare and operator safety
implications arising from the use and misuse of such equipment. It is strongly recommended that
instruction and training should be sought from a qualified and experienced operator before any
person attempts to kill an animal using any weapon which discharges free projectiles. It is also
recommended that, on the first few occasions at least, newly‐trained operators work under
experienced supervision, although it is recognised that this may not be possible in the case of
extreme emergencies.
As well as the moral and ethical responsibilities associated with the humane destruction of animals,
it is incumbent upon owners and operators of firearms to keep them properly maintained and
secured at all times in the interests of personal and public safety.
Killing with Free Projectiles
The purpose of discharging a firearm from close quarters at an animal’s head is to kill the animal
instantly. The free projectile, which may be a bullet or a charge of lead shot, achieves this by
destroying the part of the brain which controls breathing and other vital functions: the medulla
oblongata (the brain stem). In the split second prior to this, the projectile should also pass through
the cerebral cortex (upper brain) and the cerebrum (mid‐brain), causing extensive damage and
destruction (Figure 1). This damage, in addition to the concussive effect of the impact of the
projectile, will render the animal instantaneously insensible and the subsequent destruction of the
brain stem will prevent any possibility of recovery.

Figure 1: Lateral view of a mammalian brain

Key: Upper brain/cerebral cortex (1), Midbrain/
cerebrum (2), Brainstem/medulla oblongata
(3), Spinal cord (4)
Physiological Principles
The physical principle behind killing with free projectiles is the transfer of high levels of kinetic
energy (the energy of movement) in an extremely short time from the projectile to the animal’s
brain. If the correct type of projectile is used, the resulting damage should be sufficient to kill the
animal outright. Kinetic energy (KE) is a product of half the mass (m) of an object and the square of
its velocity (v). It is expressed by the following formula:
KE = ½mv²
The effect of the above relationship on the muzzle energy of a projectile is shown in Table 1. Muzzle
energy is expressed in joules (J), mass is expressed in kilograms (kg) and muzzle velocity in metres
per second (msˉ¹). In these examples the mass of the projectile in both cases is 5.51g and the muzzle
energy required for an effective kill is 200 J.
Table 1
Relationship between mass, velocity and muzzle energy of a free projectile
Muzzle velocity of free projectile
Mass of projectile 5.51g (0.00551kg)

275ms¯¹ - Muzzle energy (KE =½mv²)=208 Kj
Mass of projectile 5.51g (0.00551kg)

200ms¯¹- - Muzzle energy (KE =½mv²)=110 Kj
5.51g (0.00551kg)

It can be seen from Table 1 that a decrease of a little over 25 percent in muzzle velocity reduces the
muzzle energy by nearly 50 percent, leaving it well below the effective kill level. Therefore, it is
imperative to use a sufficiently powerful charge to propel the projectile at the optimum velocity. Any
factor which impairs the velocity of a projectile, such as an underpowered charge, will have the
effect of reducing its muzzle energy, with consequent implications for animal welfare.
Physiological Effects
When an animal is correctly killed with a shot to the head with a free projectile, be it a bullet or lead
shot, it will collapse immediately, stop breathing and may bleed profusely from the entry wound, the
mouth and/or the nose. There may or may not be immediate exaggerated tonic activity of the
muscles, or the carcase may appear completely relaxed. After a lapse of up to one minute, the
carcase may start to twitch and, in some cases, convulse quite violently (especially pigs). This is
normal in an animal which has been shot correctly. If in any doubt as to the effectiveness of the
shot, check the abdomen for absence of rhythmic breathing and the eye for absence of corneal
reflex, before deciding if it is necessary to shoot the animal again. The convulsions will start to
subside after a time (up to one minute) and eventually cease, leaving an initially limp carcase which
will then, in due course, go into rigor mortis.
Indicators of an effective shot:
• Animal collapses immediately and stops breathing
• Carcase can be tonic or relaxed
• A fixed, glazed expression in the eye
• No corneal reflex
• Convulsions may occur after a lapse of up to one minute
Ballistics
The science of projectiles and firearms is defined as ‘ballistics’ and it can be divided into three
distinct categories: internal, external and terminal. Internal ballistics is concerned with what
happens within a time span of about two milliseconds, from the impact of the firing pin or striker, to
the exit of the bullet or shot‐ charge from the muzzle end of the barrel. External ballistics is
concerned with the flight of the bullet or shot‐ charge after leaving the barrel. Terminal ballistics
deals with that which takes place when the bullet or shot‐ charge strikes the target.
When using firearms to kill animals at close quarters, it is the terminal ballistics that are most
relevant. During the short period of interaction between a projectile and its target, the projectile will
undergo some degree of distortion or disintegration and the target will be pierced and subsequently
damaged. The amount of distortion and ensuing damage is dependent upon the mass of the
projectile, its design and construction, its striking velocity, the angle of incidence and the nature of
the target.
It is very important to appreciate that whatever weapon is chosen to carry out the killing of the
animal, that weapon is only the means of delivery. It is the projectile discharged from the firearm
which kills the animal, or not, as the case may be. Bullets or shot‐ charges used for humane
destruction must have the properties which enable them to transfer sufficient energy to concuss the
animal instantaneously, penetrate the skull to a level beyond the brain stem, and distort sufficiently
to destroy much of the brain, brain stem and upper spinal cord.
For these reasons, the ideal ammunition is one which expands upon impact and dissipates its energy

within the brain cavity. The ideal performance of an expanding bullet is achieved when the nose
material peels back upon itself to form the classic ‘mushroom shape’ at the correct depth of
penetration in the animal’s head. This expansion must be achieved without the bullet breaking up or
suffering an unacceptable degree of weight loss. The expanded bullet should also utilise its potential
for tissue destruction at the optimum point of penetration, to cause maximum destruction in the
internal area containing the mid‐ brain and brain stem. At the same time, however, the bullet should
not over‐ penetrate and cause consequent danger to objects or persons beyond the intended target.
Ammunition must:
• Concuss
• Penetrate
• Distort
• Destroy
Equipment
The use of free projectiles for the slaughter or killing of animals is not limited to the single shot, freebullet
humane killer, as widely used by veterinary surgeons and knackermen. Other types of
handguns (adapted or otherwise), rifles and shotguns can also be used with equal effect. Often, the
use of a shotgun may be preferable to other methods for both animal welfare and operator safety
reasons. Indeed, where emergencies arise on farms, shotguns are often more readily available than
any other weapon.
The most commonly used equipment includes:
• Humane killers (specifically manufactured/adapted, single‐ shot weapons and ‘Bell Guns’ of
various calibres)
• Shotguns (12, 16, 20, 28 bore and .410)
• Rifles (.22, .243, .270, .308)
• Handguns (various calibres from .32 to .45)
Legislation
Legislation controlling firearms differs across the world. Operators must ensure that they operate
within the bounds of relevant national legislation. Contact your local authority for information
before obtaining or using any firearm.
Humane Killer
A purpose‐made, single‐shot weapon, which has a chamfered muzzle and vented barrel to facilitate
its use with the muzzle end of the barrel in full contact with the target.
There are two types of purpose‐ made humane killers; the Greener ‘Bell Gun’ (no longer available
new, but still widely used; originally manufactured in .310 calibre, but many have now been
converted to .32); and the single‐ shot pistol (usually .32 calibre).
Both can be operated in full contact with the target and fire a single, round‐ nose, lead bullet which
will kill outright conventional farmed animals of all sizes. Certain types of humane killer can only be
used in full contact with the animal’s head, because they feature a double safety action which
requires the muzzle to be pressed against the target in order to overcome an internal safety device
and put the breech block into contact with the firing pin. The most common of these is the Greener
‘Safti‐ Killer’ (originally manufactured in .22 and .310 calibres, many have now been converted to
.32).
The single‐ shot pistol resembles a traditional handgun, but differs in that it has no magazine and the

muzzle is chamfered and vented to facilitate shooting when in full contact with the target. It is held
and operated with one hand; this allows the operator to restrain the animal, if necessary, while
shooting. The Greener ‘Bell Gun’ requires two hands to operate, but it is favoured by some users,
especially when killing horses.
When using humane killers it is of utmost importance to use only the specially loaded ammunition
for killing animals at close range (round‐ nose, lead bullets, available from the manufacturers and
specialist gunsmiths). Anything else may increase the chances of the projectile not penetrating
adequately; or passing through the animal without killing it, and posing a grave danger to the
operator and anyone nearby. It is very important to ensure that if the bullet should pass out of the
animal’s body it will not ricochet off concrete walls or floors. Hence, great care must be taken to get
the direction of the shot correct when inside buildings.
Purpose‐ made humane killers are designed to be used in full contact with the animal’s head.
However, in practice some animals will move if contact is made. If this should happen, fire from as
close as possible, preferably within 5 centimetres.
It is possible to obtain multi‐ shot humane killers which have been crudely adapted from standard
weapons, e.g. 9mm, .38 Special and .357 Magnum. The modifications have often proved to be
inadequate, therefore the HSA recommends that these types of weapon should not be used.
Shotgun
A long‐barrelled, smooth‐bore gun, normally used for discharging small shot at modest ranges.
Shotguns are the most common weapons found on farms. Often used for control of wild animals and
game shooting, they are a very effective means of killing all species of farm animals in an emergency
and, if used properly, are equally effective and much safer than rifles and handguns. They should be
used from a short distance (5‐ 25cm from the target).
For all conventionally farmed livestock species, a 12, 16 or 20 bore shotgun may be used with No. 4,
5 or 6 bird‐ shot; (a 28 bore or .410 can be used if nothing larger is available, but should not be used
on mature bulls, or pigs weighing over 100kg). The muzzle should be held from 5‐ 25cm from the
animal’s forehead, aiming down the line of the neck into the main bulk of the body. On no account
must the muzzle of a shotgun be held directly against the animal’s head, as this could result in a
burst barrel and severe injury to the operator. Ordinary sized bird‐ shot is capable of inflicting
massive injuries when it strikes as a compact mass. When used correctly the shot, in effect, strikes
the skull as a single, large‐ calibre missile measuring approximately 2.0cm in diameter (when using a
12 bore). This has considerable initial penetrating power, due to its relatively high velocity and mass.
However, once inside the skull, the pellets within the shot‐ charge will separate and disperse within
the brain cavity, killing the animal outright. Contrary to common belief, the use of a shotgun does not blow
the animal’s head off; there is a relatively small entry wound, but the brain is completely
destroyed (see Figure 2). This is a much safer and usually much more readily available method than
using a free bullet.

Figure 2 Effect of 16 bore shotgun blast from a

distance of two inches
In the hands of a competent operator, the shotgun is probably the best piece of equipment available
for the humane destruction of most large animals.
In exceptional circumstances (e.g. an agitated bovine in an open space which cannot be approached
safely), shotguns can be used to kill large animals from a distance. In such cases, shotguns with
open‐ choke barrels are used in conjunction with special cartridges loaded with solid slugs (N.B. in
the UK such use is subject to additional certification and may only be carried out by specially trained
and licensed personnel, usually police officers).
Rifle
A small bore, long‐ barrelled gun, usually fired from the shoulder, the bore of which has been scored
with spiral grooves to impart spin on the bullet.
Rifles are capable of driving a bullet of a given mass at a greater velocity than would be the case for
a handgun. They are, therefore, extremely dangerous and should only be used as a last resort. The
most common rifles in use on farms are general purpose .22 inch rim‐ fire, telescope sighted .22 inch
centre‐ fire, .243 inch centre‐ fire and larger bore centre‐ fire weapons. The .22 inch rim‐ fire are
usually used for vermin control (rats and rabbits) but can be used effectively, when loaded with the
correct ammunition, to kill young cattle, horses, sheep, deer*, goats, and pigs up to 100kg, when
shooting from a short distance (from 5‐ 25cm away). However, they do have limitations in that there
is no margin for error in respect of position and angle of incidence.
If a .22 inch rim‐fire rifle is to be used for killing livestock, the muzzle should be held from 5‐ 25cm
away from the animal’s forehead and aimed down the length of the neck into the main bulk of the
body; on no account must the muzzle of a rifle be held directly against the animal’s head, as this will
result in severe injury to the operator. Always use a round‐ nose, lead bullet; if there is any doubt
about the ammunition available, call in outside help, e.g. a knackerman. The same precautions for
operator safety apply as for the free‐ bullet humane killer. These weapons fire a bullet with a muzzle
energy of approximately 145J only: therefore they should never be used in an attempt to kill aged
animals with very hard skulls, such as boars, bulls and rams.
The larger calibre, centre‐fire rifles are more specialised weapons, often used for shooting deer. They
offer greater projectile velocities and subsequent kinetic energies than the common .22 inch rimfire,

and as such they do not fall into the categories of weapon which can be used at close quarters.
These weapons can effectively kill all sizes of cattle, horses, sheep, goats, deer and pigs, but they
should only be used from a suitable distance, in an outdoor location with a safe backdrop, and by an
expert marksman. They come into their own where an injured animal cannot be approached, but is
in a suitable environment to be shot safely from a distance.
*in England and Wales, under the Deer Act 1991, it is illegal under any circumstances to shoot deer
with a rifle of less than .240 calibre. Anyone doing so may be liable to prosecution.
Handgun
A small, short‐ barrelled, rifled firearm, which can be held and fired with one hand.
There are two important points to remember when using a general‐ purpose handgun to humanely
kill animals. First, the muzzle must never be placed in direct contact with the target: shoot from a
distance of 5‐ 25cm and aim down the length of the neck into the main bulk of the body. Second,
make sure that the ammunition is suitable for the task: most commercially available handgun
ammunition is of the ‘wadcutter’ type and is loaded for target shooting. Although this type of
ammunition is used by some individuals for shooting animals, it is not suitable and it should be
replaced immediately with round‐ nose, lead bullets (see Ammunition section). The same
precautions for operator safety apply as for the free‐ bullet humane killer.
Note
In the UK, some handguns are exempt from the general ban on their ownership brought in under the
Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997. An exemption is granted provided the guns are used solely for the
humane destruction of animals and that this purpose is clearly stated on the individual’s Firearm
Certificate. In an effort to reduce the potential for criminal use, some licensing authorities may put
pressure on the operator to have the capacity of the magazine or cylinder reduced to one or two
shots. The HSA recommends that owners of such weapons hand them in to the local police authority
and equip themselves with a purpose‐ built .32 humane killer. Such a weapon should come supplied
with the correct ammunition.
Silencer
Silencers, also known as ‘sound moderators’, can be used in conjunction with some models of
humane killers and handguns. The attachment of a silencer significantly increases the length of the
barrel, and the weight and balance of the weapon. These physical changes can have practical
implications for the operator, making the use of the weapon more difficult in some circumstances.
For example, increasing the length of the barrel makes it less easy to position the instrument at the
correct angle, especially when short people are trying to shoot larger horses.
Silencers are most effective on some older models of humane killers, and on semi‐ automatic
handguns.
However, they do not significantly reduce the report when used on revolvers or humane killers which
have been adapted from revolvers. This is because a sizeable proportion of the propulsive gas
escapes
around the front end of the cylinder and is not contained within the barrel of the gun. There is also
some
evidence to suggest that silencers can reduce the muzzle velocity (and subsequently the muzzle
energy)
of the ammunition. It may be better not to use a silencer for very large and/or aged bulls, rams or boar.

Ammunition
The type of ammunition used for killing animals is critical. It must have sufficient energy to
immediately concuss the animal and penetrate far enough to destroy the vital areas of the brain
which control breathing and circulation.
Bulleted Ammunition
In most cases where animals have not been killed effectively by a free‐ bullet weapon, the wrong
type of ammunition has been used. Commonly the problem is due to using underpowered
ammunition designed for use in target shooting, which therefore fails to penetrate; or to using
copper‐ jacketed ammunition which over‐ penetrates without distorting enough to cause sufficient
damage to the brain. The best way to avoid these problems is to use only a purpose‐ made humane
killer in conjunction with the manufacturer’s recommended ammunition. Broadly speaking,
ammunition for humane killers should comply with the following criteria:
• Have a minimum calibre of .32 inches
• Generate a minimum muzzle energy of at least 200J
• Be round‐ nose, lead bullets to facilitate penetration and distortion
Bulleted ammunition for all calibres of firearm is commercially available. Much of this ‘commercial’
ammunition is intended for target shooting at relatively short distances and is of the type known as
‘wadcutter’. Bullets in this category have a flat nose with a raised edge to facilitate cutting a neat
hole in a paper or cardboard target and, as such, they are not suitable for the humane killing of
livestock. Different types of commercially available ammunition are compared with the standard
Cash Humane Killer ammunition in Table 2. Those with a muzzle energy less than 200J are not
recommended for killing large or aged animals.
Shotgun Ammunition
Shotgun charges differ from those used in free‐ bullet weapons, in that the mass discharged
comprises a number of lead or steel balls (commonly known as ‘shot’), as opposed to a single, heavy
projectile. Shotgun cartridges differ according to their intended use, and the number, size and
weight of the individual shot differs according to the type of cartridge. In a standard 12 bore
cartridge, the total weight of the shot‐ charge is normally 30g, whatever the size of the shot
contained within it. The range is: from 6 balls, each weighing 5g, in LG (buckshot); to 630 balls, each
weighing 0.05g, in No.9 shot. The most common cartridge in general use is No.6 shot, which in a 12
bore cartridge contains 287 balls, each weighing 0.1g.
In normal use, the shot cartridge is fired at a distant, moving target (up to 40m away). The shot
leaves the muzzle of the shotgun as a dense charge but quickly starts to separate and form a wide
‘pattern’ into which, it is intended, the target will fly or run. When a shotgun is discharged at very
close quarters to the subject, as is necessary for the humane destruction of livestock, the pattern
does not have time to start to develop before the shot‐ charge impacts on the target. Therefore, the
shot effectively strikes as a solid mass at high velocity, with the resultant high kinetic energy which is
required to penetrate the skull and destroy the contents of the brain cavity.

Positioning
To result in an immediate kill, the bullet or shot‐ charge must be administered to the correct part of
the skull. In most animals this is the frontal region of the head. The ideal sites and directions of
impact differ between species according to certain physical features. When a free bullet is used, the
bullet should ideally come to rest in the upper part of the spine; when a shotgun is used the pellets
should disperse within the cranium, completely destroying the brain.
Cattle
In cattle, the brain is situated high in the head. The ideal point of penetration is in the middle of the
forehead – at the crossing point of two imaginary lines drawn between the middle of each eye and
the centre of the base of the opposite horn. This should give a position about 7cm, ±1cm, above a
line drawn across the forehead at the back of the eyes. The shot should enter at right‐ angles to the
skull (Figures 3 and 4).
Figure 3 Cattle shot position Figure 4 Commercial beast (2 years)
In calves the brain is relatively larger than in adult cattle, but the upper part is under‐ developed. The
aiming point is slightly lower than for adult cattle, and the gun should be tilted back to obtain the
correct angle of incidence to destroy the brain stem (Figure 5).
Mature bulls may have a hard, thick frontal bone, often covered in dense, matted hair (Figure 6).
This combination can sometimes prove difficult to penetrate with small calibre projectiles and
therefore a shotgun is a better option.

