NEWS AND VIEWS
Ready for the road? VCNZ’s Seton Butler provides a picture of the updated requirements for animal transportation certification. VCNZ’S STATEMENT REGARDING fitness for transport is “Certifying that in your professional judgement you consider the animal is fit for transport to the destination without suffering unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress”. VCNZ has recrafted the Fitness for Transport statement and I have interpreted it into a step-bystep process that I think will help veterinarians to navigate the certification safely and comply with the requirements for certifying animals for transport.
RECEIVE A REQUEST FOR A FITNESS FOR TRANSPORT CERTIFICATE
Veterinarians have the discretion to assess, and to decline to sign a certificate for, animals for transport.
STEP 1: Confirm the following prior to examination: » That the visit is for a fitness for transport certificate. » The anticipated transport dates and timeframes. » The preferred slaughter premises (if applicable). » The clinical history and any treatments given to the animal. » The suitability of the facilities available for the examination. » There is a copy of an existing certificate if previously certified.
18 – VetScript September 2020
STEP 2: Examine the animal
STEP 3: Consider seeking
at the time certification is requested – the examination should be suitable to ensure the animal is fit for transport. To certify an animal for transport, the veterinarian should be reasonably confident that the animal’s condition can be suitably managed and the welfare of the animal will not be further compromised. If their welfare cannot be suitably managed, the animal is not suitable for transport. Reasonably confident means the judgement that the veterinarian’s peers may make in the same or similar circumstances.
a second opinion and/or more information on a case-by-case basis (for example from a colleague or MPI Verification Services [VS] veterinarian).
DECLINE TO CERTIFY
DEEMED UNFIT FOR TRANSPORT
If declining to certify – it’s useful to document the decision reached, the reasons, and the communication that occurred with the owner or person in charge.
If the animal is deemed unfit for transport, the veterinarian must immediately ensure the animal receives treatment that alleviates any unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress being suffered.
