Most laboratory animals will undergo transportation at some time in their life, whether this is from one country to another, or between establishments, buildings or rooms. Studies of animal transport have focused primarily on farm rather than laboratory animals. However, it is clear that transport can be a significant stressor that may have an impact on both animal welfare and on the scientific validity of any future studies involving animals or their offspring. This includes all journeys and all species, from mice moving within a building to non-human primates undergoing journeys by air.
The primary objective for all those involved in animal transport should be to move the animals in a manner that does not jeopardise their well-being and ensures their safe arrival at their destination in good health, with minimal distress. Many aspects of the transport process need to be considered, including:
The route and journey plan
Container design
Vehicle design
The competence and attitude of drivers and others involved in the transportation
Travel duration
The nature of food and water supplies
Arrangements for acclimatisation after transport
Critical appraisal and refinement of all these organisational aspects of transport is essential if animal welfare is to be safeguarded during journeys. A LASA working group has produced detailed guidance on transporting laboratory animals which should be read and applied (See Resources panel).
It is also important that all relevant legislation and guidance on animal transport is complied with (see Legislation above). Directive 91/628/EEC (as amended by Directive 95/29/EEC) and Convention ETS 193 cover the movement of live animals within the EU. The Directive is implemented in the UK by Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) through the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997. In addition, the transport of live animals by air is governed by the Live Animals Regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Designating a person in each establishment to be in charge of remaining up-to-date on transport legislation will help ensure compliance.
Transport of live GM mice should be avoided, wherever possible, by the use of fresh embryos, or cryopreserved embryos and gametes. A working group convened on behalf of the main UK funders of medical and biological research has recommended the adoption of a national passport system for all GM mice that are moved between establishments nationally and internationally.
Rodents and lagomorphs destined for UK research establishments are now exempt from six months quarantine provided certain specified conditions are met (see Resources Panel).
CITES permits must be obtained for all movements (import and export) of CITES listed species (e.g. non-human primates) between countries signed up to the Convention.
Resources
Links
LASA Transport Working Group (2005), Guidance for the transport of laboratory animals: Supplementary information for those transporting animals within or through the UK View PDF (60KB)
Legislation
DEFRA (2004), Application to import live rodents
or lagomorphs for research View PDF (67KB)
References
Overcoming the challenges of animal transportation. View PDF (482KB)
Guidance on the transport of laboratory animals. View PDF (1.49MB)
The welfare of animals during transport (details for horses, pigs, sheep and cattle). View PDF (596KB)
The welfare of animals during transport (broilers, hens, turkeys, ducks, geese, pigeons, quail, ostrich and other ratites, deer, reindeer, rabbits, dogs, cats, rodents, primates, fish, exotics. View PDF (1.01MB)
Guidelines for the humane transportation of research animals. Open Link
