Pigs Standards

Home > Standards > Pigs Standards > LIVESTOCK TRANSPORT

LIVESTOCK TRANSPORT Version 5.1 (modified)

Click to view

PG.LT.1 PG.LT.2 PG.LT.3 PG.LT.4 PG.LT.4.1 PG.LT.5 PG.LT.6 PG.LT.7 PG.LT.8 PG.LT.9

Glossary

Key – Those standards which have greater significance (all other standards are normal)

Recommendation – Those which do not affect certification

New – A completely new standard which the member must now adhere to

Revised – A standard that has changed and requires the member to take some different or additional action to before

Upgraded – The standard has been upgraded to a Key standard or from a Recommendation to a full standard

Appendix – Referenced in ‘How you will be measured’. Indicates that additional information is provided in the Appendices, which are available at the end of each section.

This icon indicates that a record is required.

AIM: The health and welfare of livestock is managed during transportation

PG.LT.1 Key

Vehicles used maintain the health and welfare of livestock being transported.

How you will be measured

PG.LT.1.a

Headroom that allows livestock to stand in a natural position.

PG.LT.1.b

Non-slip flooring.

PG.LT.1.c

Flooring that prevents the leakage of faeces and urine (as far as practicable).

PG.LT.1.d

No sharp edges, projections or other hazards which may cause injury.

PG.LT.1.e

Adequate ventilation.

PG.LT.1.f

Partitions are appropriately designed, constructed and positioned.

PG.LT.1.g

For journeys over 8 hours, partitions are provided. For journeys less than 8 hours, partitions are provided as necessary to allow segregation of stock and prevent individuals or small groups of animals from injury.

PG.LT.1.h

The vehicle is secure with side gates to prevent livestock escaping during loading/unloading and whilst on-board.

PG.LT.1.i

Loading ramps have foot batons to reduce risk of slipping.

PG.LT.1.j

The internal and external ramp angles do not exceed 20⁰.

PG.LT.1.k

Vehicles fitted with roof to protect from weather.

PG.LT.1.m

Lighting (either fixed or portable) is available for inspection of livestock.

PG.LT.2

Pigs are provided with bedding during transport.

PG.LT.3

Legally required stocking densities must be followed in order to minimise stress and risk of injury.

How you will be measured

PG.LT.3.a

Adjustments made when required to allow for current weather conditions, type of vehicle and size and category of livestock.

PG.LT.3.b

There is sufficient space for pigs to be able to lie down and stand up.

PG.LT.3.c

Loading density for pigs of approximately 100 kg in weight does not exceed 235 kg/m2.

PG.LT.4 Key

Livestock transported off the farm must be fit for the intended journey

How you will be measured

PG.LT.4.a

Livestock are able to bear weight on all four legs and walk onto the vehicle unaided.

PG.LT.4.b

The following livestock are not transported: - sick or injured livestock where moving them would cause additional suffering - heavily pregnant females (where more than 90% of the gestation period has passed) unless being transported for veterinary treatment - females who have given birth during the last 7 days - piglets less than 3 weeks old

PG.LT.4.1

Journey times (from time of first pig being loaded, to last pig being unloaded) must be kept to a minimum.

How you will be measured

PG.LT.4.1.a

Piglets less than 10 kg are not transported for more than 8 hours.

AIM: Well Managed Transportation

PG.LT.5

Livestock transported by a trained and competent person

How you will be measured

PG.LT.5.a

Drivers have an understanding of handling and driving livestock to avoid injury, minimise stress and express normal behaviours.

PG.LT.5.b

Drivers hold the relevant Species Specific Certificate of Competence for the journeys they undertake: - for journeys over 65km and less than 8 hours- Species Specific Certificate of Competence for Short Journeys - for journeys over 8 hours Species Specific Certificate of Competence for Long Journeys

Species Specific Certificate of Competence

PG.LT.6

Emergency plans and facilities must be in place

How you will be measured

PG.LT.6.a

Driver equipped with a mobile phone and emergency contact numbers.

PG.LT.6.b

In the case of long journeys (over 8 hours) a written contingency plan is available.

Contingency plan

PG.LT.7

A valid transporter authorisation is held for the journeys undertaken
- a short journey (Type 1) authorisation for journeys over 65km and up to 8 hours
- a long journey (Type 2) authorisation for journeys over 8 hours

Transporter authorisation

PG.LT.8

Vehicles and trailers used for journeys in excess of 8 hours must be approved by the relevant competent authority

Vehicle approval certificate

AIM: Controls to prevent the spread of disease

PG.LT.9 Key

Vehicles used to transport pigs must be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected with Defra-approved disinfectants.

How you will be measured

PG.LT.9.a

Vehicles are cleansed and disinfected before leaving the site, after each delivery, where pigs are delivered to an assured market, collection centre or abattoir.

PG.LT.9.b

Vehicles are cleansed and disinfected after every load and within 24 hours of delivery, where pigs are delivered to farms, shows or other non-assured sites with no effective wash facilities. Where repeat journeys are made between the same two points in a single day, cleansing and disinfection is carried out before the first journey and within 24 hours of the last delivery.

PG.LT.9.c

Only disinfectants approved by Defra/DAERA are used, applied at the approved dilution rates for General Orders