A to Z of services: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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Animal Health & Welfare - Farm Inspection and Transportation

 

Farm Inspection

We have a programme of planned visits to farms. During these inspections, we check livestock records for:

  • disease control

  • farm movements

  • transport

  • breeding; births and deaths

  • cattle passports

  • use of medicines

  • retention and correct use of Animal Movement Licences

  • details of animal by-products (carcasses) 

We also check identification for traceability that is vital for notifiable disease control – BSE, bovine tuberculosis and foot and mouth. The main way of identifying animals is by ear tags, which have to be applied to the animal within certain time periods for cows and sheep in any circumstance and before movement can occur for other livestock. Identification is also vital for meat entering the food chain, so that its origin can be traced.  There are also strict controls in place for replacing lost or illegible identification.

We try and ensure the highest possible standards of disease control and animal welfare by:

  • inspecting livestock for signs of disease

  • ensuring that any sick or injured animals are cared for promptly and adequately

  • checking that livestock have access to adequate feed and water

  • inspecting buildings to ensure that ventilation, lighting and space allowance meet the required standards

  • advising on Codes of Good Practice for the welfare of livestock

We also advise on bio security, which is the cleanliness of the farm itself including its buildings, equipment and vehicles and any isolation facilities. By following the law and good practice, the possibility of the spread of any disease is significantly reduced.

Inspection during transportation – including roadside checks

In conjunction with the Police we conduct roadside checks on any vehicles that are being used for the transportation of animals. This includes trailers and horseboxes.

The vehicles are checked to ensure that they are safe and suitable for the animals being transported. The condition of the animals and the accompanying documentation is inspected, along with checks on journey times and bio-security.

IMPORTANT - New legislation is due in 2008 that will affect most people transporting animals. For further information please click http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/farmed/transport/eu-transportreg.htm to access the Defra website.