International trade: Customer Information Notes - AE/08/145
Reiteration of guidance about export related transport of differing health status and livestock species in vehicles on roll-on/roll-off ferries – and update to the guidance regarding travel in natural ventilation on the top deck of vessels.
Purpose
1. This Customer Information Note (CIN) reiterates much of our earlier guidance regarding the transportation of livestock of differing species or health status in vehicles on roll-on/roll-off ferries but updates the guidance regarding travel in natural ventilation on the top deck of vessels. Earlier guidance was issued in CIN GEN/06/261.
Background
2. Council Directive 90/425/EEC requires that livestock that are traded within the Community fulfil certain conditions to be eligible for trade. These conditions are set out in Article 3 of the Directive and include compliance with the requirements of the Council Directives for livestock trade (i.e. Directive 64/432/EEC for cattle & pigs and Directive 91/68/EEC for sheep and goats).
3. Under Article 4 (1) of Council Directive 64/432/EEC and Article 3 (5) of Council Directive 91/68/EEC its made clear that during the export journey (i.e. from the holding of origin to the destination) the animals must not come into contact with cloven-hoofed animals not of the same health status. Defra and Devolved Administrations have processes in place to ensure this requirement is met up to the point of certification. After certification, those with responsibility for, or who are involved in, the export of the livestock must insure that this requirement continues to be fulfilled.
4. Based on our interpretation of EU legislations we have offered below guidance for the transport of differing health status and livestock species in vehicles on roll-on/roll-off sea vessels.
Action for exporters to follow
Transport on a vehicle in the open air space of a roll-on/roll-off sea vessel (full natural ventilation on the open deck of the vessel)
5. Fattening/production livestock and breeding livestock may not be exported in the same vehicle. However, vehicles containing different classes of the livestock may be transported in the same open deck provided the exporter has insured their health status has not been compromised. Exporters are strongly advised to check with the destination county’s Competent Authority they are satisfied with the transport arrangements in advanced of any export movements.
Transport on a vehicle in the closed air space of roll-on/roll-off vessels (supported by artificial ventilation)
6. Livestock animals of differing species and/or health status should not travel together in the same air space under any circumstance. It is not possible to compare the health status of differing species and in artificially ventilated air spaces the risk of jeopardizing the health of the higher health status animals is too great.
7. Consignments certified to meet specific additional guarantees (e.g. production/breeding cattle certified as free from infectious bovine rhino-tracheitis (IBR) or breeding/fattening sheep and goats intended for Republic of Ireland certified as free from maed-visna/caprine, arthritis encephalitis (CAE)) are considered to have different (higher) health status, and may only travel and be accompanied in the same air space (on a sea vessel in a vehicle) with animals that are identically certified.
Enforcement
8. Inspectors have the powers to ensure compliance with the above guidance under part 5 regulation 30(1) of the Animal and Animal Products (Import and export)(England) Regulations 2006, under Part V, Regulation 32(1) of the Animal and Animal Products (Import and Export)(Scotland) Regulations 2007 and under part 5 Regulation 30(1) of the equivalent Welsh legislation.
9. It is the exporters responsibility to ensure that they meet conditions and requirements of the destination Member State.
Further enquiries
10. If you have any comments concerning this CIN please contact your local Animal Health Divisional Office
Issued by: Veterinary Science Team
Page last modified:
3 October, 2008
Page published: 3 October 2008