Figure 5 Infant calf (6 days) Figure 6 Mature bull (9 years)
Deer
The deer’s brain is situated high in the head. However, when shooting deer it must be remembered
that antlers do not equate to horns in cattle. The ideal aiming point is in the middle of the forehead,
at the crossing point of two imaginary lines drawn from the middle of each eye to the top of the
opposite ear (Figure 7). In stags, this spot is found between the antlers. As with cattle, the angle of
the shot should be directed through the brain stem (Figure 8).
Figure 7 Deer shot position Figure 8 Stag (2 years)

Horses
In horses the brain is situated high in the head. The shot should be aimed in the middle of the
forehead, but slightly higher than the position for cattle. Take two imaginary lines drawn from the
middle of each eye to the base of the opposite ear; shoot the animal approximately 2cm above the
point where they cross (Figure 9). The muzzle of the firearm should be slightly tilted so that the shot
is directed through the cerebral cortex towards the brain stem (Figure 10). If a horse has been
sedated prior to shooting and is holding its head in a lower than normal position, care must be taken
to adjust the angle of the shot accordingly.
Figure 9 Horse shot position Figure 10 Colt (2 years)

Pigs
Pigs are among the most difficult animals to shoot. There are two reasons for this: first, the target
area is very small and this problem can be exacerbated by the ‘dish’ (concave) face shape of certain
breeds and in aged pigs; second, the brain lies quite deep in the head, relative to other species, with
a mass of sinuses lying between the frontal bone and the brain cavity. The ideal site for shooting pigs
is one finger’s width above eye level, on the mid‐ line of the forehead, aiming towards the tail
(Figures 11 and 12).
Figure 11 Pig shot position Figure 12 Bacon pig (6 months)

Older pigs and exotic breeds, such as the Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pig, often have foreheads of thick
bone and this can cause problems when using free‐ bullet humane killers, especially older .22 or .310
models. The bullet may become lodged in the sinuses and fail to penetrate the brain (Figures 13 and
14). Some older pigs, especially boars, may have a bony ridge running down the centre of the
forehead; in such cases the muzzle of the humane killer should be placed slightly to one side of the
ridge, aiming into the centre of the head. Because of the problems which might arise with adult pigs
and exotics, it is recommended that where possible, they are destroyed by use of a shotgun (12, 16
or 20 bore). If a shotgun is used, the target area is the same as that for the humane killer;
alternatively the animal can be shot through an eye, or from behind an ear, aiming toward the
middle of the head. When using a shotgun, the muzzle should always be held from 5‐ 25cm away
from the animal’s head.
Figure 13 Adult sow (5 years) Figure 14 Vietnamese Pot Bellied (3 years)

Sheep and Goats
When shooting sheep and goats, the aiming point is on the mid‐ line, just above the eyes, directed
down the line of the spine into the bulk of the body (Figures 15 and 16). In practice this can be quite
difficult to achieve and a slight error in the angle of shot, or minor movement on the part of the
animal, can result in a free bullet exiting from the animal’s head or neck. In order to get this right
when using a free bullet weapon, the animal’s head must be in the normal position.
Figure 15 Sheep and goat shot position Figure 16 Ewe (4 years)
Heavily horned sheep and goats can present a problem if a free bullet weapon is used. The mass of
horn over the forehead can leave little or no target area: a shot between the eyes is too low and
should not be used under any circumstances. Such animals can be shot from behind the poll (Figures
17 and 18). However, this is dangerous with a free‐ bullet weapon and, if undertaken, the animal
should always be situated on soft ground. Where possible, a shotgun is recommended for this type
of shot.
Figure 17 Heavily horned sheep and goats Figure 18 Billy goat (7 years)
shot position

Operation
When circumstances dictate that an animal should be killed, the person charged with carrying out
that killing is likely to have both legal and moral responsibilities with regard to animal welfare and
human safety. All animals which have to be killed for the purposes of routine slaughter or culling, or
in order to end their suffering, must be dispatched without causing additional pain or distress. The
circumstances in which animals require humane destruction can differ greatly; therefore different
procedures and methods need to be available to kill them. Whatever method is used, it is most
important that great care is taken by those involved not to cause any avoidable pain, suffering or
distress. Things are less likely to go wrong if the correct preparation has been carried out. Before
killing an animal the operator needs to ask the following questions:
• Does the animal need restraining? Is this possible? If so, which methods will cause the least
distress to the animal and the least danger to the operator?
• Is the animal securely confined, e.g. in a pen from which it cannot escape?
• In the case of a large animal, e.g. bovine, horse or pig, can the carcase easily be moved from
the spot where it will fall?
• What methods of killing are available? This may be a deciding factor in whether or not the
animal is moved to a more suitable spot.
Handling and Restraint
Animals should always be handled with great care. In many cases where animals have to be killed to
protect their welfare, the animals may well be recumbent or their movement limited by their injuries
or situation. However, there will be some animals which will require restraining in order to facilitate
safe and effective killing.
The following methods of restraint are suggested:
Pigs
Pass a rope around the upper jaw, behind the canine teeth. The pig will pull
away from the operator, who stands in front of the animal. This ensures that
the shot is being discharged directly away from the operator.
Sheep
Use a halter, or confine the animal in a narrow pen constructed of hurdles or
gates.
Horses
Control with a head collar and lead rope, halter or bridle.
Cattle
Use a halter or confine the animal in a narrow pen constructed of hurdles or
gates.
Should there be any doubt in the mid of the operator as to the correct target area, then it should be
identified (see Positioning section) and, if possible, marked. This can be done using a spray marker, a
felt pen, or in the case of a very dark‐ coated animal, French chalk.

Backdrop
When using a free‐ bullet weapon, it is most important that a suitable backdrop is present in order to
stop the bullet, should it exit the carcase or should the target be missed. Suitable backdrops are
manure heaps, hay or straw stacks, earth banks, etc. Make sure there is no ‘dead ground’ (hidden
dips) between the target and the backdrop, from which people, vehicles or other animals may emerge.
If no backdrop is present, the area behind the target must be clear of roads and dwellings to
a distance of 3,000m. A ricochet from a .32 humane killer bullet can travel in excess of 2,000m. All
people present must stand behind the operator, who should aim the shot down the spine and into
the body of the animal.
Exsanguination
Unless the carcase is to be used for human consumption, there is no necessity for it to be bled
following shooting with a free‐ bullet weapon or shotgun. However, there may be profuse bleeding
from the gunshot wound and the nose and/or mouth, due to the physical damage caused by the
projectile. A thick, plastic bag can be placed over the head of the animal, immediately following
shooting, in order to prevent large quantities of blood accumulating on the ground and to protect
the sensibilities of any onlookers.
Checks
Having shot the animal, check that the shot has been effective. Look for an absence of rhythmic
breathing and an absence of corneal reflex. After a lapse of up to a minute, the animal may start to
twitch and, in some cases, convulse quite violently (especially pigs). This is normal in an animal
which has been shot correctly. The foremost sign of an ineffective shot is a return to normal
rhythmic breathing. This should not be confused with agonal breathing (occasional gasping), which is
of spinal origin and indicative of a dying brain.
When there are different weapons available, the choice should be based on the following criteria:
• The age and size of the animal
• The species of animal
• The location of the animal (e.g. in a built up area or rural open space with a suitable
backdrop behind the target)
• Accessibility of the target area
• Individual circumstances (e.g. on a solid floor or soft ground; inside or outside; road traffic
accident or racecourse casualty; emergency slaughter or routine culling)
• Presence and safety of onlookers
Carcase Disposal
It is important that, when animals have been killed on‐ farm or in other situations outside the
slaughterhouse, the carcases should be disposed of properly and promptly. Apart from the obvious
environmental, public health and disease implications, this is often also a legal requirement.
Therefore, in addition to complying with the necessary firearms legislation and undertaking training
to gain the skills required to kill animals humanely, the prospective operator should also have a
carcase disposal procedure in place before killing an animal. However, it is recognised that this may
not be possible in the case of an emergency. Also remember that if a large animal, a horse for
example, is killed in a confined space such as a stable, the carcase must be removed promptly. If left
for too long it will go into rigor mortis and will be difficult to remove.

Legislation regarding carcase disposal varies between countries. Operators should take care to
ensure that they comply with relevant local and national laws.
Depending on the circumstances, the options for carcase disposal may include:
Transport to an abattoir, making sure to comply with any relevant food hygiene legislation
Collection by or delivery to a knackerman for disposal
Collection by or delivery to a licensed incinerator
Other options available for carcase disposal on‐ farm include burial and incineration. Both options
may be subject to national legislation, check with your local authority before proceeding to dispose
of any carcases on‐ farm using these methods.
Maintenance
Any weapon used for the humane destruction of animals should be correctly maintained, cleaned
and oiled after use, even if has only discharged one shot.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
The inside of the barrel should be thoroughly cleaned out and be free of any condensation. The
outside of the gun should be cleaned and then a thin film of oil applied all over, using an oily rag. A
drop of oil should be applied regularly to all moving parts, but avoid getting oil into the breech of
any weapon.
Every six months, regardless of whether or not the weapon has been used, it should be taken out,
inspected and thoroughly cleaned and lubricated. A logbook should be kept in the gun cabinet and,
every time a weapon is used and/or cleaned, the details should be recorded and dated.
Similarly, a logbook should be kept in the ammunition cabinet and entries made for each type of
ammunition, to record when it is bought and when it is used
Example of entries in an ammunition logbook
50 x .32 Humane Killer Ammunition, purchased 30.6.2012
Date Ammunition Ammunition Ammunition Signed

in stock used left in stock
14.02.2018 50 2 48 Ch. Off
15.03.2018 40 1 39 2nd Off

Safety
All firearms are potentially lethal. It is essential that the safety and operating procedures recommended
by the manufacturer are precisely followed, and that all operators are properly trained in safe operation
and maintenance.
Get instruction from an experienced operator before using any firearm
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct loading procedure and the type of
ammunition
Do not under any circumstances attempt to handle or operate firearms before reading and fully
understanding the manufacturer’s instructions for the particular weapon being used.
Safe Operation
• When receiving or handing over a firearm, always open the breech and make sure it is not
loaded. Confirm this with any other parties present by turning the breech towards them and
showing it as being empty before completing the transfer.
• During and on completion of the loading procedure, the muzzle of the weapon must at all
times be kept pointing away, and at a distance, from the operator’s or any other person’s
body.
• Once the weapon has been loaded, ensure that the safety catch is on until ready to shoot.
• When handling any firearm, never allow it to point at any part of your body or at any other
person.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until you are actually aiming at the target and ready to
shoot.
• When shooting smaller animals, ensure (if possible) that the subject is standing on soft
ground and ensure that no part of your body (e.g. your foot) is underneath the animal.
• Rifles, shotguns and general‐ purpose handguns should never be discharged with the muzzle
in direct contact with the target area. Such action could result in severe injury to, or the
death of, the operator.
• In the unlikely event of a misfire, do not open the breech of the weapon for at least 30
seconds. Sometimes, slow primer ignition will cause a ‘hang‐ fire’ and the cartridge will go off
after a short pause.
• If there is any reason to suspect that a projectile is obstructing the barrel, immediately
unload the firearm and look through the bore. It is not sufficient the merely look into the breech: ammunition
may be lodged some distance along the barrel where it cannot easily be
seen.
• Immediately report any faults in the operation of the equipment to the person responsible
for maintenance (if applicable) and take the weapon out of service until the fault has been
rectified.
Cleaning and Storage
• After each use, thoroughly clean the weapon before locking it away.
• Make sure that the weapon is unloaded before cleaning.
• When not in use, firearms and ammunition should be stored separately and locked away in
approved storage cabinets.
Do not attempt to carry out cleaning and maintenance until you have made sure that the firearm is
not loaded. Always lock firearms away immediately after use. Do not forget to secure the
ammunition in a different location.
General points on safety:
• Always treat all firearms and shotguns as if they are loaded
• Do not climb trees or step over fences with loaded firearms

• Never carry any firearm in your pocket, purse or waistband: always use a pistol case or
proper holster with a safety flap or strap
• Never pull a firearm towards you by the muzzle
• Never point any firearm, loaded or unloaded, at anything you do not intend to shoot
• Never leave a loaded firearm unattended or carry one in a vehicle
• Firearms and illness, alcohol or drugs do not mix

5.1.2005 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 3/1
(Acts whose publication is obligatory)
COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 1/2005

of 22 December 2004
on the protection of animals during transport and related operations and amending Directives
64/432/EEC and 93/119/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1255/97
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, (4) Most Member States have ratified the European Conven-
tion for the protection of animals during international
transport and the Council has given a mandate to the
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Com- Commission to negotiate on behalf of the Community
munity, and in particular Article 37 thereof, the revised European Convention for the protection of
animals during international transport.
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
(5) For reasons of animal welfare the transport of animals

Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament (1), over long journeys, including animals for slaughter,
should be limited as far as possible.
Having regard to the Opinion of the European Economic and
Social Committee (2),
(6) The Council invited the Commission on 19 June
2001 (5) to submit proposals for ensuring effective
Following consultation of the Committee of the Regions, implementation and strict enforcement of existing Com-
munity legislation, improving the protection and welfare
of animals as well as preventing the occurrence and
Whereas: spread of infectious animal diseases, and putting in place
more stringent requirements so as to prevent pain and
suffering in order to safeguard the welfare and health of
(1) The Protocol on protection and welfare of animals
animals during and after transport.
annexed to the Treaty requires that in formulating and
implementing agriculture and transport policies, the
Community and the Member States are to pay full
regard to the welfare requirements of animals. (7) On 13 November 2001, the European Parliament called
on the Commission to present proposals for amending
existing Community rules on the transport of livestock,
(2) Under Council Directive 91/628/EEC of 19 November in particular with a view to:
1991 on the protection of animals during transport (3),
the Council has adopted rules in the field of the trans-
port of animals in order to eliminate technical barriers
to trade in live animals and to allow market organisa- — consulting the competent scientific committee on the
tions to operate smoothly, while ensuring a satisfactory duration of animal transport,
level of protection for the animals concerned.
— presenting a harmonised European model certificate
(3) The Report from the Commission to the European for transporters; harmonising route plans for long
Parliament and the Council on the experience acquired transport,
by Member States since the implementation of Council
Directive 95/29/EC of 29 June 1995 amending Directive — ensuring that any member of staff handling livestock
91/628/EEC concerning the protection of animals during transport has completed a training course
during transport (4), as required under Directive recognised by the competent authorities, and
91/628/EEC, recommended amending current Com-
munity legislation in this field.
— ensuring that veterinary checks at Community
(1) Opinion delivered on 30 March 2004 (not yet published in the border inspection posts include comprehensive
Official Journal). inspection of the welfare conditions in which
(2) OJ C 110, 30.4.2004, p. 135. animals are transported.
(3) OJ L 340, 11.12.1991, p. 17. Directive as last amended by Regu-
lation (EC) No 806/2003 (OJ L 122, 16.5.2003, p. 1).
(4) OJ L 148, 30.6.1995, p. 52. (5) OJ C 273, 28.9.2001, p. 1.
L 3/2 EN Official Journal of the European Union 5.1.2005
(8) The Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal (13) The unloading and subsequent reloading of animals
Welfare adopted an opinion on the welfare of animals could also be a source of stress for them and contact at
during transport on 11 March 2002. Community legisla- control posts, formerly referred to as staging points,
tion should therefore be amended to take into account could in certain conditions lead to the spread of infec-
new scientific evidence while giving priority to the need tious diseases. It is therefore appropriate to provide for
for its enforceability to be properly ensured in the specific measures safeguarding the health and welfare of
immediate future. animals when resting at control posts. As a result, it is
necessary to amend the provisions of Council Regulation
(EC) No 1255/97 of 25 June 1997 concerning Com-
munity criteria for staging points and amending the
route plan referred to in the Annex to Directive
91/628/EEC (1).
(9) Specific provisions for poultry, cats and dogs will be set
out in appropriate proposals when the relevant opinions
of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) are avail-
able. (14) Poor welfare is often due to lack of education. Therefore,
training should be a prerequisite for any person handing
animals during transport and training should be
provided only by organisations approved by the compe-
tent authorities.
(10) In the light of experience gained under Directive

91/628/EEC in harmonising Community legislation on
the transport of animals, and the difficulties encountered (15) Welfare conditions of animals during transport result
due to the differences in transposition of that Directive mainly from the day-to-day conduct of the transporters.
at national level, it is more appropriate to set out Com- Checks by competent authorities may be hindered as
munity rules in this field in a regulation. Pending the transporters can freely operate in different Member
adoption of detailed provisions for certain species States. Therefore, transporters should be more accoun-
having particular needs and representing a very limited table and transparent concerning their status and opera-
part of the Community livestock, it is appropriate to tions. In particular they should provide proof of their
allow Member States to establish or maintain additional authorisation, systematically report any difficulty and
national rules applying to transport of animals of such keep precise records of their actions and the results.
species.
(16) Animal transport involves not only transporters but also

other categories of operators such as farmers, traders,
assembly centres and slaughterhouses. As a consequence,
some obligations regarding the welfare of animals
(11) In order to ensure a consistent and effective application
should be extended to any operator involved in the
of this Regulation across the Community in the light of
transport of animals.
its basic principle according to which animals must not
be transported in a way likely to cause injury or undue
suffering to them, it is appropriate to set out detailed
provisions addressing the specific needs arising in rela-
tion to the various types of transport. Such detailed
provisions should be interpreted and applied in accord- (17) Assembly centres play a critical role in the transport of
ance with the aforesaid principle and should be timely some livestock species. Therefore, assembly centres
updated whenever, in particular in the light of new should ensure that Community legislation on the protec-
scientific advice, they appear no longer to ensure tion of animals during transport is known and respected
compliance with the above principle for particular by their employees and visitors.
species or types of transport.
(18) Long journeys are likely to have more detrimental effects

on the welfare of animals than short ones. Hence specific
procedures should be designed to ensure better enforce-
(12) Transport for commercial purposes is not limited to ment of the standards, in particular by increasing the
transport where an immediate exchange of money, traceability of such transport operations.
goods or services takes place. Transport for commercial
purposes includes, in particular, transport which directly (1) OJ L 174, 2.7.1997, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by
or indirectly involves or aims at a financial gain. Regulation (EC) No 1040/2003 (OJ L 151, 19.6.2003, p. 21).
(19) Council Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85 of 20 December the provisions of this Regulation and ensure that they
1985 on the harmonisation of certain social legislation are implemented. Those penalties must be effective,
relating to road transport (1) provides for maximum proportionate and dissuasive.
driving periods and minimum rest periods for road
drivers. It is appropriate that journeys for animals are
similarly regulated. Council Regulation (EEC) No 3821/
85 of 20 December 1985 on recording equipment in
road transport (2) provides for recording equipment to (23) A significant number of animals are transported by live-
be installed and used to ensure effective checking on stock vessels over very long journeys from and within
compliance with social legislation concerning road trans- the Community and transport by sea can be checked at
port. It is necessary that such record data be made avail- the place of departure. Therefore, it is essential to set up
able and checked so as to enforce travelling time limits specific measures and standards for this mode of trans-
under animal welfare legislation. port.
(24) In the interests of consistency of Community legislation,

