Guidance on the transport of laboratory animals

WORKING GROUP REPORT

Guidance on the transport of laboratory animals

Report of the Transport Working Group established by the Laboratory Animal Science Association (LASA)

Jeremy Swallow (Chair)Pfizer Global Research and Development, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9NJ, UK

David AndersonAnimals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate, 5th Floor, Argyll House, West Market Gate, DundeeDD1 9WN, UK

Anthony C BuckwellDirector, Division of Biomedical Services, University of Leicester, Leicester OX6 0TP, UK

Tim HarrisAnimal Air Transport Association, Harris Associates Limited, PO Box 251, Redhill, Surrey RH1 5FU, UK

Penny Hawkins (Editor)RSPCA, Research Animals Department, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS, UK

James KirkwoodChief Executive and Scientific Officer, Universities Federation for Animal Welfare, The OldSchool, Brewhouse Hill, Wheat Hampstead, Hertfordshire AL4 8AN, UK

Mike LomasDEFRA, Area 502, 1a Page Street, London SW1P 4PQ, UK

Steve MeachamFetch Europe Limited, PO Box 674, Uxbridge UB9 5WE, UK

Alan PetersDirector, Department of Biomedical Services, Tinbergen Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3UD, UK

Mark Prescott*Senior Scientific Officer, RSPCA, Research Animals Department, Wilberforce Way, Southwater,Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS, UK

Steve OwenInstitute for Animal Technology, Woolley Road, Alconbury, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE284HS, UK

Robert QuestAnimal Quarantine Station, Heathrow Airport, 234 Bath Road, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 5AP, UK

Roy SutcliffeCharles River UK Limited, Manston Road, Margate, Kent CT9 4LT, UK

Kirk ThompsonDEFRA, 1a Page Street, London SW1P 4PQ, UK

© Laboratory Animals Ltd. Laboratory Animals (2005) 39, 1–39

Correspondence to: Jeremy Swallow. E-mail: [email protected]

*Current address: National Centre for 3Rs (NC3Rs), 20 Park Crescent, London W1B 1AL, UK

2 LASA Transport Working Group

Laboratory Animals (2005) 39

Contents

Nomenclature 4

Abbreviations used in the text 4

Preface 4

Introduction 5

How to use these Guidelines 5

Part I General considerations

1 The impact of transport on animal welfare 6

2 Legislation 8

3 Route plans 8

3.1 Basic principles 93.2 Choosing a route 93.3 Documents 93.4 Courier details 103.5 Responsibilities, roles and communication 113.6 Ensuring consistent standards 123.7 Containers and provisions 123.8 Labelling 123.9 Final checks 133.10 Contingencies 133.11 Arrival 13

4 Habituation and fitness to travel 14

4.1 Special considerations 144.2 Shipping and pregnancy 15

5 Vehicle design 16

6 Driver and attendant training and competence 16

6.1 Key driver and attendant competencies 176.2 Handling crates 18

7 The container and its environment 18

7.1 Design and materials 197.2 Substrate, food and water 207.3 Grouping and stocking density 21

8 Good practice for animal transport on site 21

9 Sources of additional advice 22

Part II Specific requirements for species and other groups

1 Rodents 22

1.1 Design and construction of containers 221.2 Preparations before dispatch 241.3 Feeding and watering guide 26

Transport of laboratory animals 3


1.4 Care and loading 271.5 Effect of phenotype and health status 27

2 Rabbits and ferrets 27

2.1 Design and construction of containers 272.2 Feeding and watering guide 28

3 Dogs and cats 28

3.1 Design and construction of containers for dogs 283.2 Design and construction of containers for cats 293.3 Feeding and watering guide 293.4 Care and loading 29

4 Non-human primates 30

4.1 Introduction 304.2 Design and construction of containers 304.3 Feeding and watering guide 324.4 Care and loading 324.5 Arrival 33

5 Minipigs 34

5.1 Design and construction of containers 345.2 Preparations before dispatch 345.3 Feeding and watering guide 345.4 Arrival 34

6 Amphibians including Xenopus 35

6.1 Design and construction of containers 356.2 Preparations before dispatch 356.3 Feeding guide 356.4 Care and loading 356.5 Arrival 35

References 36

Appendix 1 Animal Transport Certificate 38

Appendix 2 Route Plan 39


Nomenclature

The following definitions apply to theseGuidelines:

Journey: transport from the place of depar-ture to the place of destination.

