3 minute read
Seton Butler, VCNZ
Ready for the road?
VCNZ’s Seton Butler provides a picture of the updated requirements for animal transportation certification.
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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.
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. STEP 2: Examine the animal
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. 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. STEP 3: Consider seeking
a second opinion and/or more information on a case-by-case basis (for example from a colleague or MPI Verification
DECLINE TO CERTIFY
Services [VS] veterinarian).
DEEMED UNFIT FOR TRANSPORT 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.
When examining an untreated injury:
» consider whether the animal received adequate and reasonable treatment and attention on that farm for the condition. If there is sufficient evidence they did not, contact the Ministry for Primary
Industries (MPI) » a previously untreated injury may not preclude an animal being certified as fit for transport.
STEP 4: When determining
an animal’s fitness for transport veterinarians must:
» consider the animal’s welfare – is it appropriate to transport them? should they be certified? » be confident that the animal’s condition will not deteriorate and their welfare will not be further compromised » consider the distance and time of travel » consider priority slaughter » specify the location of the slaughter premises on the fitness for transport certificate » maintain a complete record.
STEP 5: Check owner
competence:
If a veterinarian believes the owner or person in charge is not capable of recognising early signs of distress, injury or ill-health or deterioration in the animal’s condition, or does not know how to respond effectively, they should decline to certify the animal.
The clinical record must:
» include a clinical history » note consultation and examination details at the time of certification, and the date » note animal identification » set out the decision-making process and supporting evidence, which may include a differential diagnosis » include details of the communication and instructions given to the owner and/or person in charge » include a copy of the fully completed certificate (including a stipulated expiry date).
STEP 6: Communicating with
owners or the person in charge – ensure they are aware that:
» there are requirements and conditions of the certificate that must be met » they must hold a copy of the certificate » certified animals should not noticeably deteriorate before transport and should be capable of travelling such that they arrive at their destination in a state similar to that when they were examined for certification and: » an owner or person in charge of the animal/s must seek veterinary re-examination if the animal’s condition deteriorates from examination to loading date (per the agreement on the signed declaration) » additional travel conditions may be stipulated on the certificate and these must be complied with.
Veterinarians should ensure, document and confirm that:
» the time and distance travelled is as short as possible » the animal will go directly to the nearest appropriate slaughter premises. If not possible, they should notify the MPI VS veterinarian (this is strongly encouraged).
STEP 7: If it is appropriate to