Council Directive 64/432/EEC of 26 June 1964 on
animal health problems affecting intra-Community trade
(20) Insufficient exchange of information between competent in bovine animals and swine (4) should be amended so as
authorities leads to inadequate enforcement of Com- to adapt it to this Regulation as regards the approval of
munity legislation for the protection of animals during assembly centres and the requirements for transporters.
transport. Accordingly, it is necessary to set up flexible
procedures to improve the level of collaboration
between the competent authorities in the different
Member States. (25) Council Directive 93/119/EC of 22 December 1993 on
the protection of animals at the time of slaughter and
killing (5) should also be amended so as to adapt it to
this Regulation as regards the use of electric prods.
(21) Registered Equidae, as defined in Article 2(c) of Directive (26) Rules and information procedures laid down by Council
90/426/EEC (3), are frequently transported for non-com- Directive 89/608/EEC of 21 November 1989 on mutual
mercial purposes and such transports must be carried assistance between the administrative authorities of the
out in line with the overall objectives of this Regulation. Member States and cooperation between the latter and
Having regard to the nature of such movements, it the Commission to ensure the correct application of
appears appropriate to derogate from certain provisions legislation on veterinary and zootechnical matters (6)
where registered Equidae are transported for competi- should be applied to animal welfare during transport in
tion, races, cultural events or breeding. However, it is order to ensure compliance with this Regulation.
not appropriate to apply such derogation to Equidae
transported, directly or after transit through a market or
marshalling centre, to a slaughterhouse for slaughter,
which in accordance with Article 2(d) and 8(1), second
indent of Directive 90/426/EEC, are to be considered as (27) Commission Decision 98/139/EC (7) lays down certain
‘Equidae for slaughter’. detailed rules concerning on-the-spot checks carried out
in the veterinary field by Commission experts in the
Member States which should help to ensure that this
Regulation is complied with in a uniform manner.
(22) Inadequate follow-up of infringements of legislation on (28) This Regulation sets out provisions concerning ventila-
animal welfare encourages non-compliance with such tion in road vehicles transporting livestock on long jour-
legislation and leads to distortion of competition. There- neys. Accordingly, Council Regulation (EC) No 411/98
fore, uniform procedures should be established of 16 February 1998 on additional animal protection
throughout the Community to increase checks and the standards applicable to road vehicles used for the
imposition of penalties for infringements of animal carriage of livestock on journeys exceeding eight
welfare legislation. The Member States should lay down hours (8) should be repealed.
rules on penalties applicable to infringements of
(4) OJ P 121, 29.7.1964, p. 1977/64. Directive as last amended by
(1) OJ L 370, 31.12.1985, p. 1. Regulation (EC) No 21/2004 (OJ L 5, 9.1.2004, p. 8).
(2) OJ L 370, 31.12.1985, p. 8. Regulation as last amended by (5) OJ L 340, 31.12.1993, p. 21. Directive as amended by Regulation
Commission Regulation (EC) No 432/2004 (OJ L 71, 10.3.2004, (EC) No 806/2003 (OJ L 122, 16.5.2003, p. 1).
p. 3). (6) OJ L 351, 2.12.1989, p. 34.
(3) OJ L 224, 18.8.1990, p. 42. Directive as last amended by Directive (7) OJ L 38, 12.2.1998, p. 10.
2004/68/EC (OJ L 139, 30.4.2004, p. 320). (8) OJ L 52, 21.2.1998, p. 8.
(29) It is appropriate to provide for a simple procedure for Member State or during sea transport departing from the terri-
the Council to update certain important technical tory of a Member State.
elements of this Regulation in particular in the light of
an assessment of its impact on transport of live animals
within an enlarged Community and establish the specifi- 4. This Regulation shall apply without prejudice to Com-
cations of the Navigation System to be used for all munity veterinary legislation.
means of transport by road in the light of the future
technological developments in the area such as the
coming into fruition of the Galileo system. 5. This Regulation shall not apply to the transport of
animals which does not take place in connection with an
economic activity and to the transport of animals directly to or
(30) It is appropriate to provide for a possibility to establish from veterinary practices or clinics, under the advice of a veter-
derogations to take account of the remoteness of certain inarian.
regions from the mainland of the Community, in par-
ticular for outermost regions referred to in Article 299
of the Treaty.
Article 2
(31) The measures necessary for the implementation of this
Regulation should be adopted in accordance with
Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying Definitions
down the procedures for the exercise of implementing
powers conferred on the Commission (1),
For the purposes of this Regulation the following definitions
shall apply:
(a) ‘animals’ means live vertebrate animals;
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: (b) ‘assembly centres’ means places such as holdings, collec-
tion centres and markets, at which domestic Equidae or
domestic animals of bovine, ovine, caprine or porcine
species originating from different holdings are grouped
CHAPTER I together to form consignments;
(c) ‘attendant’ means a person directly in charge of the welfare

SCOPE, DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR THE of the animals who accompanies them during a journey;
TRANSPORT OF ANIMALS
(d) ‘border inspection post’ means any inspection post desig-
nated and approved in accordance with Article 6 of Direc-
tive 91/496/EEC (2), for carrying out veterinary checks on
Article 1 animals arriving from third countries at the border of the
territory of the Community;
Scope
(e) ‘Community veterinary legislation’ means legislation listed
in Chapter I of Annex A to Directive 90/425/EEC (3) and
1. This Regulation shall apply to the transport of live verte- any subsequent implementing rules;
brate animals carried out within the Community, including the
specific checks to be carried out by officials on consignments (f) ‘competent authority’ means the central authority of a
entering or leaving the customs territory of the Community. Member State competent to carry out checks on animal
welfare or any authority to which it has delegated that
competence;
2. Only Articles 3 and 27 shall apply to:
(g) ‘container’ means any crate, box, receptacle or other rigid
(a) the transport of animals carried out by farmers using agri-
structure used for the transport of animals which is not a
cultural vehicles or means of transport belonging to them
means of transport;
in cases where the geographical circumstances call for
transport for seasonal transhumance of certain types of
animals; (h) ‘control posts’ means control posts as referred to in Regu-
lation (EC) No 1255/97;
(b) transport carried out by farmers, of their own animals, in
their own means of transport for a distance of less than 50 (i) ‘exit point’ means a border inspection post or any other
km from their holding. place designated by a Member State where animals leave
the customs territory of the Community;
3. This Regulation shall not be an obstacle to any stricter
national measures aimed at improving the welfare of animals (2) OJ L 268, 24.9.1991, p. 56. Directive as last amended by the 2003
during transport taking place entirely within the territory of a Act of Accession.
(3) OJ L 224, 18.8.1990, p. 29. Directive as last amended by Directive
2002/33/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ
(1) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. L 315, 19.11.2002, p. 14).
(j) ‘journey’ means the entire transport operation from the (ii) the animals have been accommodated with sufficient
place of departure to the place of destination, including bedding, untied, if possible, and watered for at least six
any unloading, accommodation and loading occurring at hours prior to the time of departure from the assembly
intermediate points in the journey; centre;
(s) ‘place of destination’ means the place at which an animal

(k) ‘keeper’ means any natural or legal person, except a trans- is unloaded from a means of transport and
porter, in charge of or handling animals whether on a
permanent or temporary basis; (i) accommodated for at least 48 hours prior to the time
of departure; or
(l) ‘livestock vessel’ means a vessel which is used or intended (ii) slaughtered;
to be used for the carriage of domestic Equidae or
domestic animals of bovine, ovine, caprine or porcine (t) ‘place of rest or transfer’ means any stop during the
species other than a roll-on-roll-off vessel, and other than journey which is not a place of destination, including a
a vessel carrying animals in moveable containers; place where animals have changed the means of transport,
with or without being unloaded;
(m) ‘long journey’ means a journey that exceeds 8 hours, (u) ‘registered Equidae’ means registered Equidae as referred to
starting from when the first animal of the consignment is in Directive 90/426/EEC (1);
moved;
(v) ‘roll-on-roll-off vessel’ means a sea-going vessel with facil-
ities to enable road or rail vehicles to roll on and roll off
(n) ‘means of transport’ means road or rail vehicles, vessels the vessel;
and aircraft used for the transport of animals;
(w) ‘transport’ means the movement of animals effected by one
or more means of transport and the related operations,
(o) ‘navigation systems’ means satellite-based infrastructures including loading, unloading, transfer and rest, until the
providing global, continuous, accurate and guaranteed unloading of the animals at the place of destination is
timing and positioning services or any technology completed;
providing services deemed equivalent for the purpose of
this Regulation; (x) ‘transporter’ means any natural or legal person trans-
porting animals on his own account, or for the account of
a third party;
(p) ‘official veterinarian’ means the veterinarian appointed by
(y) ‘unbroken Equidae’ means Equidae that cannot be tied or
the competent authority of the Member State;
led by a halter without causing avoidable excitement, pain
or suffering;
(q) ‘organiser’ means: (z) ‘vehicle’ means a means of transport fitted with wheels
which is propelled or towed.
(i) a transporter who has subcontracted to at least one
other transporter for a part of a journey; or
Article 3
(ii) a natural or legal person who has contracted to more General conditions for the transport of animals
than one transporter for a journey; or
No person shall transport animals or cause animals to be trans-

(iii) a person who has signed Section 1 of the journey log ported in a way likely to cause injury or undue suffering to
as set out in Annex II; them.
In addition, the following conditions shall be complied with:

(r) ‘place of departure’ means the place at which the animal is
first loaded on to a means of transport provided that it (a) all necessary arrangements have been made in advance to
had been accommodated there for at least 48 hours prior minimise the length of the journey and meet animals' needs
to the time of departure. during the journey;
(b) the animals are fit for the journey;

However, assembly centres approved in accordance with
Community veterinary legislation may be considered as (c) the means of transport are designed, constructed, main-
place of departure provided that: tained and operated so as to avoid injury and suffering and
ensure the safety of the animals;
(i) the distance travelled between the first place of loading (1) OJ L 224, 18.8.1990, p. 42. Directive as last amended by Direc-
and the assembly centre is less than 100 km; or tive 2004/68/EC (OJ L 139, 30.4.2004, p. 320).
(d) the loading and unloading facilities are adequately designed, 2. Transporters shall identify a natural person responsible
constructed, maintained and operated so as to avoid injury for the transport and ensure that information on the planning,
and suffering and ensure the safety of the animals; execution and completion of the part of the journey under
their control can be obtained at any time.
(e) the personnel handling animals are trained or competent as
appropriate for this purpose and carry out their tasks
without using violence or any method likely to cause unne-
3. Organisers shall ensure that for each journey:
cessary fear, injury or suffering;
(f) the transport is carried out without delay to the place of (a) the welfare of the animals is not compromised by insuffi-
destination and the welfare conditions of the animals are cient coordination of the different parts of the journey; and
regularly checked and appropriately maintained; the weather conditions are taken into account; and
(g) sufficient floor area and height is provided for the animals,
appropriate to their size and the intended journey; (b) a natural person is responsible for providing information
on the planning, execution and completion of the journey
to the competent authority at any time.
(h) water, feed and rest are offered to the animals at suitable
intervals and are appropriate in quality and quantity to
their species and size. 4. For long journeys between Member States and with third
countries for domestic Equidae other than registered Equidae,
and domestic animals of bovine, ovine, caprine and porcine
species, transporters and organisers shall comply with the
CHAPTER II provisions on the journey log set out in Annex II.
ORGANISERS, TRANSPORTERS, KEEPERS AND ASSEMBLY

CENTRES
Article 6
Article 4
Transporters
Transport documentation
1. No person shall act as a transporter unless he holds an

1. No person shall transport animals without carrying docu- authorisation issued by a competent authority pursuant to
mentation in the means of transport stating: Article 10(1) or, for long journeys, Article 11(1). A copy of the
authorisation shall be made available to the competent
(a) their origin and their ownership; authority when the animals are transported.
(b) their place of departure;

2. Transporters shall notify to the competent authority any
(c) the date and time of departure; changes in relation to the information and documents referred
to in Article 10(1) or, for long journeys, Article 11(1), no more
(d) their intended place of destination; than 15 working days from the date the changes took place.
(e) the expected duration of the intended journey.

3. Transporters shall transport animals in accordance with
2. The transporter shall make the documentation provided the technical rules set out in Annex I.
for in paragraph 1 available to the competent authority upon
request.
4. Transporters shall entrust the handling of the animals to

personnel who have received training on the relevant provi-
sions of Annexes I and II.
Article 5
Planning obligations for the transport of animals 5. No person shall drive, or act as an attendant on a road
vehicle transporting domestic Equidae or domestic animals of
bovine, ovine, caprine or porcine species or poultry unless he
1. No person shall contract or subcontract the transport of holds a certificate of competence pursuant to Article 17(2). The
animals except to transporters authorised in accordance with certificate of competence shall be made available to the compe-
Article 10(1) or Article 11(1). tent authority when the animals are transported.
6. Transporters shall ensure that an attendant accompanies Article 8

any consignment of animals except in the following cases:
(a) where animals are transported in containers which are Keepers

secured, adequately ventilated and, where necessary,
contain enough food and water, in dispensers which cannot
be tipped over, for a journey of twice the anticipated 1. Keepers of animals at the place of departure, transfer or
journey time; destination shall ensure that the technical rules set out in
Chapters I and III, section 1, of Annex I in respect of the
(b) where the driver performs the functions of attendant. animals being transported are met.
7. Paragraphs 1, 2, 4 and 5 shall not apply to persons trans-

2. Keepers shall check all animals arriving at a place of
porting animals up to a maximum distance of 65 km counted
transit or a place of destination and determine if the animals
from the place of departure to the place of destination.
are or have been subject to a long journey between Member
States and with third countries. In the case of long journeys for
domestic Equidae, other than registered Equidae, and domestic
8. Transporters shall make available the certificate of animals of bovine, ovine, caprine and porcine species, keepers
approval as provided for in Article 18(2) or Article 19(2) to the shall comply with the provisions on the journey log set out in
competent authority of the country to which animals are trans- Annex II.
ported.
9. Transporters of domestic Equidae, except registered

Equidae, and domestic animals of the bovine, ovine, caprine Article 9
and porcine species over long road journeys shall use a naviga-
tion system as referred to in Annex I, Chapter VI, paragraph 4.2,
as from 1 January 2007 for means of transport by road for the
first time in service and as from 1 January 2009 for all means Assembly centres
of transport by road. They shall keep the records obtained by
such navigation system for at least three years and shall make
them available to the competent authority upon request, in par-
ticular when the checks referred to in Article 15(4) are carried 1. Operators of assembly centres shall ensure that animals
out. Implementing measures concerning this paragraph may be are treated in accordance with the technical rules set out in
adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Chapters I and III, section 1, of Annex I.
Article 31(2).
2. Operators of assembly centres that are approved in

accordance with Community veterinary legislation shall in addi-
tion:
Article 7
(a) entrust the handling of animals only to personnel who
have followed training courses on the relevant technical
rules set out in Annex I;
Prior inspection and approval of means of transport
(b) regularly inform people admitted to the assembly centre of
their duties and obligations under this Regulation and of
1. No person shall transport animals by road for a long the penalties for any infringement;
journey unless the means of transport has been inspected and
approved under Article 18(1).
(c) make permanently available to people admitted to the
assembly centre the details of the competent authority to
whom any possible infringement of the requirements of
2. No person shall transport by sea, for more than 10 this Regulation are to be notified;
nautical miles, domestic Equidae and domestic animals of
bovine, ovine, caprine or porcine species from a Community
port unless the livestock vessel has been inspected and (d) in case of non-compliance with this Regulation by any
approved under Article 19(1). person present at the assembly centre, and without preju-
dice to any action taken by the competent authority, take
the necessary measures to remedy the non-compliance
observed and to prevent its recurrence;
3. The provisions of paragraph 1 and paragraph 2 apply to
containers used for the transport of domestic Equidae or
domestic animals of bovine, ovine, caprine or porcine species (e) adopt, monitor and enforce the necessary internal rules in
by road and/or by water, for long journeys. order to ensure compliance with points (a) to (d).
CHAPTER III (iii) details of the procedures enabling transporters to trace

and record the movements of road vehicles under their
responsibility and to contact the drivers concerned at
DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPETENT
any time during long journeys;
AUTHORITIES
(iv) contingency plans in the event of emergencies.
2. For the purpose of paragraph 1(b)(iii) transporters

