Document type: published on the OMSA websiteOIE – World Organisation for Animal Health
Author: Omotolani Badara
Preview: The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) again asserts, and with fresh urgency, that, although the transport of animals—by land, sea, or air—may be essential to global trade, food production, research, and other activities, it is imperative that welfare standards should be rigorously implemented at all stages of transport in order to protect the health and welfare of animals.
Long-distance transport can cause serious risks resulting from missing or incomplete health certificates, unclear customs regulations, trade disputes, and unforeseen problems. These difficulties must be anticipated and carefully managed from the outset in order to preserve animal welfare. Animal welfare during transport is essential. It keeps animals healthy and safe. All those involved — animal owners, operators, transporters, government authorities, and veterinary services — share this responsibility. The WOAH is updating its standards to respond to the growing complexity of today's transport challenges. To ensure that animals are properly cared for at every stage — starting with certification — the following points are essential:
– WOAH standards should be complied with: The Terrestrial Animal Health Code provides clear, science-based rules for all modes of transport. These rules must be supported by robust legal frameworks and effectively enforced.
– Clarification of responsibilities: every actor in the transport process must understand and assume their role, with clear communication from one stage to the next.
– Training and capacity building: properly-trained veterinary services and workforces are essential to ensure compliance with standards.
– Infrastructure and technology: transport equipment and tracking systems must be modern and appropriate to the animals to protect animal welfare the journey.
– Effective communication and coordination: all parties must work together closely to ensure that animals arrive safely and in good condition.
– Continuous improvement: rules must be regularly updated based on scientific advances, best practices, and needs on the ground.
Recent events have demonstrated the critical need for full compliance with WOAH standards. We strongly condemn any suffering endured by animals during transport and call on all stakeholders to adhere to the highest welfare standards. The protection of animal welfare is not optional - it is a shared responsibility that requires urgent attention. The WOAH recently organized a workshop on "Whole Journey Scenarios" for the transport of live animals, hosted by the Government of Jordan, with the participation of representatives from Africa, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East, in the course of which our principles were highlighted.
Because the health of animals is our health — it is everyone's health.
You can find WOAH's current standards on animal welfare during transport here:
Chapter 7.2: Transport of Animals by Sea
Chapter 7.3: Transport of animals by land
Chapter 7.4: Transport of animals by air
