Livestock transport
With the development of the QS guideline for animal transport, a further important element is integrated into the cross-stage quality assurance system. The guideline for animal transport came into force on 1st January 2009. The aim is the gentle and animal friendly handling of animals during transportation as well as the safe and unique transfer of all relevant data with regard to securing the origin and tracing the animals. The safety and the well-being of the animal, in particular with a view to the state and hygiene of the transportation vehicles, as well as the capability of the animals for transportation have the greatest priority. In addition, requirements made of the qualifications of personal and the proper documentation are also defined. The guideline covers both transportation by the farmer and by transportation companies. It also defines the requirements resulting from the animal transport for society internal and private cattle trading.
The implementation and maintenance of the specifications in the guideline are initially voluntary: These will become obligatory for farmers and animal transportation companies in the QS system as of 1st January 2011.
Note that:
- farmers transporting their own animals with their own vehicles over a distance of less than 50 km, all criteria are summarised in a Agriculture beef cattle, pork and poultry guideline.
- for all other farmers and animal transportation companies, the Animal transportation guideline is relevant.
Guidelines, Checklists and other Downloads can be found here.