Article 10 carrying on long journeys of domestic Equidae, other than
registered Equidae, and domestic animals of the bovine, ovine,
caprine and porcine species, shall demonstrate that they use the
Requirements for transporter authorisation navigation system referred to in Article 6(9):
(a) for means of transport by road for the first time in service,
1. The competent authority shall grant authorisations to as from 1 January 2007;
transporters provided that:
(b) for all means of transport by road, as from 1 January 2009.
(a) the applicants are established, or in case of applicants estab-
lished in a third country, are represented, in the Member
State where they apply for authorisation; 3. The competent authority shall issue such authorisations
in accordance with the specimen set out in Chapter II of
Annex III. Such authorisations shall be valid for not more than
(b) the applicants have demonstrated that they have sufficient five years from the date of issue and shall be valid for all jour-
and appropriate staff, equipment and operational proce- neys, including long journeys.
dures at their disposal to enable them to comply with this
Regulation, including where appropriate Good Practice
Guides;
(c) the applicants or their representatives have no record of Article 12

serious infringements of Community legislation and/or
national legislation on the protection of animals in the
three years preceding the date of the application. This Limitation on applications for authorisation
provision shall not apply where the applicant demonstrates
to the satisfaction of the Competent Authority that it has
taken all necessary measures to avoid further infringements.
Transporters shall apply for an authorisation pursuant to
Article 10 or to Article 11 to no more than one competent
2. The competent authority shall issue authorisations as authority, in no more than one Member State.
provided for in paragraph 1 in accordance with the specimen
set out in Chapter I of Annex III. Such authorisations shall be
valid for not more than five years from the date of issue and
shall not be valid for long journeys.
Article 13
Article 11 Issue of authorisations by the competent authority
Requirements for long journeys transporter authorisations 1. The competent authority may limit the scope of an
authorisation provided for in Article 10(1) or for long journeys,
in Article 11(1) according to criteria that may be verified
1. The competent authority shall grant authorisations to during transport.
transporters carrying out long journeys upon application,
provided that:
2. The competent authority shall issue each authorisation
(a) they comply with the provisions of Article 10(1); provided for in Article 10(1) or for long journeys, in
Article 11(1) with a number unique in the Member State. The
authorisation shall be drawn up in the official language(s) of
(b) the applicants have submitted the following documents:
the Member State of issue and in English when the transporter
is likely to operate in another Member State.
(i) valid certificates of competence for drivers and atten-
dants as provided for in Article 17(2) for all drivers
and attendants carrying out long journeys; 3. The competent authority shall record authorisations
provided for in Article 10(1) or Article 11(1) in a manner
(ii) valid certificates of approval as provided for in enabling the competent authority to identify transporters
Article 18(2) for all means of transport by road to be rapidly, in particular in the event of failure to comply with the
used for long journeys; requirements of this Regulation.
4. The competent authority shall record authorisations Article 15

issued pursuant to Article 11(1) in an electronic database. The
transporter's name and authorisation number shall be made
publicly available during the period of validity of the authorisa- Checks to be carried out by the competent authority at
tion. Subject to Community and/or national rules regarding any stage of a long journey
privacy protection, public access to other data in relation to
transporters' authorisations shall be granted by Member States.
The database shall also include decisions notified under 1. The competent authority shall carry out at any stage of
Article 26(4)(c) and (6). the long journey appropriate checks on a random or targeted
basis to verify that declared journey times are realistic and that
the journey complies with this Regulation and in particular
that travel times and rest periods have complied with the limits
set out in Chapter V of Annex I.
2. In the case of long journeys between Member States and

Article 14 with third countries, the checks at the place of departure for
fitness for transport, as referred to in Chapter I of Annex I,
shall be performed before the loading as part of the animal
health checks as set out in the corresponding veterinary Com-
Checks and other measures related to journey log to be munity legislation, within the time limits provided by such
carried out by the competent authority before long legislation.
journeys
3. When the place of destination is a slaughterhouse, the

checks provided for in paragraph 1 may be performed as part
1. In the case of long journeys between Member States and of the animal welfare inspection as set out in Regulation (EC)
with third countries for domestic Equidae and domestic No 854/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council
animals of bovine, ovine, caprine and porcine species, the of 29 April 2004 laying down specific rules for the organisa-
competent authority of the place of departure shall: tion of official controls on products of animal origin intended
for human consumption (1).
(a) carry out appropriate checks to verify that:

4. The records of the movements of the means of transport
by road obtained from navigation system may be used for
carrying out these checks where appropriate.
(i) transporters indicated in the journey log have the corre-
sponding valid transporter authorisations, the valid
certificates of approval for means of transport for long
journeys and valid certificates of competence for drivers
and attendants; Article 16
(ii) the journey log submitted by the organiser is realistic Training of staff and equipment of the competent
and indicates compliance with this Regulation; authority
(b) where the outcome of the checks provided for in point (a) The competent authority shall ensure that its staff are duly
is not satisfactory, require the organiser to change the trained and equipped to check data recorded by:
arrangements for the intended long journey so that it
complies with this Regulation; — the recording equipment for road transport as provided for
by Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85;
(c) where the outcome of the checks provided for in point (a) — the navigation system.
is satisfactory, the competent authority shall stamp the
journey log;
Article 17
(d) send details as soon as possible of the intended long jour-
neys set out in the journey log to the competent authority
of the place of destination, of the exit point or of the Training courses and certificate of competence
control post via the information exchange system referred
to in Article 20 of Directive 90/425/EEC.
1. Training courses shall be available for personnel of trans-
porters and assembly centres for the purposes of Article 6(4)
2. By way of derogation to paragraph 1(c), the stamping of and Article 9(2)(a).
the journey log shall not be required for transports using the
system referred to in Article 6(9). (1) OJ L 226, 25.6.2004, p. 83.
2. The certificate of competence for drivers and attendants Article 19

of road vehicles transporting domestic Equidae or domestic
animals of bovine, ovine, caprine or porcine species or poultry
as referred to in Article 6(5) shall be granted in accordance
with Annex IV. The certificate of competence shall be drawn Certificate of approval of livestock vessels
up in the official language(s) of the Member State of issue and
in English when the driver or attendant is likely to operate in
another Member State. The certificate of competence shall be 1. The competent authority or body designated by a
issued by the competent authority or body designated for this Member State shall grant a certificate of approval for a livestock
purpose by the Member States and in accordance with the vessel upon application, provided that the vessel is:
specimen set out in Chapter III of Annex III. The scope of the
said certificate of competence may be limited to a specific
species or group of species. (a) operated from the Member State where the application is
made;
(b) is not the subject of an application submitted to or an

approval by another competent authority in the same or
another Member State;
Article 18
(c) has been inspected by the competent authority or body

designated by a Member State and found to comply with
Certificate of approval of means of transport by road the requirements of Section 1 of Chapter IV of Annex I
regarding the construction and equipment for livestock
vessels.
1. The competent authority or body designated by a
Member State shall grant a certificate of approval for means of 2. The competent authority or body designated by a
transport by road used for long journeys upon application, Member State shall issue each certificate with a number unique
provided that the means of transport: in the Member State. The certificate shall be drawn up in at
least one of the official language(s) of the Member State of
(a) are not the subject of an application submitted to or an issue and in English. Certificates shall be valid for a period of
approval by another competent authority in the same or not more than five years from the date of issue and shall
another Member State; become invalid as soon as the means of transport are modified
or refitted in a way that affects the welfare of the animals.
(b) have been inspected by the competent authority or body

designated by a Member State and found to comply with 3. The competent authority shall record approved livestock
the requirements of Chapters II and VI of Annex I applic-
vessels in a manner enabling them to be rapidly identified, in
able to the design, the construction and the maintenance of
particular in the event of failure to comply with this Regu-
means of transport by road used for long journeys. lation.
2. The competent authority or body designated by a

Member State shall issue each certificate with a number unique 4. The competent authority shall record the certifications of
in the Member State and in accordance with the specimen set the approval of livestock vessels in an electronic database, in a
out in Chapter IV of Annex III. The certificate shall be drawn manner enabling them to be rapidly identified, in particular in
up in the official language(s) of the Member State of issue and the event of failure to comply with the requirements of this
in English. Certificates shall be valid for a period of not more Regulation.
than five years from the date of issue and shall become invalid
as soon as the means of transport are modified or refitted in a
way that affects the welfare of the animals.
3. The competent authority shall record the certifications of Article 20

the approval of the means of transport by road for long jour-
neys in an electronic database in a manner enabling them to be
rapidly identified by the competent authorities in all Member Livestock vessel inspection on loading and unloading
States, in particular in the event of failure to comply with the
requirements of this Regulation.
1. The competent authority shall inspect livestock vessels

before any loading of animals in order to verify in particular
4. Member States may grant derogations to the provisions that:
of this Article and to the provisions of Chapter V, para-
graph 1.4, point (b) and Chapter VI of Annex I for means of
transport by road in respect of journeys not exceeding 12 hours (a) the livestock vessel is built and equipped for the number
in order to reach the final place of destination. and the type of animals to be transported;
(b) compartments where animals are to be accommodated shall perform and record the checks listed in Section 3 ‘Place of
remain in a good state of repair; destination’ of the journey log in Annex II. Records of those
checks and the check provided for in paragraph 1 shall be kept
by the competent authority for a period of at least three years
(c) the equipment referred to in Chapter IV of Annex I from the date of the checks, including a copy of the corre-
remains in good working order. sponding record sheet or print-out as referred to in Annex I or
Annex IB to Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85 if the vehicle is
2. The competent authority shall inspect the following covered by that Regulation.
before and during any loading/unloading of livestock vessels to
ensure that:
3. Where the competent authority considers that animals
are not fit to complete their journey, they shall be unloaded,
(a) the animals are fit to continue their journey;
watered, fed and rested.
(b) loading/unloading operations are being carried out in

compliance with Chapter III of Annex I;
(c) feed and water arrangements are in accordance with Article 22

Section 2 of Chapter IV of Annex I.
Delay during transport
Article 21 1. The competent authority shall take the necessary

measures to prevent or reduce to a minimum any delay during
transport or suffering by animals when unforeseeable circum-
Checks at exit points and border inspection posts stances impede the application of this Regulation. The compe-
tent authority shall ensure that special arrangements are made
at the place of transfers, exit points and border inspection posts
1. Without prejudice to the checks provided for in Article 2 to give priority to the transport of animals.
of Regulation (EC) No 639/2003, where animals are presented
at exit points or border inspection posts, official veterinarians
of the Member States shall check that the animals are trans- 2. No consignment of animals shall be detained during
ported in compliance with this Regulation and in particular: transport unless it is strictly necessary for the welfare of the
animals or reasons of public safety. No undue delay shall occur
between the completion of the loading and departure. If any
(a) that transporters have submitted a copy of a valid authori- consignment of animals has to be detained during transport for
sation as provided for in Article 10(1) or, for long journeys, more than two hours, the competent authority shall ensure
in Article 11(1); that appropriate arrangements are made for the care of the
animals and, where necessary, their feeding, watering,
(b) that drivers of road vehicles transporting domestic Equidae, unloading and accommodation.
domestic animals of bovine, ovine, caprine or porcine
species or poultry and attendants have presented a valid
certificate of competence as provided for in Article 17(2);
CHAPTER IV
(c) that the animals are fit to continue their journey;
(d) that the means of transport by which the animals are to

continue their journey complies with Chapter II and where ENFORCEMENT AND EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION
applicable Chapter VI of Annex I;
(e) that, in case of export, transporters have provided evidence

that the journey from the place of departure to the first
place of unloading in the country of final destination Article 23
complies with any international agreement listed in
Annex V applicable in the third countries concerned;
Emergency measures in the event of non-compliance with
this Regulation by transporters
(f) whether domestic Equidae and domestic animals of bovine,
ovine, caprine and porcine species have been or are to be
transported over long journeys.
1. Where a competent authority finds that any provision of
this Regulation is not being complied with, or has not been
2. In the case of long journeys for domestic Equidae and complied with, it shall take, or require the person responsible
domestic animals of bovine, ovine, caprine and porcine species, for the animals to take, any necessary action required to safe-
official veterinarians of exit points and border inspection posts guard the welfare of the animals.
Such action shall not be likely to cause unnecessary or addi- 2. Each Member State shall communicate details of a
tional suffering to the animals and shall be proportionate to contact point for the purposes of this Regulation to the
the seriousness of the risks involved. The Competent authority Commission, including, where available, an electronic address,
shall recover the costs of such action in the appropriate within three months of the date of entry into force of this
manner. Regulation as well as any update of such data. The Commission
shall forward details of the contact point to the other Member
States within the framework of the Standing Committee on the
2. Depending on the circumstances of each case, such action Food Chain and Animal Health.
may include:
(a) a change of driver or attendant;
(b) temporarily repairing the means of transport so as to Article 25

prevent immediate injury to the animals;
(c) transferring the consignment or part of it to another means Penalties

of transport;
(d) returning the animals to their place of departure by the The Member States shall lay down the rules on penalties applic-
most direct route, or allow the animals to continue to their able to infringements of the provisions of this Regulation and
place of destination by the most direct route, whichever is shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are imple-
in the best interest of the welfare of the animals; mented. The penalties provided for must be effective, propor-
tionate and dissuasive. The Member States shall notify those
(e) unloading the animals and holding them in suitable accom- provisions, as well as provisions for the application of
modation with appropriate care until the problem is Article 26, to the Commission by 5 July 2006 at the latest and
resolved. shall notify it without delay of any subsequent amendment
affecting them.
Where there is no other means of safeguarding the welfare of
the animals, they shall be humanely killed or euthanised.
3. Where action is to be taken due to non-compliance with Article 26

this Regulation as referred to in paragraph 1, and it is necessary
to transport the animals in breach of some of the provisions of
this Regulation, the competent authority shall issue an authori- Infringements and notification of infringements
sation for the transport of the animals. The authorisation shall
identify the animals concerned and define the conditions under
which they may be transported until this Regulation is fully 1. In the case of any infringements of this Regulation, the
complied with. Such authorisation shall accompany the competent authority shall take the specific measures provided
animals. for in paragraphs 2 to 7.
4. The competent authority shall immediately arrange to 2. Where a competent authority establishes that a trans-
have the necessary measures carried out if the person respon- porter has not observed, or a means of transport does not
sible for the animals cannot be contacted or fails to comply comply with this Regulation, it shall notify without delay the
with instructions. competent authority which granted the authorisation to the
transporter or the certificate of approval of the means of trans-
port and, where the driver is involved in the failure to observe
5. Decisions taken by the competent authorities and the
the requirements of this Regulation, the one that issued the
reasons for such decisions shall be notified as soon as possible
driver's certificate of competence. Any relevant data and docu-
to the transporter or his representative and to the competent
ments shall accompany such notification.
authority which granted the authorisation as provided for in
Article 10(1) or Article 11(1). If necessary the competent
authorities shall provide assistance to the transporter to facili-
3. Where a competent authority of a place of destination
tate implementation of the required emergency measures.
finds that the journey took place in breach of this Regulation,
it shall notify without delay the competent authority of the
place of departure. Any relevant data and documents shall
accompany such notification.
Article 24
4. Where a competent authority establishes that a trans-

Mutual assistance and exchange of information
porter has not observed, or a means of transport does not
comply with this regulation, or where a competent authority
1. The rules and information procedures set out in Council receives a notification as provided for in paragraph (2) or (3) it
Directive 89/608/EEC (1) shall apply for the purposes of this shall, if appropriate:
Regulation.
(a) require the transporter concerned to remedy the breaches
(1) OJ L 351, 2.12.1989, p. 34. observed and establish systems to prevent their recurrence;
(b) subject the transporter concerned to additional checks, in Article 28

particular requiring the presence of a veterinarian at
loading of the animals; On-the-spot checks
Veterinary experts from the Commission may, in collaboration

(c) suspend or withdraw the authorisation of the transporter
with the authorities of the Member State concerned and insofar
or the certificate of approval of the means of transport
as is necessary to ensure uniform application of this Regulation,
concerned.
make on-the-spot checks in accordance with the procedures
laid down in Article 45 of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 (1) of
5. In the case of infringement of this Regulation by a driver the European Parliament and of the Council.
or attendant holding a certificate of competence as provided
for in Article 17(2), the competent authority may suspend or
withdraw the certificate of competence, in particular if the Article 29
infringement shows that the driver or attendant lacks sufficient
knowledge or awareness to transport animals in compliance Guides to good practice
with this Regulation.
Member States shall encourage the development of guides to
good practice which shall include guidance on compliance with
6. In the case of repeated or serious infringements of this this Regulation and in particular with Article 10(1). Such
Regulation, a Member State may temporarily prohibit the trans- guides shall be drawn up at national level, among a number of
porter or means of transport concerned from transporting Member States, or at Community level. Dissemination and use
animals on its territory, even if the transporter or the means of of national and Community guides shall be encouraged.
transport is authorised by another Member State, provided that
all the possibilities afforded by mutual assistance and exchange
of information as provided for in Article 24 have been CHAPTER V
exhausted.
IMPLEMENTING POWERS AND COMMITTEE PROCEDURE
7. Member States shall ensure that all the contact points as

provided for in Article 24(2) are notified without delay of any Article 30
decision taken under paragraph 4(c), or paragraphs 5 or 6 of
this Article. Amendment of the Annexes and implementing rules
1. The Annexes to the Regulation shall be amended by the

Council, acting by a qualified majority, on a proposal from the
Commission, with a view in particular to their adaptation to
technological and scientific progress, except as regards
Article 27 Chapter IV and Chapter VI, paragraph 3.1, of Annex I,
Sections 1 to 5 of Annex II, Annex III, IV, V and VI which may
be amended in accordance with the procedure referred to in
Article 31(2).
Inspections and annual reports by the competent
authorities 2. Any detailed rules necessary for the implementation of
this Regulation may be adopted in accordance with the proce-
dure referred to in Article 31(2).
1. The competent authority shall check that the require- 3. Certificates or other documents provided for by the Com-
ments of this Regulation have been complied with, by carrying munity veterinary legislation for live animals may be supple-
out non-discriminatory inspections of animals, means of trans- mented in accordance with the procedure referred to in
port and accompanying documents. Such inspections must be Article 31(2) in order to take into account of the requirements
carried out on an adequate proportion of the animals trans- of this Regulation.
ported each year within each Member State, and may be
carried out at the same time as checks for other purposes. The
4. The obligation to hold a certificate of competence as
proportion of inspections shall be increased where it is estab-
provided for in Article 6(5) may be extended to drivers or
lished that the provisions of this Regulation have been disre-
attendants of other domestic species in accordance with the
garded. The above proportions shall be determined in accord-
procedure referred to in Article 31(2).
ance with the procedures referred to in Article 31(2).
5. Derogations from paragraph 2(e) of Chapter I of Annex I
may be adopted by the Commission in case of exceptional
2. Member States shall submit to the Commission by 30 market support measures due to movement restrictions under
June each year an annual report for the previous year on the veterinary disease control measures. The Committee referred to
inspections provided for in paragraph 1. The report shall be in Article 31 shall be informed of any measures adopted.
accompanied by an analysis of the major deficiencies detected
and an action plan to address them. (1) OJ L 191, 28.5.2004, p. 1.
6. Derogations concerning requirements for long journeys CHAPTER VI

to take account of the remoteness of certain regions from the
mainland of the Community, may be adopted in accordance
with the procedure as referred to in Article 31(2). FINAL PROVISIONS
7. By way of derogation to this Regulation, Member States

may continue to apply the current national provisions
concerning transport of animals within their outermost Article 33
regions, originating from or arriving at those regions. They
shall inform the Commission thereof. Repeals
8. Pending the adoption of detailed provisions for species Directive 91/628/EEC and Regulation (EC) No 411/98 shall be
not explicitly mentioned in the Annexes, Member States may repealed from 5 January 2007. References to the repealed
establish or maintain additional national rules applying to Directive and Regulation shall be construed as references to
transport of animals of such species. this Regulation.
Article 31 Article 34
Amendments to Directive 64/432/EEC

