From conservation and rewilding projects to food production and pet movements, the animal transportation sector plays a vital role. However, the movement of animals also poses significant challenges to their health and welfare.
In a recent presentation at the 50th Animal Transportation Association conference, Jenny Hutchinson, Head of the World Animal Health Information and Analysis Department at the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), shed light on how to prevent the risk of that disease from impacting animal transport.
“Transport is an integral part of animals’ lives, whether they’re being transported for food production, research, or recreational purposes,” Hutchinson noted. “However, it comes with its challenges.”
WOAH’s role
With 183 member countries, WOAH sets global standards and guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of animal diseases and safeguarding international trade.
The organisation’s Terrestrial Animal Health Code outlines principles and regulations for transporting animals by sea, land, and air. These standards, developed through extensive consultation with experts and member states, aim to ensure welfare and mitigate the risks of disease transmission.
Hutchinson didn’t explicitly list the diseases impacting animal transport. However, she did mention examples that have historically spread through animal transport, such as avian influenza.
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects birds. It can spread rapidly among poultry flocks through direct contact with infected birds or their droppings. The disease can also be transmitted indirectly through contaminated equipment, vehicles, or personnel involved in the transport of birds.
Drawing on her background as an Australian veterinarian, Hutchinson highlighted: “Animals, especially cattle and sheep, can be transported thousands of kilometres, facing welfare issues along the way.”
Recognising the need for continuous improvement, WOAH regularly revises its standards to reflect evolving best practices and scientific knowledge, with some chapters currently under revision, supported by expert groups that are exploring emerging challenges in the sector.
In addition to setting standards, WOAH operates the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS), a comprehensive database that collects, verifies, and disseminates information on animal diseases worldwide.
“WAHIS provides validated and official information on animal diseaseoutbreaks, enabling countries to take necessary measures to protect animaland public health,” Hutchinson explained. “It serves as a valuable tool insafeguarding international trade and ensuring global food security.”
Furthermore, WOAH conducts thematic studies, such as the recent study on animal transport by sea, to assess the implementation of its standards and identify areas for improvement. These studies help evaluate the effectiveness of WOAH’s initiatives and guide future actions to enhance animal welfare and disease control efforts.
“By setting standards, collecting data, and promoting collaboration, we can ensure safer and more humane animal transport practices for the benefit of all”.