Means of transport: those parts (includingdetachable parts) of road vehicles, railwagons, vessels and aircraft used for loading and carrying animals.

Partition: the wall of any pen, box or container.

Pigs: all pigs, including ‘farm’ pigs andGottingen minipigs.

Place of departure: the place at which theanimal is first loaded on to a means oftransport.

Place of destination: the place at which ananimal is finally unloaded from a meansof transport, but excluding any transferpoint or place where animals are rested inthe course of a journey.

Receptacle: any crate, box or other rigid container used for the transport of animals that is not self-propelled and does not form a part (whether detachableor not) of a means of transport.

Transfer point: a place where transport isinterrupted in order to transfer animalsfrom one means of transport to another.

Transport: any movement of animals, effectedby a means of transport, including loadingand unloading the animals.

Transporter: any natural or legal persontransporting animals: (a) on his ownaccount; (b) for the account of a thirdparty; or (c) by providing a third partywith a means of transport of animals,where such transport is of a commercialnature (in the course of a trade or business) and carried out for the purposeof gain.

Vehicle: in relation to the transport of animals by road, any vehicle (including atrailer of any description and the detach-able body of a vehicle) constructed oradapted for use on a road.

Abbreviations used in the text

AATA Animal (Air) TransportationAssociation

AWB Master airway billCITES Convention for the

International Trade inEndangered Species

CPK Creatine phosphokinaseDEFRA Department for

Environment, Food and RuralAffairs

EU European UnionGM Genetically modified

including that by chemicalmutagenesis

IATA International AirTransportation Association

MDF Medium density fibreboardSCAHAW European Commission’s

Scientific Committee onAnimal Health and Welfare

SITPRO Ltd Formerly the Simplificationof Trade Procedures; UK trade facilitation organization

SPF Specific pathogen freeWATO97 Welfare of Animals

(Transport) Order 1997

Preface

It has become clear that the scientific com-munity requires updated guidelines on thetransport of laboratory animals, to ensuregood practice and full compliance withnational and international legislation gov-erning animal breeding, supply, transportand use. The Laboratory Animal ScienceAssociation (LASA) has responded to thisneed by forming a Transport Working Groupwith the aim of defining appropriate stan-dards for laboratory animal transport. LASAis a UK organization, but this resource isintended for an international audience andshould be relevant to anyone transportinglaboratory animals, regardless of thelocation1. The resulting guidelines are basedon current knowledge about animal


1Additional guidance for those transporting animals within or throughthe UK can be downloaded at www.lasa.co.uk.


behaviour and welfare during transport, the consensus view of the Group and inputfrom others with expertise in animal careand transport. LASA hopes that theseGuidelines will significantly improve thewelfare of laboratory animals undergoingtransportation.

The Guidelines represent current goodpractice and the Group intends to updatethem to incorporate new knowledge,technology and legislation as necessary.Comments on new developments,omissions or the usefulness of thisdocument should be sent to the Secretary,Laboratory Animal Science Association,PO Box 3993, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B78 3QU, UK.

The Working Group would like togratefully acknowledge the valuable contributions made by the followingorganizations:

• Animal Air Transportation Association• Animal Port, Houston• Department for Environment Food and

Rural Affairs• Fetch-Europe Ltd• Home Office Animals (Scientific

Procedures) Inspectorate• Institute of Animal Technology• Laboratory Animal Breeders Association• Laboratory Animal Science Association• Laboratory Animal Veterinary

Association• Corporation of London, Animal

Reception Centre, Heathrow• Royal Society for the Prevention of

Cruelty to Animals, Research AnimalsDepartment

• Universities Federation for AnimalWelfare

The Working Group would also like toacknowledge the help that it received fromseveral anonymous contributors andassociations who have supplied their timeand knowledge. Extensive use was made ofthe International Air Transport Association(IATA) Live Animals Regulations and theAnimal Air Transportation Association(AATA) Manual for the Transportation ofLive Animals. The Group appreciates theassistance given by these organizations.

Introduction

These Guidelines define the general princi-ples to be observed when transportingrodents, rabbits, ferrets, dogs, cats, non-human primates, minipigs and amphibiansincluding Xenopus for use as laboratory ani-mals. This is an international document andthe Group is aware that legislation regulat-ing animal transport varies between coun-tries. For instance, transport within the USAwill be covered by the Animal Welfare Act,within Europe by Convention ETS 193 (seebelow) or globally by international agree-ments such as the IATA Live AnimalsRegulations, which are updated annually.While it is essential to ensure that legisla-tive requirements and other guidelines relat-ing to health and animal welfare are met, itis also very important to think beyond legalbaseline standards and strive to minimizedistress and improve welfare.