Committee procedure
Directive 64/432/EEC is hereby amended as follows:

1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Standing
Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health, set up by 1) Article 11 shall be amended as follows:
Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and
of the Council (1). (a) in paragraph 1 the following point shall be inserted as
follows:
2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 5 and
7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply. ‘(ee) comply with the provisions of Directive 98/58/EC
and Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 (*) applicable to
them;
The period referred to in Article 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC
shall be set at three months. (*) OJ L 3, 5.1.2005.’
(b) paragraph (4) shall be replaced by the following:

3. The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure.
‘4. The competent authority may suspend or with-
draw approval in the event of failure to comply with
this Article or other appropriate provisions of this
Directive, or of Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 or other
Article 32 Community veterinary legislation listed in Chapter I of
Annex A to Directive 90/425/EEC (*). Approval may be
restored when the competent authority is satisfied that
Report the assembly centre is in full compliance with all the
appropriate provisions referred to in this paragraph.
Within four years from the date mentioned in Article 37, (*) OJ L 224, 18.8.1990, p. 29.’
second subparagraph, the Commission shall present a report to
the European Parliament and to the Council on the impact of
this Regulation on the welfare of animals being transported 2) Article 12 shall be replaced by the following:
and on the trade flows of live animals within the enlarged
Community. In particular, the report shall take into account
‘Article 12
scientific evidence on welfare needs of animals, and the report
on the implementation of the navigation system, as referred to
in Annex I, Chapter VI, paragraph 4.3, as well as the socio-eco- 1. Member States shall ensure that transporters meet the
nomic implications of this Regulation, including regional following additional conditions:
aspects. This report may be accompanied if necessary by appro-
priate legislative proposals concerning long journeys, in par- (a) for the carriage of animals they must use means of
ticular as regards journey times, resting periods and space transport that are:
allowances.
(i) constructed in such a way that the animal faeces,
(1) OJ L 31, 1.2.2002, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation litter or feed can not leak or fall out of the vehicle;
(EC) No 1642/2003 (OJ L 245, 29.9.2003, p. 4). and
(ii) cleaned and disinfected immediately after every No 1/2005 shall apply mutatis mutandis in relation to animal
transport of animals or of any product which could health.’.
affect animal health, and if necessary before any
new loading of animals, using disinfectants officially
authorised by the competent authority;
(b) they must either: Article 35
(i) have appropriate cleaning and disinfection facilities Amendment to Directive 93/119/EC
approved by the competent authority, including
facilities for storing litter and dung; or
In Annex A to Directive 93/119/EC, paragraph 3 of Part II
(ii) provide documentary evidence that these operations shall be replaced by the following:
are performed by a third party approved by the
competent authority. ‘3. Animals must be moved with care. Passageways must
be so constructed as to minimise the risk of injury to
animals, and so arranged as to exploit their gregarious
2. The transporter must ensure that for each vehicle used tendencies. Instruments intended for guiding animals
for the transport of animals a register is kept containing at must be used solely for that purpose, and only for short
least the following information which shall be retained for a periods. The use of instruments which administer elec-
minimum period of three years: tric shocks shall be avoided as far as possible. In any
case, these instruments shall only be used for adult
bovine animals and adult pigs which refuse to move,
(a) places, dates and times of pick-up, and the name or and only when they have room ahead of them in which
business name and address of the holding or assembly to move. Shocks shall last no longer than one second,
centre where the animals are picked up; be adequately spaced, and shall only be applied to the
muscles of the hindquarters. Shocks shall not be used
(b) places, dates and times of delivery, and the name or repeatedly if the animal fails to respond.’.
business name and address of the consignee(s);
(c) the species and number of animals carried;

Article 36
(d) date and place of disinfection;

Amendments to Regulation (EC) No 1255/97
(e) details of accompanying documentation including the

number; Regulation (EC) No 1255/97 is hereby amended as follows:
(f) expected duration of each journey. 1) the words ‘staging points’ shall be replaced by the words
‘control posts’ everywhere in the Regulation;
3. Transporters shall ensure that the consignment or
animals do not at any time, between leaving the holdings or 2) in Article 1, paragraph 1 shall be replaced by the following:
the assembly centre of origin and arriving at their destina-
tion, come into contact with animals of a lower health ‘1. Control posts are places where animals are rested for
status. at least 12 hours or more pursuant to point 1.5. or 1.7(b)
of Chapter V of Annex I to Regulation (EC) 1/2005 (*).
(*) OJ L 3, 5.1.2005.’
4. Member States shall ensure that transporters observe
the provisions of this Article relating to the appropriate
documentation that must accompany the animals.
3) Article 3 shall be replaced by the following:
5. This Article shall not apply to persons transporting ‘Article 3

animals up to a maximum distance of 65 km counted from
the place of departure to the place of destination.
1. The competent authority shall approve and issue an
approval number to each control post. Such approval may
be limited to a particular species or to certain categories of
6. In the event of failure to comply with this Article, the animal and health status. Member States shall notify the
provisions concerning infringements and notifications of Commission of the list of approved control posts and any
infringements provided for in Article 26 of Regulation (EC) updates.
Member States shall also notify the Commission of the 4) in Article 4, the following paragraph shall be added:
detailed arrangements in application of the provisions in
Article 4(2), in particular the period of use as control posts
and the double purpose of approved premises. ‘4. The competent authority of the place of departure
shall notify the movement of animals passing through
control posts through the information exchange system
referred to in Article 20 of Directive 90/425/EEC.’;
2. Control posts shall be listed by the Commission in

accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 31(2)
of Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 upon a proposal of the 5) Article 6 shall be replaced by the following:
competent authority of the Member State concerned.
‘Article 6
3. Member States may only propose control posts for

listing once the competent authority has checked that it 1. Before the animals leave the control post, the official
complies with the relevant requirements and approved it. veterinarian or any veterinarian designated for this purpose
For the purpose of such approval, the competent authority by the competent authority shall confirm on the journey
as defined in Article 2(6) of Directive 90/425/EEC shall log as referred to in Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1/2005
ensure that control posts fulfil all the requirements in that the animals are fit to continue their journey. Member
Annex I to this Regulation; in addition, such control posts States may stipulate that expenditure incurred as a result of
shall: the veterinary check shall be borne by the operator
concerned.
(a) be located in an area which is not subject to prohibition

or restrictions in accordance with relevant Community
2. The rules relating to the exchange of messages
legislation;
between authorities to comply with the requirements of this
Regulation shall be laid down in accordance with the proce-
dure laid down in Article 31(2) of Regulation (EC) No
(b) be under the control of an official veterinarian who 1/2005’;
shall ensure, inter alia, compliance with the provisions of
this Regulation;
6) Article 6a shall be replaced by the following:
(c) operate in compliance with all the relevant Community

rules regarding animal health, the movement of animals
and the protection of animals at the time of slaughter; ‘Article 6a
(d) undergo regular inspection, at least twice a year, to This Regulation shall be amended by the Council, acting by
ascertain that the requirements for approval continue to a qualified majority, on a proposal from the Commission,
be fulfilled. with a view in particular to adapting it to technological and
scientific progress, except as regards any amendments to the
Annex which are necessary to adapt it to the animal health
situation which may be adopted in accordance with the
4. A Member State must, in serious cases, particularly on procedure laid down in Article 31(2) of Regulation (EC)
animal health or welfare grounds, suspend the use of a No 1/2005’;
control post situated in its territory. It shall inform the
Commission and the other Member States of such suspen-
sion and of its reasons. The suspension of the use of the
control post may only be lifted after notification to the 7) in Article 6b, the first sentence, shall be replaced by the
Commission and the other Member States on its reasons. following:
‘Article 6b
5. The Commission, in accordance with the procedure
referred to in Article 31(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2005,
may suspend the use of a control post or withdraw it from The Member States shall apply the provisions of Article 26
the list, if on-the-spot checks carried out by the experts of of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 to penalise any
the Commission as referred to in Article 28 of that Regu- infringement of the provisions of this Regulation and shall
lation indicate non-compliance with the relevant Com- take all measures necessary to ensure that they are imple-
munity legislation.’; mented.’;
8) Annex I shall be amended as follows: tely cleared of animals for a period of at least
24 hours after a maximum of 6 days' use and after
cleansing and disinfecting operations have been
(a) the title shall be replaced by the following:
carried out, and prior to the arrival of any new
consignment.
‘ANNEX
6. Before accepting animals, control posts shall:

COMMUNITY CRITERIA FOR CONTROL POSTS’
(a) have started the cleansing and disinfection

(b) Section A shall be replaced by the following: operations within 24 hours following the
departure of all animals previously held there
in accordance with the provisions of
Article 4(3) of this Regulation;
‘A. HEALTH AND HYGIENE MEASURES
(b) have remained clear of animals until the

1. Every control posts must cleansing and disinfection operation is
completed to the satisfaction of the official
veterinarian.’;
(a) be located, designed, constructed and operated
as to ensure sufficient bio-security preventing
the spreading of serious infectious diseases to (c) Section B, paragraph 1 shall be replaced by the
other holdings and between consecutive following:
consignments of animals passing through these
premises; ‘1. In addition to the provisions of Chapters II and III of
Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 applying to
(b) be constructed, equipped and operated as to means of transport for loading and unloading
ensure that cleaning and disinfection proce- animals, every control post must have suitable
dures can be carried out. A lorry wash shall be equipment and facilities available for the purpose of
provided on the spot. Such facilities must be loading and unloading animals from the means of
operational under all weather conditions; transport. In particular, such equipment and facilities
must have a non-slip floor covering and, if neces-
sary, be provided with lateral protection. Bridges,
(c) be cleansed and disinfected before and after ramps and gangways must be fitted with sides, rail-
each use, as required by the official veteri- ings or some other means of protection to prevent
narian. animals falling off them. Loading and unloading
ramps should have the minimum possible incline.
2. Personnel and equipment entering into contact Passageways must have floor coverings which mini-
with the animals accommodated shall be exclu- mise the risk of slipping and be so constructed as to
sively dedicated to the premises concerned unless minimise the risk of injury to animals. Particular
they have been subject to a cleaning and disinfec- care must be taken to ensure that no appreciable
tion procedure after being in contact with the gap or step is allowed between the vehicle floor and
animals or their faeces or urine. In particular the the ramp or the ramp and the floor of the unloading
person in charge of the control post shall provide area requiring animals to jump or likely to cause
clean equipment and protective clothes, which them to slip or stumble.’;
shall be kept exclusively for the use of any persons
entering the control post, and shall make available 9) Annex II shall be deleted.
suitable equipment for cleansing and disinfecting
the above items.
3. Bedding material shall be removed when a

consignment of animals is moved from an enclo- Article 37
sure and, after the cleansing and disinfecting
operations provided for in point 1(c), shall be
replaced by fresh bedding. Entry into force and date of application
4. Animals litter, faeces and urine shall not be

collected from the premises unless they have been This Regulation shall enter into force on the 20th day
subject to an appropriate treatment in order to following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the
avoid the spreading of animal diseases. European Union.
5. Appropriate sanitary breaks between two consecu-

tive consignments of animals shall be respected It shall apply as from 5 January 2007.
and if appropriate adapted depending on whether
they come from a similar region, zone or compart-
ment. In particular, control posts shall be comple- However, Article 6(5) shall apply as from 5 January 2008.
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
Done at Brussels, 22 December 2004.
For the Council

The President
C. VEERMAN
ANNEX I
TECHNICAL RULES
(as referred to in Article 6(3), Article 8(1), Article 9(1) and (2)(a))
CHAPTER I
FITNESS FOR TRANSPORT
1. No animal shall be transported unless it is fit for the intended journey, and all animals shall be transported in condi-
tions guaranteed not to cause them injury or unnecessary suffering.
2. Animals that are injured or that present physiological weaknesses or pathological processes shall not be considered
fit for transport and in particular if:
(a) they are unable to move independently without pain or to walk unassisted;
(b) they present a severe open wound, or prolapse;
(c) they are pregnant females for whom 90 % or more of the expected gestation period has already passed, or
females who have given birth in the previous week;
(d) they are new-born mammals in which the navel has not completely healed;
(e) they are pigs of less than three weeks, lambs of less than one week and calves of less than ten days of age, unless
they are transported less than 100 km;
(f) they are dogs and cats of less than eight weeks of age, unless they are accompanied by their mother;
(g) they are cervine animals in velvet.
3. However, sick or injured animals may be considered fit for transport if they are:
(a) slightly injured or ill and transport would not cause additional suffering; in cases of doubt, veterinary advice shall
be sought;
(b) transported for the purposes of Council Directive 86/609/EEC (1) if the illness or injury is part of a research
programme;
(c) transported under veterinary supervision for or following veterinary treatment or diagnosis. However, such trans-
port shall be permitted only where no unnecessary suffering or ill treatment is caused to the animals concerned;
(d) animals that have been submitted to veterinary procedures in relation to farming practices such as dehorning or
castration, provided that wounds have completely healed.
4. When animals fall ill or are injured during transport, they shall be separated from the others and receive first-aid
treatment as soon as possible. They shall be given appropriate veterinary treatment and if necessary undergo emer-
gency slaughter or killing in a way which does not cause them any unnecessary suffering.
5. Sedatives shall not be used on animals to be transported unless strictly necessary to ensure the welfare of the animals
and shall only be used under veterinary supervision.
6. Lactating females of bovine, ovine and caprine species not accompanied by their offspring shall be milked at intervals
of not more than 12 hours.
7. Requirements of paragraphs 2(c) and 2(d) do not apply for registered Equidae if the purpose of the journeys is to
improve the health and welfare conditions of birth, or for newly born foals with their registered mares, provided that
in both cases the animals are permanently accompanied by an attendant, dedicated to them during the journey.
(1) OJ L 358, 18.12.1986 p. 1. Directive as last amended by Directive 2003/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ
L 230, 16.9.2003, p. 32).
CHAPTER II
MEANS OF TRANSPORT
1. Provisions for all means of transport
1.1. Means of transport, containers and their fittings shall be designed, constructed, maintained and operated so as
to:
(a) avoid injury and suffering and to ensure the safety of the animals;
(b) protect the animals from inclement weather, extreme temperatures and adverse changes in climatic condi-
tions;
(c) be cleaned and disinfected;
(d) prevent the animals escaping or falling out and be able to withstand the stresses of movements;
(e) ensure that air quality and quantity appropriate to the species transported can be maintained;
(f) provide access to the animals to allow them to be inspected and cared for;
(g) present a flooring surface that is anti-slip;
(h) present a flooring surface that minimises the leakage of urine or faeces;
(i) provide a means of lighting sufficient for inspection and care of the animals during transport.
1.2. Sufficient space shall be provided inside the animals' compartment and at each of its levels to ensure that there
is adequate ventilation above the animals when they are in a naturally standing position, without on any
account hindering their natural movement.
1.3. For wild animals and for species other than domestic Equidae or domestic animals of bovine, ovine, caprine and
porcine species where appropriate, the following documents shall accompany the animals:
(a) a notice indicating that the animals are wild, timid or dangerous;
(b) written instructions about feeding, watering and any special care required.
1.4. Partitions shall be strong enough to withstand the weight of animals. Fittings shall be designed for quick and
easy operation.
1.5. Piglets of less than 10 kgs, lambs of less than 20 kgs, calves of less than six months and foals of less than four
months of age shall be provided with appropriate bedding material or equivalent material which guarantees
their comfort appropriate to the species, the number of animals being transported, the journey time, and the
weather. This material has to ensure adequate absorption of urine and faeces.
1.6. Without prejudice to Community or national rules on crew and passenger safety, where transport on a vessel,
an aircraft or a rail wagon is to last more than three hours, a means of killing suitable for the species shall be
available to the attendant or a person on board who has the necessary skill to perform this task humanely and
efficiently.
2. Additional provisions for transport by road or rail
2.1. Vehicles in which animals are transported shall be clearly and visibly marked indicating the presence of live
animals, except when the animals are transported in containers marked in accordance with paragraph 5.1.
2.2. Road vehicles shall carry suitable equipment for loading and unloading.
2.3. When assembling trains and during all other movement of rail wagons every precaution shall be taken to avoid
jolting of a rail wagon containing animals.
3. Additional provisions for transport on roll-on-roll-off vessels
3.1. Before loading onto a vessel the master shall verify that when vehicles are loaded:
(a) on enclosed decks, the vessel is equipped with an appropriate forced ventilation system and it is fitted with
an alarm system and an adequate secondary source of power in case of failure;
(b) on open decks, adequate protection from sea water is provided.
3.2. Road vehicles and rail wagons shall be equipped with a sufficient number of adequately designed, positioned
and maintained securing points enabling them to be securely fastened to the vessel. Road vehicles and rail
wagons shall be secured to the vessel before the start of the sea journey to prevent them being displaced by the
motion of the vessel.
4. Additional provisions for transport by air
4.1. Animals shall be transported in containers, pens or stalls appropriate for the species, which comply with Inter-
national Air Transport Association (IATA) live animals Regulations, in its version referred to in Annex VI.
4.2. Animals shall be transported only in conditions where air quality, temperature and pressure can be maintained
within an appropriate range during the entire journey, having regard to the species of animals.
5. Additional provisions for transport in containers
5.1. Containers in which animals are transported shall be clearly and visibly marked, indicating the presence of live
animals and with a sign indicating the top of the container.
5.2. During transport and handling, containers shall always be kept upright and severe jolts or shaking shall be mini-
mised. Containers shall be secured so as to prevent displacement due to the movement of the means of trans-
port.
5.3. Containers of more that 50 kg shall be equipped with a sufficient number of adequately designed, positioned
and maintained securing points enabling them to be securely fastened to the means of transport where they are
to be loaded. Containers shall be secured to the means of transport before the start of the journey to prevent
displacement due to the motion of the means of transport.
CHAPTER III
TRANSPORT PRACTICES
1. Loading, unloading and handling
1.1. Due regard shall be paid to the need of certain categories of animals, such as wild animals, to become acclima-
tised to the mode of transport prior to the proposed journey.
1.2. Where loading or unloading operations last for more than four hours, except for poultry:
(a) appropriate facilities shall be available in order to keep, feed and water the animals outside the means of
transport without being tied;
(b) operations shall be supervised by an authorised veterinarian and particular precautions shall be taken to
ensure that the welfare of the animals is properly maintained during these operations.
Facilities and procedures
1.3. Facilities for loading and unloading, including the flooring, shall be designed, constructed, maintained and oper-
ated so as to:
(a) prevent injury and suffering and minimise excitement and distress during animal movements as well as to
ensure the safety of the animals. In particular, surfaces shall not be slippery and lateral protections shall be
provided so as to prevent animals from escaping;
(b) be cleaned and disinfected.

