Animal Health and Welfare

Good biosecurity is vital in order to prevent the spread of disease, as well as protecting the health status of your own stock.

The following guidance applies to people and vehicles used for the transport of animals from farms to other farms, markets, slaughterhouses, collection centres, agricultural shows, and also a journey from any of these premises back to your farm.

All mud, dung and other matter must be soaked with disinfectant before removal. Disinfectant is made less effective by the presence of such materials. Always use a DEFRA approved disinfectant.

1. People

• Footwear - Should be clean and free from adhesions after cleansing and disinfection.

• Clothing - Wash by machine if soiled by material that may be contaminated.

• Handling Stock - Thoroughly wash and disinfect hands.

2. Vehicles, Machinery & Equipment

• Outside - All surfaces should be washed, including wheel arches.

• Wheels - Check all wheels for accumulation of animal manure and soil. Always check the inner wheel rim surface, close to any stub axles or frames.

• Tyres - It is essential that all tyres are thoroughly washed before moving off, mud left on tyres and thrown at speed contaminates roads and vehicles.

• Inside - Clean the inside of the cab etc. Ensure for example that animal manure and other soil material is not carried on the pedals. Pay particular attention to footwells.

• After moving stock - Thoroughly wet all parts of the vehicle that have had contact with animals with disinfectant. Remove all litter, dung etc. (dispose by burning or soak with disinfectant). Soak all parts again with disinfectant. Treat anything used in connection with carriage of animals.

This is not an authoritative statement of the law and is intended for guidance only. Reference should be made to the legislation for more detailed information.