This resource will help to achieve theobjective of moving animals in a mannerthat does not jeopardize their well-being andensures their safe arrival at their destinationin good health, with minimal distress. Thisis important to ensure both good animalwelfare and the validity of future scientificprocedures.

How to use these Guidelines

This document is laid out in two parts:

• Part I sets out general considerationsrelating to transport that apply to allspecies referred to in these Guidelines. Itbegins by focusing on the elements of aneffective route plan and then providesguidance on ensuring that animals are fitfor transport, that vehicle specificationsare appropriate and that drivers are com-petent and properly trained to monitorand care for the animals in their charge.The end of Part I addresses generalrequirements for container design, materials, provisions and stocking density for all species.

• Part II gives detailed requirements ofcontainer design for individual speciesand other groups, guides for feeding and


Part I General considerations



watering in transit, care and loading andany other relevant information that willhelp to reduce transport stress andimprove welfare.

The Group recommends that Part I is readin its entirety before any of the sections inPart II are consulted, in order to set thecontext for the specific recommendations

and ensure that the maximum benefit isobtained from this document. Note that thisreport is intended to supplement but notreplace careful reading of the relevantlegislation. Where appropriate, relevantarticles from Convention ETS 193 arelisted in boxes within the text for ease ofreference (for supplementary information onthe UK legislation see www.lasa.co.uk).

Many aspects of the animal transport process have a direct impact on welfare.These include route or journey planning2,container design, vehicle design, the compe-tence and attitude of drivers and othersinvolved in the transportation, travel duration and the nature of food and watersupplies. Critical appraisal and refinementof all these organizational aspects of transport is essential if animal welfare is to be safeguarded during journeys.

These Guidelines refer to the followingcommonly transported laboratory animals:rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils and guineapigs,dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, minipigs, non-human primates and Xenopus laevis.

1 The impact of transport on animal welfare

Studies of animal transport have focusedprimarily on farm rather than laboratoryanimals (see Grandin 1997, SCAHAW 2002,2004 for reviews). However, it is clear thattransport is a significant stressor3 that may

have an impact on both animal welfare andon the scientific validity of any future stud-ies involving the animals or their offspring(Claassen 1994, Reilly 1998). This includesall journeys and all species, from mice moving within a building to primates undergoing lengthy journeys by air (Wallace1976, Malaga 1991, Tuli et al. 1995).

The physiological and behaviouralresponse to stress affects a number of bio-logical functions and systems. If stress isextreme or prolonged, substantial effort isrequired to maintain a state of equilibriumand the animal may become aware of thiseffort and suffer as a result (Reilly 1998).This effort can be compounded by theeffects of fear, nausea, hunger, thirst or pain,depending on the species and circumstancesunder which they are transported (SCAHAW2002, 2004).

Stress during a journey may also increasethe risk of disease for transported animals,yet the potential to monitor animal well-being, and to act if it is compromised, isoften significantly curtailed during trans-port. The primary goal for all those involvedin animal transport is therefore to reduceany potential for stress or fear to an absoluteminimum, considering all potentially dis-tressing events that an animal may experi-ence throughout the journey (Table 1).

A number of parameters have been usedto evaluate stress in animals, such as levelsof circulating cortisol, corticosterone andglucose, adrenal gland mass, behaviour, food

2The terms ‘route plan’ and ‘journey plan’ are invariably used synonymously particularly for the transport of laboratory animals.Under WATO97 all journeys require an Animal Transport Certificatebut an official Route Plan is a legal requirement only for livestockand horses travelling for more than 8 h, 50 km or across a state border.3This report uses a working definition of stress as ‘an adaptiveresponse to changes or challenges in the animal’s environment involving a variety of interlocking anatomical, physiological,biochemical, immunological and behavioural adaptation mechanismsin an attempt to maintain a state of equilibrium’ (Reilly 1998).

and water consumption and weight loss (see Moberg & Mench 2000). These mea-sures are generally used in conjunction withone another to provide a basis for assessingstress, since (for example) elevated plasmacortisol can be one of many indicators ofstress used to assess the adverse effects oftransport in many circumstances but canalso occur in response to more positiveevents (Moberg 2000).