1.4. (a) Ramps shall not be steeper than an angle of 20 degrees, that is 36,4 % to the horizontal for pigs, calves and
horses and an angle of 26 degrees 34 minutes, that is 50 % to the horizontal for sheep and cattle other than
calves. Where the slope is steeper than 10 degrees, that is 17,6 % to the horizontal, ramps shall be fitted
with a system, such as provided by foot battens, which ensure that the animals climb or go down without
risks or difficulties;
(b) lifting platforms and upper floors shall have safety barriers so as to prevent animals falling or escaping
during loading and unloading operations.
1.5. Goods which are being transported in the same means of transport as animals shall be positioned so that they
do not cause injury, suffering or distress to the animals.
1.6. Appropriate lighting shall be provided during loading and unloading.
1.7. When containers loaded with animals are placed one on top of the other on the means of transport, the neces-
sary precautions shall be taken:
(a) to avoid, or in the case of poultry, rabbits and fur animals, to limit urine and faeces falling on the animals
placed underneath;
(b) to ensure stability of the containers;
(c) to ensure that ventilation is not impeded.
Handling
1.8. It shall be prohibited to:
(a) strike or kick the animals;
(b) apply pressure to any particularly sensitive part of the body in such a way as to cause them unnecessary
pain or suffering;
(c) suspend the animals themselves by mechanical means;
(d) lift or drag the animals by head, ears, horns, legs, tail or fleece, or handle them in such a way as to cause
them unnecessary pain or suffering;
(e) use prods or other implements with pointed ends;
(f) knowingly obstruct any animal which is being driven or led through any part where animals are handled.
1.9. The use of instruments which administer electric shocks shall be avoided as far as possible. In any case, these
instruments shall only be used for adult bovine animals and adult pigs which refuse to move and only when
they have room ahead of them in which to move. The shocks shall last no longer than one second, be
adequately spaced and shall only be applied to the muscles of the hindquarters. Shocks shall not be used
repeatedly if the animal fails to respond.
1.10. Markets or assembly centres shall provide equipment for tethering animals when necessary. Animals not used
to being tied shall remain untied. Animals shall have access to water.
1.11. Animals shall not be tied by the horns, the antlers, the nose rings nor by legs tied together. Calves shall not be
muzzled. Domestic Equidae older than eight months shall wear halters during transport except for unbroken
horses.
When animals need to be tied, the ropes, tethers or other means used shall be:
(a) strong enough not to break during normal transport conditions;
(b) such as to allow the animals, if necessary, to lie down and to eat and drink;
(c) designed in such a way as to eliminate any danger of strangulation or injury, and so as to allow animals to
be quickly released.
Separation
1.12. Animals shall be handled and transported separately in the following cases:
(a) animals of different species;
(b) animals of significantly different sizes or ages;
(c) adult breeding boars or stallions;
(d) sexually mature males from females;
(e) animals with horns from animals without horns;
(f) animals hostile to each other;
(g) tied animals from untied animals.
1.13. Points (a), (b), (c) and (e) of paragraph 1.12. shall not apply where the animals have been raised in compatible
groups, are accustomed to each other, where separation will cause distress or where females are accompanied
by dependent young.
2. During transport
2.1. Space allowances shall at least comply with the figures laid down, in respect of the animals and the means of
transport referred to, in Chapter VII.
2.2. Domestic Equidae except mares travelling with their foals shall be transported in individual stalls when the
vehicle is loaded onto a Roll-on-Roll-off vessel. Derogation to this provision may be granted under national
rules provided that they are notified by the Member States to the Standing Committee on the food Chain and
Animal Health.
2.3. Equidae shall not be transported in multi-deck vehicles except if animals are loaded on the lowest deck with no
animals on higher deck. The minimum internal height of compartment shall be at least 75 cm higher than the
height of the withers of the highest animal.
2.4. Unbroken Equidae shall not be transported in groups of more than four individuals.
2.5. Paragraphs 1.10. to 1.13. shall apply mutatis mutandis to the means of transport.
2.6. Sufficient ventilation shall be provided to ensure that the needs of the animals are fully met taking into account
in particular the number and type of the animals to be transported and the expected weather conditions during
the journey. Containers shall be stored in a way which does not impede their ventilation.
2.7. During transport, animals shall be offered water, feed and the opportunity to rest as appropriate to their species
and age, at suitable intervals and in particular as referred to in Chapter V. If not otherwise specified, Mammals
and Birds shall be fed at least every 24 hours and watered at least every 12 hours. The water and feed shall be
of good quality and presented to the animals in a way which minimises contamination. Due regard shall be paid
to the need of animals to become accustomed to the mode of feeding and watering.
CHAPTER IV
ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR LIVESTOCK VESSELS OR VESSELS TRANSPORTING SEA CONTAINERS
SECTION 1
Construction and equipment requirements for livestock vessels
1. Strength for pen rails and decks shall be appropriate to the transported animals. Strength calculations of pen rails
and decks shall be verified during construction or conversion of the livestock vessel by a classification society
approved by the competent authority.
2. Compartments where animals are to be transported shall be equipped with a forced ventilation system which gives
sufficient capacity to change the air in its entire volume as follows:
(a) 40 air changes per hour if the compartment is fully enclosed and the clear height is less or equal to 2,30 meters;
(b) 30 air changes per hour if the compartment is fully enclosed and the clear height is more than 2,30 meters;
(c) 75 % of the above relevant capacity if the compartment is partially enclosed.
3. Storage or production capacity for fresh water shall be appropriate to meet the water requirement laid down in
Chapter VI taking into account the maximum number and the type of animals to be transported as well as the
maximum duration of the intended journeys.
4. The fresh water system shall be capable of supplying freshwater continuously in each livestock area and sufficient
receptacles shall be available to ensure that all animals have easy and constant access to fresh water. Alternative
pumping equipment shall be available to ensure water supply in the event of failure of the primary pumping system.
5. The drainage system shall be of appropriate capacity to drain fluids from pens and decks under all conditions. Drain-
pipes and channels shall collect the fluids in wells or tanks from where sewage can be discharged by means of pumps
or ejectors. Alternative pumping equipment shall be available to ensure drainage in the event of failure of the
primary pumping system.
6. Livestock areas, passageways and ramps to livestock areas shall be provided with sufficient lighting. Emergency
lighting shall be available in case of a failure of the main electrical installation. Sufficient portable lighting shall be
provided to allow the attendant adequate inspection and care of the animals.
7. A fire fighting system shall be appropriately installed in all livestock areas and fire equipment within the livestock
areas shall comply with the most recent the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) standards
regarding fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction.
8. The following systems for livestock shall be equipped with a monitoring, control and alarm system in the wheel-
house:
(a) ventilation;
(b) fresh water supply and drainage;
(c) lighting;
(d) fresh water production if necessary.
9. A primary source of power shall be sufficient to supply continuous power for the systems for livestock referred to in
paragraphs (2) (4) (5) and (6) under normal operation of the livestock vessel. A secondary source of power shall be
sufficient to replace the primary source of power for a continuous period of three days.
SECTION 2
Feed and water supply on livestock vessels or vessels transporting sea containers
Livestock vessels or vessels transporting sea containers with domestic Equidae and domestic animals of bovine, ovine,
caprine and porcine species, for journeys exceeding 24 hours, shall carry from the time of departure sufficient bedding
as well as sufficient feed and water to cover the minimum daily feed and water supply requirements set out in Table 1
for the intended journey plus 25 % or three days' spare supply of bedding, feed and water, whichever is the greater.
Table 1
Minimum daily feed and water supply on livestock vessels or vessels transporting sea containers
Feed
(in % of live weight of animals) Fresh water (litres per
Category
animal) (*)
Fodder Concentrated feed
Cattle and Equidae 2 1,6 45
Sheep 2 1,8 4
Pigs — 3 10
(*) The minimum water supply requirements laid down in the fourth column may be replaced for all species by a water supply of 10 %
of the live weight of the animals.
Fodder may be replaced by concentrated feed and vice versa. However, due regard shall be paid to the need of certain
categories of animals, to become accustomed to the change of feed with regard to their metabolic needs.
CHAPTER V
WATERING AND FEEDING INTERVAL, JOURNEY TIMES AND RESTING PERIODS
1. Domestic Equidae, domestic animals of bovine, ovine, caprine and porcine species
1.1. The requirements laid down in this Section apply to the movement of domestic Equidae, except registered
Equidae, domestic animals of bovine, ovine, caprine and porcine species, except in the case of air transport.
1.2. Journey times for animals belonging to the species referred to in point 1.1. shall not exceed eight hours.
1.3. The maximum journey time in point 1.2. may be extended if the additional requirements of Chapter VI are met.
1.4. The watering and feeding intervals, journey times and rest periods when using road vehicles which meet the
requirements in point 1.3. are defined as follows:
(a) Unweaned calves, lambs, kids and foals which are still on a milk diet and unweaned piglets must, after nine
hours of travel, be given a rest period of at least one hour sufficient in particular for them to be given liquid
and if necessary fed. After this rest period, they may be transported for a further nine hours;
(b) Pigs may be transported for a maximum period of 24 hours. During the journey, they must have continuous
access to water;
(c) Domestic Equidae may be transported for a maximum period of 24 hours. During the journey they must be
given liquid and if necessary fed every eight hours;
(d) All other animals of the species referred to in point 1.1. must, after 14 hours of travel, be given a rest
period of at least one hour sufficient for them in particular to be given liquid and if necessary fed. After this
rest period, they may be transported for a further 14 hours.
1.5. After the journey time laid down, animals must be unloaded, fed and watered and be rested for at least 24
hours.
1.6. Animals must not be transported by train if the maximum journey time exceeds that laid down in point 1.2.
However, the journey times laid down in point 1.4. shall apply where the conditions laid down in points 1.3.
and 1.4, except for rest periods, are met.
1.7. (a) Animals must not be transported by sea if the maximum journey time exceeds that laid down in point 1.2,
unless the conditions laid down in points 1.3. and 1.4, apart from journey times and rest periods, are met.
(b) In the case of transport by sea on a regular and direct link between two geographical points of the Com-
munity by means of vehicles loaded on to vessels without unloading of the animals, the latter must be
rested for 12 hours after unloading at the port of destination or in its immediate vicinity unless the journey
time at sea is such that the voyage can be included in the general scheme of points 1.2. to 1.4.
1.8. In the interests of the animals, the journey times in points 1.3, 1.4. and 1.7(b) may be extended by two hours,
taking account in particular of proximity to the place of destination.
1.9. Without prejudice to the provisions of points 1.3. to 1.8, Member States are authorised to provide for a
maximum non-extendible journey time of eight hours for the transport of animals destined for slaughter, where
the transport is carried out exclusively from a place of departure to a place of destination both situated on their
own territory.
2. Other species
2.1. For poultry, domestic birds and domestic rabbits, suitable food and water shall be available in adequate quanti-
ties, save in the case of a journey lasting less than:
(a) 12 hours disregarding loading and unloading time; or
(b) 24 hours for chicks of all species, provided that it is completed within 72 hours after hatching.
2.2. Dogs and cats being transported shall be fed at intervals of not more than 24 hours and given water at intervals
of not more than eight hours. There shall be clear written instructions about feeding and watering.
2.3. Other species other than those referred to in point 2.1. or 2.2. shall be transported in accordance with the
written instructions about feeding and watering and taking into account any special care required.
CHAPTER VI
ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR LONG JOURNEYS OF DOMESTIC EQUIDAE AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS
OF BOVINE, OVINE, CAPRINE AND PORCINE SPECIES
1. All long journeys
Roof
1.1. The means of transport shall be equipped with a roof of light-colour and be properly insulated.
Floor and Bedding
1.2. Animals shall be provided with appropriate bedding or equivalent material which guarantees their comfort
appropriate to the species, the number of animals being transported, the journey time, and the weather. This
material has to ensure adequate absorption of urine and faeces.
Feed
1.3. The means of transport shall carry a sufficient quantity of appropriate feedingstuff for the feeding requirements
of the animals in question during the journey concerned. The feedingstuffs shall be protected from the weather
and from contaminants such as dust, fuel, exhaust gases and animal urine and dung.
1.4. Where specific feeding equipment is used for the feeding of animals, that equipment shall be transported in the
means of transport.
1.5. Where feeding equipment as referred to in paragraph 1.4. is used, it shall be so designed that, if necessary, it is
attached to the means of transport to prevent its being overturned. When the means of transport is moving and
when the equipment is not in use, it shall be stored separate from the animals.
Partitions
1.6. Equidae shall be transported in individual stalls except mares travelling with their foals.
1.7. The means of transport must be fitted with partitions so that separate compartments may be created, while
providing all the animals with free access to water.
1.8. The partitions shall be constructed in such a way that they can be placed in different positions so that the size
of compartment can be adapted to specific requirements, and to the type, size and number of animals.
Minimum criteria for certain species
1.9. Except if accompanied by their mother, long journeys are only permitted for domestic Equidae and domestic
animals of bovine and porcine species if:
— domestic Equidae are older than four months, with the exception of registered Equidae,
— calves are older than fourteen days,
— pigs are heavier than 10 kgs.
Unbroken horses shall not be transported on long journeys.
2. Water supply for transport by road, rail or sea containers
2.1. The means of transport and sea containers shall be equipped with a water supply that makes it possible for the
attendant to provide water instantly whenever it is necessary during the journey, so that each animal has access
to water.
2.2. The watering devices shall be in good working order and be appropriately designed and positioned for the cate-
gories of animals to be watered on board the vehicle.
2.3. The water tanks' total capacity for each means of transport shall be at least equal to 1,5 % of its maximum
payload. Water tanks must be designed so that they can be drained and cleaned after each journey and must be
fitted with a system allowing their water level to be checked. They must be connected to drinking devices
within the compartments and maintained in good working order.
2.4. A derogation from point 2.3. may apply to sea containers exclusively used on vessels that supply water to them
from the vessel's own water tanks.
3. Ventilation for means of transport by road and temperature monitoring
3.1. Ventilation systems on means of transport by road shall be designed, constructed and maintained in such way
that, at any time during the journey, whether the means of transport is stationary or moving, they are capable
of maintaining a range of temperatures from 5 oC to 30 oC within the means of transport, for all animals, with
a +/- 5 oC tolerance, depending on the outside temperature.
3.2. The ventilation system must be capable of ensuring even distribution throughout with a minimum airflow of
nominal capacity of 60 m3/h/KN of payload. It must be capable of operating for at least 4 hours, independently
of the vehicle engine.
3.3. Means of transport by road must be fitted with a temperature monitoring system as well as with a means of
recording such data. Sensors must be located in the parts of the lorry which, depending on its design character-
istics, are most likely to experience the worst climatic conditions. Temperature recordings obtained in such
manner shall be dated and made available to the competent authority upon request.
3.4. Means of transport by road must be fitted with a warning system in order to alert the driver when the tempera-
ture in the compartments where animals are located reaches the maximum or the minimum limit.
3.5. The Commission shall elaborate before 31 July 2005 a report on the basis of an opinion of the European Food
Safety Authority, accompanied by appropriate draft measures with a view to establishing a range of maximum
and minimum temperatures for the transported animals, to be adopted in accordance with the procedure
referred to in Article 31(2), taking into account the prevailing temperatures within certain regions of the Com-
munity having particular climatic conditions.
4. Navigation System
4.1. Means of transport by road must be equipped as from 1 January 2007 for means of transport by road for the
first time in service and as from 1 January 2009 onwards for all means of transport, with the appropriate Navi-
gation System allowing for recording and providing information equivalent to those mentioned in the journey
log as referred to in Annex II, Section 4, and information concerning opening/closing of the loading flap.
4.2. The Commission shall submit to the Council, by 1 January 2008, the results of study of navigation systems and
the application of such technology for the purpose of this Regulation.
4.3. The Commission shall submit to the Council, not later than 1 January 2010, a report on the implementation of
the Navigation System referred to in paragraph 4.2, accompanied by any proposals it would deem appropriate,
aimed in particular at defining specifications of the Navigation System to be used for all means of transport. The
Council shall act on such proposals by qualified majority.
CHAPTER VII
SPACE ALLOWANCES
Space allowances for animals shall comply at least with the following figures:
A. Domestic equidae
Transport by rail
Adult horses 1,75 m2 (0,7 × 2,5 m) (*)

Young horses (6 — 24 months) (for journeys of up to 48 hours) 1,2 m2 (0,6 × 2 m)
Young horses (6 — 24 months) (for journeys over 48 hours) 2,4 m2 (1,2 × 2 m)
Ponies (under 144 cm) 1 m2 (0,6 × 1,8 m)
Foals (0 — 6 months) 1,4 m2 (1 × 1,4 m)
(*) The standard useable width of wagons is 2 to 2 m.
Note: During long journeys, foals and young horses must be able to lie down
These figures may vary by a maximum of 10 % for adult horses and ponies and by a maximum of 20 % for young
horses and foals, depending not only on the horses' weight and size but also on their physical condition, the meteor-
ological conditions and the likely journey time.
Transport by road
Adult horses 1,75 m2 (0,7 × 2,5 m)

Young horses (6 — 24 months) (for journeys of up to 48 hours) 1,2 m2 (0,6 × 2 m)
Young horses (6 — 24 months) (for journeys over 48 hours) 2,4 m2 (1,2 × 2 m)
Ponies (under 144 cm) 1 m2 (0,6 × 1,8 m)
Foals (0 — 6 months) 1,4 m2 (1 × 1,4 m)
Note: During long journeys, foals and young horses must be able to lie down
These figures may vary by a maximum of 10 % for adult horses and ponies and by a maximum of 20 % for young
horses and foals, depending not only on the horses' weight and size but also on their physical condition, the meteor-
ological conditions and the likely journey time.
Transport by air
Loading density of horses in relation to surface area
0 — 100 kg 0,42 m2
100 — 200 kg 0,66 m2
200 — 300 kg 0,87 m2
300 — 400 kg 1,04 m2
400 — 500 kg 1,19 m2
500 — 600 kg 1,34 m2
600 — 700 kg 1,51 m2
700 — 800 kg 1,73 m2
Transport by sea
Live weight in kg m2/animal
200 — 300 0,90 — 1,175

