The first Action Plan of the OIE Animal Welfare Platform for Europe (2014‐ 2016), as well as in the second Action Plan (2017‐2019) list priority topics, among which “transport of animals by land”. Since 2016, to address this priority, the OIE Platform organised series of a capacity building including three ''Train of Trainers" workshops (ToT) on animal welfare during long distance transport by land, for participants from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine.
The OIE Regional seminar on animal welfare during long distance transport by land was organised on 13-15 March 2018 in Chisinau (Moldova) targeting eight West Eurasian countries not covered by ToT workshops, namely Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
The primary objective of the seminar was to help countries implement best practices during transport in conformity with OIE standards on the transport of animals by land (Chapter 7.3 of the TAHC), with the goal to improve the welfare of live production animals during this operation.
More specifically, the seminar aimed to build the capacity of veterinary services by delivering training on animal welfare and best practices during transport of animals. The participants would be able to assist Veterinary Services and business operators in the implementation of Chapter 7.3 of TAHC in their countries.
Also, in connection with the established regional network of experts, the trained group of participants of the seminar will participate in the exchange of information and best practices as well as in future OIE Platform activities on animal transport in the region.
The seminar was organised with the financial support of the European Commission, Republic of Ireland, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Moldova.
Presentations:
Session 1 - Setting the scene
Plenary lecture - OIE, OIE Platform on animal welfare for Europe and OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code
Countries presentations-understanding the situation in the region:
Session 2 - Training session
Plenary lecture - Animal welfare concept, welfare assessment
Plenary lecture - Animal behaviour
Plenary lecture - Animal handling
Plenary lecture - Planning and preparation
Plenary lecture - Loading and vehicles
Plenary lecture - Transport of animals
Plenary lecture - Unloading and animal resting
Plenary lecture - Poultry transport
Plenary lecture - Roles and responsibilities
Plenary lecture - Animal transport and meat quality
Session 3 – Next steps
Plenary lecture – Planned activities of the OIE Platform
Sharing best practices - OIE ToT Workshop on long distance transport - cascading activities in Belarus
OIE Regional network of experts on animal welfare during long distance transport
The regional network of people trained in animal welfare during long distance transport, established in 2017 in Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine, has been reinforced and extended to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The regional network will support consistent progress in the improvement of the welfare of animals transported along long distances. This new step of support to OIE Members will help them towards implementation of OIE standards regarding animal welfare. It will facilitate the exchange of experience and best practices and the development of improved behaviour across the region, ensuring a quick reaction in case of emergency and maintaining a continuous exchange of information.