300 — 400 1,175 — 1,45
400 — 500 1,45 — 1,725
500 — 600 1,725 — 2
600 — 700 2 — 2,25
B. Bovine animals
Transport by rail
Category Approximate weight (in kg) Area in m2/animal
Small calves 50 0,30 to 0,40

Medium sized calves 110 0,40 to 0,70
Heavy calves 200 0,70 to 0,95
Medium sized cattle 325 0,95 to 1,30
Heavy cattle 550 1,30 to 1,60
Very heavy cattle > 700 > 1,60
These figures may vary, depending not only on the animals' weight and size but also on their physical condition, the
meteorological conditions and the likely journey time.
Transport by road
Small calves 50 0,30 to 0,40

Medium sized calves 110 0,40 to 0,70
Heavy calves 200 0,70 to 0,95
Medium sized cattle 325 0,95 to 1,30
Heavy cattle 550 1,30 to 1,60
Very heavy cattle > 700 > 1,60
These figures may vary, depending not only on the animals' weight and size but also on their physical condition, the
meteorological conditions and the likely journey time.
Transport by air
Calves 50 0,23
70 0,28
Cattle 300 0,84

500 1,27
Transport by sea
200 — 300 0,81 — 1,0575

300 — 400 1,0575 — 1,305
400 — 500 1,305 — 1,5525
500 — 600 1,5525 — 1,8
600 — 700 1,8 — 2,025
Pregnant animals must be allowed 10 % more space.
C. Sheep/Goats
Transport by rail
Category Weight in kg Area in m2/animal
Shorn sheep < 55 0,20 to 0,30

> 55 > 0,30
Unshorn sheep < 55 0,30 to 0,40
> 55 > 0,40
Heavily pregnant ewes < 55 0,40 to 0,50
> 55 > 0,50
Goats < 35 0,20 to 0,30

35 to 55 0,30 to 0,40
> 55 0,40 to 0,75
Heavily pregnant goats < 55 0,40 to 0,50
> 55 > 0,50
The surface area indicated above may vary depending on the breed, the size, the physical condition and the length of
fleece of the animals, as well as on the meteorological conditions and the journey time.
Transport by road
Shorn sheep and lambs of 26 kg and over < 55 0,20 to 0,30

> 55 > 0,30
Unshorn sheep < 55 0,30 to 0,40
> 55 > 0,40
Heavily pregnant ewes < 55 0,40 to 0,50
> 55 > 0,50
Goats < 35 0,20 to 0,30

35 to 55 0,30 to 0,40
> 55 0,40 to 0,75
Heavily pregnant goats < 55 0,40 to 0,50
> 55 > 0,50
The surface area indicated above may vary depending on the breed, the size, the physical condition and the length of
fleece of the animals, as well as on the meteorological conditions and the journey time. As an indication: for small
lambs, an area of under 0,2 m2 per animal may be provided.
Transport by air
Loading density for sheep and goats in relation to surface area
Average weight (in kg) Surface area per sheep/goat (in m2)
25 0,2
50 0,3
75 0,4
Transport by sea
20 — 30 0,24 — 0,265
30 — 40 0,265 — 0,290
40 — 50 0,290 — 0,315
50 — 60 0,315 — 0,34
60 — 70 0,34 — 0,39
D. Pigs
Transport by rail and by road

All pigs must at least be able to lie down and stand up in their natural position.
In order to comply with these minimum requirements, the loading density for pigs of around 100 kg should not
exceed 235 kg/m2.
The breed, size and physical condition of the pigs may mean that the minimum required surface area given above
has to be increased; a maximum increase of 20 % may also be required depending on the meteorological conditions
and the journey time.
Transport by air
The loading density should be relatively high to preclude injury on takeoff or landing or in the event of turbulence,
although all animals must still be able to lie down. The climate, total journey time and hour of arrival should be
taken into account in deciding on the loading density.
Average weight Surface area per pig
15 kg 0,13 m2
25 kg 0,15 m2
50 kg 0,35 m2
100 kg 0,51 m2
Transport by sea
10 or less 0,20
20 0,28
45 0,37
70 0,60
100 0,85
140 0,95
180 1,10
270 1,50
E. Poultry
Densities applicable to the transport of poultry in containers

Minimum floor areas shall be provided as follows:
Category Area in cm2
Day-old chicks 21 — 25 per chick
Poultry other than day-old chicks: weight in kg Area in cm2 per kg
< 1,6 180 — 200
1,6 to < 3 160
3 to < 5 115
>5 105
These figures may vary depending not only on the weight and size of the birds but also on their physical condition,
the meteorological conditions and the likely journey time.
ANNEX II
JOURNEY LOG
(as referred to in Article 5(4), Article 8(2), points (a) and (c) of Article 14 and Article 21(2))
1. A person planning a long journey shall prepare, stamp and sign all pages of the journey log in accordance with the
provisions of this Annex.
2. The journey log shall comprise the following sections:
Section 1 — Planning;
Section 2 — Place of departure;
Section 3 — Place of destination;
Section 4 — Declaration by transporter;
Section 5 — Specimen anomaly report.
The pages of the journey log shall be fastened together.
Models of each section are set out in the Appendix hereto.
3. The organiser shall:
(a) identify each journey log with a distinguishing number;
(b) ensure that a signed copy of Section 1 of the journey log, properly completed except as regards the veterinary–
certificate numbers, is received within two working days before the time of departure by the competent authority
of the place of departure in a manner defined by such authority;
(c) comply with any instruction given by the competent authority under point (a) of Article 14(1);
(d) ensure that the journey log is stamped as required in Article 14(1);
(e) ensure that the journey log accompanies the animals during the journey until the point of destination or, in case
of export to a third country, at least until the exit point.
4. Keepers at the place of departure and, when the place of destination is located within the territory of the Community,
keepers at the place of destination, shall complete and sign the relevant sections of the journey log. They shall inform
the competent authority of any reservations concerning compliance with the provisions of this Regulation using the
specimen form in Section 5 as soon as possible.
5. When the place of destination is located within the territory of the Community, keepers at the place of destination
shall keep the journey log, except Section 4, for at least three years from the date of arrival at the place of destina-
tion.
The journey log shall be made available to the competent authority upon request.
6. When the journey has been completed within the territory of the Community, the transporter shall complete and
sign Section 4 of the journey log.
7. If animals are exported to a third country, transporters shall give the journey log to the official veterinarian at the
exit point.
In the case of export of live bovine animals with refunds, Section 3 of the journey log shall not be required if the
agricultural legislation requires a report.
8. The transporter referred to in Section 3 of the journey log shall keep:
(a) a copy of the completed journey log;
(b) the corresponding record sheet or print out as referred to in Annex I or Annex IB to Regulation (EEC) No 3821/
85 if the vehicle is covered by that Regulation.
Documents referred to in points (a) and (b) shall be made available to the competent authority which granted the
transporter's authorisation and upon request to the competent authority of the place of departure, within one month
after it has been completed and shall be kept by the transporter for a period of at least three years from the date of
the check.
Documents referred to in point (a) shall be returned to the competent authority of the place of departure within 1
month after the completion of the journey, unless the systems referred to in Article 6(9) were used. A simplified
version of the journey log and guidelines for the presentation of the records referred to in Article 6(9) shall be estab-
lished in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 31(2), when vehicles are equipped with the systems
referred to in Article 6(9).
Appendix
SECTION 1
PLANNING
SECTION 2
PLACE OF DEPARTURE
SECTION 3
PLACE OF DESTINATION
DECLARATION BY TRANSPORTER
SECTION 4
SECTION 5
SPECIMEN ANOMALY REPORT No …
A copy of the anomaly report accompanied by a copy of Section 1 of the journey log shall be transmitted to the compe-
tent authority.
ANNEX III
FORMS
(as referred to in Articles 10(2), 11(2), 17(2) and 18(2))
CHAPTER I
Transporter authorisation pursuant to Article 10(1)
CHAPTER II
Transporter authorisation pursuant to Article 11(1)
CHAPTER III
Certificate of competence for drivers and attendants pursuant to Article 17(2)
CHAPTER IV
Certificate of approval of means of transport by road for long journeys pursuant to Article 18(2)
ANNEX IV
TRAINING
1. Road drivers and attendants as referred to in Article 6(5) and Article 17(1) shall have successfully completed the
training as provided for in paragraph 2 and have passed an examination approved by the competent authority,
which shall ensure that examiners are independent.
2. The training courses referred to in paragraph 1 shall include at least the technical and administrative aspects of Com-
munity legislation concerning the protection of animals during transport and in particular the following items:
(a) Articles 3 and 4 and Annexes I and II;
(b) animal physiology and in particular drinking and feeding needs, animal behaviour and the concept of stress;
(c) practical aspects of handling of animals;
(d) impact of driving behaviour on the welfare of the transported animals and on the quality of meat;
(e) emergency care for animals;
(f) safety considerations for personnel handling animals.
ANNEX V
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
(as referred to in Article 21(1)(e))
The European Convention for the protection of animals during international transport.
ANNEX VI
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR CONTAINERS, PENS OR STALLS APPROPRIATE FOR TRANS-

PORTING LIVE ANIMALS BY AIR
(as referred to in Annex I, Chapter II (paragraph 4.1))
International Air Transport Association (IATA) live animals regulations 31st Edition, 1 October 2004.
Rev. sci. tech. Off. int. Epiz., 2005, 24 (2), 673-681
Transport of animals by sea

R.T. Norris
Department of Agriculture, Locked Bag No. 4, Bentley Delivery Centre 6983, Western Australia
Summary
The author briefly describes the development of the World Organisation for
Animal Health (OIE) Guidelines for the transport of animals by sea. The paper
provides details about the membership of the OIE Ad hoc Group on the sea
transport of animals, the terms of reference of this group, the process followed
and the consultations that were undertaken in developing and reviewing
the guidelines. An outline of the guideline contents is also provided.
In addition, the author outlines the programme of research undertaken into
the causes of sheep and cattle deaths during sea transport from Australia – the
world’s largest exporter of sheep and cattle by sea. The main findings of these
investigations are summarised.
Keywords
Animal welfare – Livestock exports – Sea transport guidelines – Sea transport of
animals.
for feeding and eventual slaughter. This trade developed

Introduction during the 1990s to satisfy a growing demand for beef and
to take advantage of Australia’s production capacity as well
Animals have been transported by sea, as well as across as the low labour costs and wide availability of feedstuffs in
lakes and rivers, for centuries. The main reason for the importing countries.
transporting animals by sea is to satisfy a commercially-
driven demand which usually involves breeding, c) Large numbers of cattle and sheep have been transported
immediate slaughter, or feeding and subsequent slaughter. on relatively short voyages from the United Kingdom and
the Republic of Ireland to continental Europe, mostly for
The transport of animals by sea is undertaken in many slaughter.
areas of the world, for example: d) As part of its modernisation programme, the People’s
a) The Middle East region, particularly Saudi Arabia and Republic of China has recently begun importing dairy
other countries on the Arabian Peninsula, is the world’s cattle to satisfy a growing demand for dairy products, and
largest importer of live animals for slaughter and imports thousands of pregnant heifers and young cows are
mainly sheep as well as goats, cattle and camels. Sheep, imported from various parts of the world. Significant
and often cattle as well, may be transported on large ships numbers of goats and sheep are also imported by the
with purpose-built pens from countries such as Australia, People’s Republic of China for breeding with local animals
New Zealand, Uruguay, Argentina and the People’s to improve meat and wool production.
Republic of China. However, considerable numbers of
sheep and other animals are imported on dhows or other There have been concerns about the welfare of animals
small boats from countries closer to the region such as transported by sea for many years. The unfortunate
Somalia, Sudan, India and Pakistan. incident involving 57,000 Australian sheep stranded
aboard the livestock transport ship MV Cormo Express for
b) Each year countries in South-East Asia including more than two months in 2003 after the shipment was
Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia import thousands rejected by Saudi Arabia, focused worldwide media
of young, tropically-adapted cattle from northern Australia attention on the welfare of animals transported by sea.
674 Rev. sci. tech. Off. int. Epiz., 24 (2)
Against this background, it was timely that the World – there may be many parties in the export chain and
Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) became involved in several changes in ownership of the animals.
developing international guidelines for the welfare of
animals. In 2002, the OIE identified four areas of animal
welfare for priority attention. One of the priority areas was A further consideration was that the Guidelines should be
the sea transport of animals. equally applicable throughout the world, including in
developing countries.
Sea transport guidelines The following documents were used as sources of

information for the initial meeting:
In 2003, the OIE convened an ad hoc group on the sea – Animal Transport Association Manual for the
transport of animals with the following terms of reference: Transportation of Live Animals (1)
– to develop a first draft of guiding principles specifically – Australian Livestock Export Standards (3)
addressing sea transportation, based on the generic OIE – Australian Maritime Safety Authority Marine Orders
guiding principles and policies for animal welfare Part 43 (2)
– to develop a final draft of guidelines (based on approved – European Convention for the protection of animals during
guiding principles) for consideration by the OIE Working international transport (7).
Group on Animal Welfare and the OIE Terrestrial Animal
Health Standards Commission At its second meeting, the Ad hoc Group considered the
– to review existing standards in the OIE Terrestrial Animal report of the recent meeting of the OIE Working Group on
Health Code animal welfare, the outcomes of the OIE Global
Conference on Animal Welfare in 2004, the outcomes of
– to identify future directions in which the Ad hoc Group
the OIE 72nd General Session and comments from
may need to move
Member Countries, from the International Coalition for
– to address the welfare of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and Farm Animal Welfare and from the European Community
horses initially. Shipowner’s Association. Also considered where relevant
were the guidelines and standards from the new Australian
The first meeting of the Ad hoc Group was held in Standards for the Export of Livestock (5) which was under
November 2003 and consisted of Dr R.T. Norris development at the time.
(chairman), Dr G.B. (Ru) Davis, Mr T. Harris and
Dr M. Kassab as well as Dr D. Wilson and Dr A. Petrini The Guidelines for the sea transport of animals consist of
from the OIE. Dr A. Thiermann and Dr A. Gavinelli joined articles which address the following areas:
the group for the second meeting in September 2004.
– responsibilities
The collective expertise of the group included: clinical – competence
experience of sheep and cattle on more than 20 sea – documentation
voyages; research into the health and welfare of sheep and
cattle during sea transport; the planning and supervision of – planning the journey
many transport journeys involving many animal species; – pre-journey period
and experience of regulatory issues from the perspectives – loading
of an exporting and an importing country.
– journey
An important assumption made at the initial meeting was – unloading and post-journey handling
that the decision to allow the export of animals has already – refusal to import.
been made by the Governments of the exporting and the
importing countries involved. A brief outline of each of the articles is given below. The
full details are now publicly available after the Guidelines
Other factors taken into consideration were: were endorsed by OIE Member Countries during the
– the animals may be transported by sea for slaughter, 73rd OIE General Session in May 2005 (17).
breeding or other purposes
– the sea journey may involve a short or long distance
– the animals may experience a major change in climate if
Responsibilities
crossing the equator (e.g. winter conditions in one An important principle is that once the decision to
hemisphere, summer conditions in the other hemisphere) transport animals by sea has been made, the welfare of
Rev. sci. tech. Off. int. Epiz., 24 (2) 675
animals during their transport is paramount and is the Documentation

joint responsibility of all people involved. The Guidelines
identify the main parties involved in the sea transport of The Guidelines outline the minimum information that
animals and outline their responsibilities. should be recorded. This information, which should
accompany the consignment, includes:
The most important of these parties is the exporter who – the journey travel plan
has overall responsibility for the organisation, carrying out – details of loading and the stocking density for each load
and completion of the journey, regardless of whether duties in the consignment
are subcontracted to other parties during transport. The
exporter is also responsible for ensuring compliance of the – the daily record of inspection and important events
animals with the veterinary certification and other during the journey
requirements of the importing and exporting countries, – details of the animals and their identification
and for the presence during the journey of at least one – details of any treatments administered as well as any
animal handler competent for the species being deaths.
transported.
The managers of facilities that are used during the loading

Planning the journey
of the animals and unloading at the end of the journey
have several responsibilities, including the provision of Planning the journey adequately is regarded as key to a
suitable premises and the provision of competent animal successful animal health and welfare outcome.
handlers. The competent authority of the exporting
country and of the importing country also have several
responsibilities, including: establishing minimum Pre-journey period
standards for animal welfare; approving facilities; setting
Before the journey begins, planning should address the
competence standards; ensuring that the vessel
following areas at a minimum:
transporting the animals meets the required standards; and
monitoring and evaluating health and welfare – the type of vessel required
performance.
– the journey route, including distance
– expected weather and sea conditions
Competence – daily care and management of the animals
The Guidelines focus on the competence of animal – provision of appropriate equipment and medication
handlers and of exporters as these are seen as key parties
in ensuring the health and welfare of the animals being – provision of sufficient feed and water
transported. Assessment of competence should consider
– emergency response procedures.
the knowledge, and the ability to apply that knowledge, in
several areas, including:
The Guidelines outline several issues relating to the type of
– responsibilities vessel, including:
– sources of advice and assistance – ensuring that the vessel design and fittings are
appropriate for the species of animals to be transported
– animal behaviour
– the provision of non-slip flooring
– general signs of disease and indicators of poor animal
welfare – the management of urine and faeces, including
prevention of soiling on lower decks
– relevant authorities and transport regulations
– ensuring adequate access to feed and water
– animal handling methods
– ensuring that ventilation is adequate to meet variations
– methods of inspecting animals in climate and the thermo-regulatory needs of the animals
– appropriate record-keeping. – the general state of maintenance of the vessel.
The Guidelines focus on competence rather than training Special mention is made of road vehicles on roll-on/roll-off
because a person may be trained but still not be vessels and containers, including the need to adequately
competent. It is recognised that competence may be gained secure road vehicles and containers before the start of the
through formal training and/or practical experience. sea journey to prevent them being displaced.
Planning the journey also includes provision of an consignment immediately before departure to ensure that
emergency management plan that identifies the important the animals have been loaded according to the load plan.
adverse events that may be encountered during the Adjustments should be made to the stocking density in
journey, the procedures for managing each event, and pens within 48 h of departure and as appropriate during
the action to be taken in an emergency. the journey.
The pre-journey period covers the period from selection of In addition, the Guidelines state that each pen of animals
the animals at the premises of origin to the point of loading should be observed on a daily basis for normal behaviour,
onto the vessel, and may involve assembly in a designated health and welfare, and the correct operation of
holding area. Where road transport is involved, the ventilation, watering and feeding systems. Any necessary
Guidelines for road transport would apply and are not corrective action should be undertaken promptly.
addressed in detail in the Guidelines for sea transport.
The Guidelines also state that sick or injured animals
The issues to be addressed in the design of pre-journey
should be treated promptly and appropriately, and
holding areas include securely containing the animals in a
veterinary advice should be sought if necessary. All drugs
safe environment with protection from exposure to adverse
and products should be used in accordance with the
weather, and allowance for rest, watering and feeding. In
manufacturer’s recommendations, and a record should be
some situations the animals will be provided with a novel
kept of treatments applied and their outcomes.
diet on the vessel, and a period of pre-conditioning to the
feed may be necessary.
It is important to ensure that the animals selected are fit to Unloading and post-journey handling
travel and are placed in compatible groups if adverse This stage of the process also requires careful planning and
animal welfare outcomes are to be avoided. The Guidelines experienced supervision as it too has the potential to
state that animals should be inspected before travel and adversely affect welfare in transported animals.
those found unfit should not be loaded. Several conditions
are listed that would render animals either unfit to travel or Livestock vessels should have priority attention when
fit to travel but requiring special conditions or attention. arriving in port and have priority access to a berth with
Similarly, the Guidelines indicate the factors that should be suitable unloading facilities. The animals should be
considered in the selection of compatible groups. unloaded into appropriate facilities as soon as possible
after the ship has arrived in port and the consignment has
been accepted by the competent authority of the importing
Loading
country.
Loading onto the vessel requires careful planning and
experienced supervision as it has the potential to adversely It is essential that all documentation meets the
affect welfare in transported animals. The Guidelines state requirements of the importing country and that veterinary
that loading should be supervised by the competent inspections should be completed as quickly as possible.
authority of the exporting country and managed by a
competent animal handler(s). Animal handlers should Unloading should be supervised by the competent
ensure that animals are loaded quietly and without authority of the importing country and managed by a
unnecessary noise, harassment or force, and that untrained competent animal handler(s). As with loading, the
assistants or spectators do not impede the process. unloading process should not be impeded by untrained
assistants or the presence of bystanders and the animals
The facilities for loading, including the collecting area at the should be unloaded using minimum force and as quietly
wharf, races and loading ramps, should be designed and as possible.
constructed to take account of the needs and abilities of the
animals with regard to dimensions, slopes, surfaces, absence The management of sick and injured animals at unloading
of sharp projections, flooring, adequate lighting, sides, etc. requires some judgment. In some cases, where animals are
non-ambulatory due to fatigue, injury or sickness, it may
Guidance is provided on the use of goads (aids for be in the best welfare interests of the animal to be treated
encouraging animals to move) and the types of goads that or euthanased aboard the vessel. If unloading is in the best
are regarded as permitted or not suitable. welfare interests of such animals, there should be
appropriate facilities and equipment for them to
be unloaded humanely in a manner that causes the least
Journey amount of suffering. After unloading, appropriate facilities
Regarding the journey itself, the Guidelines state that and treatments should be provided for sick or
competent animal handler(s) should check the injured animals.
Refusal to import tracing them back to the farm and interviewing the
farmer/manager to gather information about the previous
The Guidelines provide several principles to assist the management of the sheep, undertaking observations and
management of a situation where there is refusal to allow treatments in the pre-embarkation feedlot and during
the import of a shipment. The most important is that the loading onto the ship, and conducting post-mortem
welfare of the animals should be the first consideration. examinations and other observations during the voyage.
Many research voyages and more than
When a shipment has been refused approval to import, the 1,000 detailed post-mortem examinations were undertaken.
Guidelines propose that the competent authority of the Such large-scale studies in a commercial setting and the
importing country should make available suitable isolation application of pathology and epidemiological techniques
facilities that allow the animals to be unloaded and held had never been undertaken previously.
securely, without posing a risk to the health of the national
herd or flock, pending resolution of the situation. The main causes of sheep deaths during sea transport were
inanition and salmonellosis (19). These two causes
The competent authority of the importing country should accounted for about 75% of all deaths aboard ship. Factors
provide in writing the reasons for the refusal and, in the that affected the risk of sheep death were: consumption of
event of a refusal for animal health reasons, there should be the pelleted feed, farm group, age, time of year, fatness,
access to an OIE-appointed veterinarian(s) to assess the duration between leaving the farm and unloading in the
animals’ health status with regard to the importing Middle East, and occasionally, temperature and humidity
country’s concerns. (8, 9, 12, 14, 15).
It is recommended that if the matter cannot be resolved Death rates during the shipping phase varied widely
promptly, the competent authorities of the exporting and between farm groups of sheep, with high death rates
importing countries should call on the OIE to mediate. concentrated in only a few farm groups (9, 14). A study of
479 farm groups of sheep from 405 farms in Western
Similar principles are proposed where a shipment has been Australia showed that death rates ranged from nil to 28%,
refused approval to import and the animals are required to with half of all deaths in only 14% of the farm groups.
remain on the vessel. There were more deaths in sheep from the zones of higher
rainfall and longer pasture-growing season (9).
Bars wrapped in dye-soaked sponge were attached to feed

Research into sea transport of troughs to identify sheep which ate the pelleted feed
animals from Australia provided (14). Although most sheep began eating the
pelleted feed in the pre-embarkation feedlot or aboard
ship, a few became persistent non-feeders, and it is these
Australia is the world’s largest exporter of live sheep and
animals that were most likely to die. Giving them abundant
cattle by sea – 3.3 million sheep and 0.6 million cattle were
quantities of feed or increased access to the feed troughs
exported in 2004 (11).
did not reduce the number of persistent non-feeders (10).
Age, fatness and time of year all had an effect on the risk of a
Sheep sheep dying (8). Death rates during sea transport were higher
Nearly all sheep exported from Australia are transported to in adult wethers (castrated male) than in younger wethers,
the Middle East for slaughter and most are exported from and were higher in adult wethers in fat condition than those
the Port of Fremantle in Western Australia, with smaller in lean condition, and there were more deaths during the
numbers exported from Adelaide in South Australia and second half of the calendar year than in the first half.
Portland in Victoria (11). The rapid expansion of the live
sheep export trade in the late 1970s and growing animal The explanation (8, 18) is that sheep coming from dry
welfare concerns led to a period of intensive research into pasture in the first half of the year are in negative energy
the industry during the 1980s and 1990s. The research balance and are metabolically adjusted to using body fat
involved analysis of industry mortality records, land-based reserves for energy – southern Western Australia
studies, and investigations on ships travelling from Western experiences a Mediterranean climate and pastures decline
Australia to the Middle East. The aims were to define the in quality and quantity during the first half of the calendar
level of sheep mortality during the export process, and to year, and supplementary feeding, usually with cereal grains
identify the causes of death and the risk factors. or lupins, is required for animals to maintain bodyweight.
Any sheep which does not eat during the export process
A typical research voyage involved selecting and identifying therefore has a better chance of survival because it is able
about 10,000 sheep on arrival at a pre-embarkation feedlot, to mobilise body fat reserves to produce energy.
In contrast, sheep coming from green pasture in the second The latest records show that the death rate for all sheep
half of the year are metabolically adjusted to laying down during sea transport from Australia to all destinations was
body fat and those which do not eat during the export 0.75% out of 3.3 million sheep exported during 2004.
process are not able to use body fat reserves for energy and Records also show that the annual death rate of sheep
are therefore at increased risk of death. during sea transport from Western Australia to the Middle
East has declined steadily since 1992 (Fig. 1) (11). The
Immature sheep have a strong growth requirement and likely reasons for this trend include:
their powerful appetite drive overrides the seasonal cycles
that are prominent in adult sheep. Consequently, there – declining age of the sheep exported
were fewer non-feeders and deaths among immature – reduced time in the export system (faster ships and a
sheep. shorter pre-embarkation period which commonly lasts five
days instead of more than ten)
Factors for which no association (or no consistent
association) with mortality was shown include (15): – better facilities and management
– distance trucked from farm to pre-embarkation feedlot – new ships with better ventilation systems.
– time on the truck
– time off-feed from yarding on farm to unloading at the Cattle
feedlot
Live cattle are exported from many ports around Australia
– purchase history on the farm to destinations in South-East Asia, North Asia and the
– social interaction on the farm Middle East (11). Most cattle are exported for slaughter,
either soon after arrival or following a period of feeding,
– experience of supplementary feeding and type of feed as but increasing numbers of dairy cattle have been exported
unweaned lambs in recent years. For example, the number of dairy cattle
– experience of supplementary feeding and type of feed in exported to the People’s Republic of China grew rapidly
the last nine months before export from less than 1,500 in 2001 to 75,000 in 2004. Despite
this rapid increase in exports, the death rate in dairy cattle
– time of shearing on the farm. in 2004 was 0.09%.
An important finding was that most sheep began eating the The death rate for all cattle during sea transport from
pelleted feed within the first few days after loading onto Australia to all destinations during 2004 was 0.10%
the ship, even if they had not eaten this feed in the pre- (Table I) (7).
embarkation feedlot. This was a consistent finding in
research studies during actual commercial voyages and Investigations on voyages to the Middle East showed that
during simulated voyages (10, 16). In one such study, 85% the main causes of cattle deaths were heat stroke, trauma
to 93% of non-feeders in the pre-embarkation feedlot ate and respiratory disease (13). All of the deaths from heat
pelleted feed within the first three days of simulated stroke were in Bos taurus breeds and occurred in the latter
shipping (10). half of the voyage.
One of the outcomes of the research programme was the The research also showed that the risk of death on voyages
introduction of a system to record, collate and report to the Middle East was three times greater among cattle
mortalities of sheep on all sea voyages from Australia. The exported from southern ports in Australia compared to
system involves the designated ship’s officer recording northern ports. The likely reason is the higher content of
details such as the location on the ship and the type of tropically-adapted Bos indicus cattle in northern Australia
sheep (age, sex) for all deaths each day. This allows a more and their ability to handle the heat and humidity
detailed analysis of mortality counts than is possible in the encountered during the voyage, in contrast to the B. taurus
official report (ship Master’s report) (12) to the Australian breeds from southern Australia.
Government. The system was expanded recently to include
consignments of live cattle and live goats, and the annual This information has allowed the Australian Government
report (11) is distributed widely in Australia to Federal and to impose restrictions on the export of B. taurus cattle from
state governments, industry and animal welfare groups. southern ports between May and October when they are
moving from winter conditions in Australia to summer
Analysing mortality records is a useful way of monitoring conditions in the Middle East. These restrictions and
industry performance but is less useful in journeys where other requirements have been included in the recently
deaths are uncommon, and it is not suitable for assessing completed Australian Standards for the Export of
the welfare of small groups of animals or individuals. Livestock (5).
3.5
3.0
2.5
Mortality (percentage)
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
Year
Loading Voyage Discharge
Fig. 1
Annual mortality of sheep on ships during sea transport from Western Australia to the Middle East
The shipboard phase consists of loading, voyage to the first port of unloading, and discharge (includes all deaths after arrival at the first unloading port)
Table I
Death rates, number of voyages and number of cattle exported by sea from Australia to major destination regions during 2004
Parameter South-East Asia North-East Asia Middle East Mexico Total
Number of voyages 211 49 31 3 294

Number of cattle 453,969 93,303 61,679 5,633 614,584
Overall death rate (percentage) 0.05 0.10 0.43 0.37 0.10
Recent research transport of animals adopts and follows the Guidelines

developed by the OIE.
For many years the Australian livestock export industry
has funded research aimed at improving the health and
welfare of livestock during sea transport. Recently, this has
included research into the physiology of heat stress in Acknowledgements
cattle and sheep under conditions of live export (6) and the The author gratefully acknowledges the comments of
development of a model to assess the risk of mortality due Mr T. Harris and Dr G.B. (Ru) Davis in the preparation
to heat stress in livestock on voyages from Australia to the of this paper.
Middle East (4). The risk assessment model takes account
of several factors including weather at destination and en
route, animal acclimatisation, coat length, and the
ventilation characteristics of each ship.
Conclusion
It is expected that the practice of transporting animals by
sea will continue indefinitely. The welfare of such animals
will be enhanced if each country involved in the sea
Transport des animaux par voie maritime

R.T. Norris
Résumé
L’auteur décrit brièvement l’élaboration des Lignes directrices de l’Organisation
mondiale de la santé animale (OIE) pour le transport des animaux par voie
maritime. L’article précise la composition du Groupe ad hoc de l’OIE chargé du
transport maritime des animaux, le mandat de ce groupe, le processus suivi et
les consultations auxquelles ont donné lieu l'élaboration et la révision des lignes
directrices. Un aperçu du contenu des lignes directrices est également
présenté.
En outre, l’auteur décrit sommairement le programme de recherche entrepris
pour déceler les causes des décès d’ovins et de bovins enregistrés durant leur
transport par voie maritime à partir de l’Australie, le plus grand exportateur
mondial d’ovins et de bovins par voie maritime. Une synthèse des principaux
résultats de ces enquêtes est présentée.
Mots-clés
Bien-être animal – Exportation de bétail – Lignes directrices traitant du transport
maritime – Transport des animaux par voie maritime.
Transporte de animales por vía marítima

R.T. Norris
Resumen
El autor refiere sucintamente el proceso de elaboración de las directrices de la
Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal (OIE) para el transporte de animales
por vía marítima. Asimismo, explica la composición del grupo ad hoc de la OIE
que se ocupa del tema, expone su mandato y procedimiento de trabajo, describe
las consultas realizadas para elaborar y revisar las directrices y presenta a
grandes líneas el contenido de éstas.
Por otra parte, describe el programa destinado a investigar las causas de la
muerte de ovinos y bovinos durante el transporte por mar desde Australia (que
es el mayor exportador de ovinos y bovinos por vía marítima del mundo), y
resume las principales conclusiones de esa investigación.
Palabras clave
Bienestar animal – Directrices sobre transporte por vía marítima – Exportación de ganado
– Transporte de animales por vía marítima.
References
1. Animal Transport Association (AATA) (2000). – Manual for 11. Norris R.T. & Norman G.J. (2004). – LIVE.225 National
the transportation of live animals, 2nd Ed. Harris Associates, livestock exports mortality summary 2004. Meat and
Redhill. Livestock Australia, Sydney.
2. Anon. (2001). – Cargo and cargo handling: livestock. Marine 12. Norris R.T. & Richards R.B. (1989). – Deaths in sheep
Orders Part 43. Australian Maritime Safety Authority, exported by sea from Western Australia – analysis of ship
Canberra. Master’s reports. Aust. vet. J., 66 (4), 97-102.
3. Anon. (2002). – Australian Livestock Export Standards 13. Norris R.T., Richards R.B., Creeper J.H., Jubb T.F., Madin B.
November 2002. LiveCorp, Sydney. & Kerr J.W. (2003). – Cattle deaths during sea transport from
Australia. Aust. vet. J., 81 (3), 156-161.
4. Anon. (2003). – LIVE.116 Development of a heat stress risk
management model. Meat and Livestock Australia, Sydney. 14. Norris R.T., Richards R.B. & Dunlop R.H. (1989). – An
epidemiological study of sheep deaths before and during
5. Anon. (2004). – Australian standards for the export
export by sea from Western Australia. Aust. vet. J.,
of livestock. Website: www.daff.gov.au/livetrade (accessed on
66 (9), 276-279.
7 December 2004).
15. Norris R.T., Richards R.B. & Dunlop R.H. (1989). – Pre-
6. Barnes A., Beatty D., Taylor E., Stockman C., Maloney S. &
embarkation risk factors for sheep deaths during export by
McCarthy M. (2004). – LIVE.209 Physiology of heat stress in
sea from Western Australia. Aust. vet. J., 66 (10), 309-314.
cattle and sheep. Meat and Livestock Australia, Sydney.
16. Norris R.T., Richards R.B. & Norman G.J. (1992). – The
7. Council of Europe (CoE). (2003). – European Convention for
duration of lot-feeding of sheep before sea transport. Aust. vet.
the protection of animals during international transport,
J., 69 (1), 8-10.
1968 (revised 2003). CoE, Strasbourg.
17. OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) (2005). –
8. Higgs A.R.B., Norris R.T. & Richards R.B. (1991). – Season,
Guidelines for the transport of animals by sea. In Terrestrial
age and adiposity influence death rates in sheep exported by
Animal Health Code, 14th Ed. OIE, Paris, 403-414.
sea. Aust. J. agric. Res., 42 (2), 205-214.
18. Richards R.B., Hyder M.W., Fry J.M., Costa N.D., Norris R.T.
9. Higgs A.R.B., Norris R.T., Love R.A. & Norman G.J. (1999).
& Higgs A.R.B. (1991). – Seasonal metabolic factors may be
– Mortality of sheep exported by sea: evidence of similarity by
responsible for deaths in sheep exported by sea. Aust. J. agric.
farm group and of regional differences. Aust. vet. J., 77 (11),
Res., 42 (2), 215-226.
729-733.
19. Richards R.B., Norris R.T., Dunlop R.H. & McQuade N.C.
10. Norris R.T., McDonald C.L., Richards R.B., Hyder M.W.,
(1989). – Causes of death in sheep exported live by sea.
Gittins S.P. & Norman G.J. (1990). – Management of
Aust. vet. J., 66 (2), 33-38.
inappetant sheep during export by sea. Aust. vet. J., 67 (7),
244-247.

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MGM Marine Shipping Company Standing Instructions-

Guidelines for Livestock Ships

MGM MARINE SHIPPING

M/V JULIA L.S.

Guidelines for Livestock Ships

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MGM MARINE SHIPPING

COMPANY STANDING INSTRUCTIONS

SOLAS (IMO) INTERNATIONAL SAFETY MANAGEMENT CODE

MGM MARINE SHIPPING

DOCUMENT CONTROL INFORMATION

FIRST ISSUE / DATE Issue 01 / SEPTEMBER 2016

CONTROLLED COPY NUMBER: 2

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APPENDIX A - Distribution Table

This Manual is distributed as follows:

APPENDIX B - READERS LIST

APPENDIX C - AMENDMENT RECORD

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1. Guidelines for Livestock Ships…………………………….....pg 10

2. Guidelines for Emergency Slaughter of animals……..……pg 34

3. Official Journal of the European Union

4.Transport of Animal by Sea (R.T Norris)

5.Shipboard personnel responsibilities and contingency plan

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Cargo Handling Procedures and General Guidelines for Livestock Ships

General guidelines for load planning

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Feed and Water Curfews

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Guidelines for Emergency Slaughter of animals

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If there is no other practical and humane possibility to alleviate pain or

Although not covered in depth in this guide, it is also important to consider

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