Many studies have found that transportcauses significant changes in the parametersused to assess stress and that varying peri-ods of time are required for values to returnto baseline levels. For example, mice havebeen reported to acclimatize 24 to 48 h post-arrival on the basis of immune function andplasma corticosterone levels (Landi 1982,Aguila et al. 1988, Drozdowicz et al. 1990).However, a study that monitored behaviouralindicators of stress as well as corticosteronefound that mice had not fully acclimatized 4 days after transport from one room toanother (Tuli et al. 1995).

Studies in rats and rabbits have recom-mended adaptation periods of 3 days and48 h, respectively, yet periods of 3 to 5 dayshave been recommended for rats used intoxicology testing (Damon et al. 1986, Toth & January 1990, van Ruiven et al.1998). It has also been suggested that thebehaviour of non-transported rats is affectedif they can detect the odour of rats that haveundergone transport and are thereforestressed (de Laat et al. 1989). It is apparentfrom this that transport may have profoundeffects on rodents and rabbits in ways thatmay not be immediately obvious, and thatthey (in common with all other species)require careful monitoring and an adequateadaptation period following arrival.

Transportation is also stressful for largeranimals such as laboratory beagles, pigsand primates (Kuhn et al. 1991, Dalin et al.1993, Wolfensohn 1997, Bergeron et al.2002). Heart rate attains the highest levelsduring loading and unloading in the beagle,which has also been reported in farm ani-mals such as sheep (Knowles et al. 1995,Bergeron et al. 2002). It is perhaps to beexpected that the loading and unloading processes would be especially stressful, but

other incidents may appear to be of littleconsequence to humans yet highly signifi-cant for animals. For example, greyhoundsshow a greater (hormonal) stress responsewhen transported in the belly hold of air-crafts as opposed to the main cargo hold(Leadon & Mullins 1991). Species withgreater cognitive abilities, such as non-human primates, may be more aware oftheir change in circumstances and fearful ofthe outcome, to the extent that behaviouralchanges reflecting stress can persist in primates for over a month after arrival(Wolfensohn 1997, Honess et al. 2004).

To summarize, there are two key mes-sages from the literature on animal stress ingeneral and transport in particular. Changeis stressful to animals, and transport is anespecially powerful stressor that should beregarded as a major life event and not under-taken unless absolutely necessary. Evenwhere every possible effort has been madeto minimize transport stress, plan journeyswith care and ensure that all staff are prop-erly trained and empathetic, animals under-going transport will still experience at leastsome of the stressors set out in Table 1.

The first step towards minimizing theimpact on animals undergoing transport iscareful consideration of their nature andbehaviour. This includes practical factorssuch as their normal travelling posture andwhether they will (or should) eat or drinkwhile travelling. Other issues, such as theanimals’ likely perception and interpretationof their environment, are critically impor-tant when predicting which events arelikely to cause the most stress and willrequire special attention when planningjourneys. These factors should all be givendue priority when making decisions on:

• the health and welfare of the animals,including their fitness to travel;

• the design and materials of the contain-ers, including provision for loading andremoving animals with the minimumdiscomfort, and inspection in transit;

• the number of animals in each containerand the space given to each animal;

• the environmental conditions within the animal container;



• the quality and quantity of substrate,nesting material, food and water (or alternative supply of liquid);

• the duration of the journey;• the number of stops or changes between

vehicles, especially if unloading andreloading is required;

• the type of vehicle(s) involved;• the experience, attitude and training of

personnel handling and transporting theanimals;

• how animals will be helped to adapt andhow their recovery from the journeywill be monitored when they reach theirdestination.

This resource aims to facilitate best practice in all of these areas so that thoseinvolved in animal transport can minimizethe suffering and improve the welfare of theanimals in their care.

2 Legislation

Import or export of animals must alwaysulfil the requirements of transport regula-tions in every country that the animals willpass through. All concerned should be awareof relevant legislation and avoid delays byensuring that all the required documentationis correct.

Specific procedures should be designed to ensure full and effective enforcement ofall legislation and guidelines, in particularby ensuring traceability of all transportoperations. It is the responsibility of

the consignor to ensure that all legalrequirements are thoroughly researched and comprehensively met.

For details of ETS 193, the EuropeanConvention on the Protection of Animalsduring International Transport (Revised,6/11/2003), see http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/en/Treaties/ Html/193.htm.

3 Route plans

There are few specific national regulatoryrequirements relating to laboratory animaltransport. However, journeys involving labo-ratory animals should still be planned ascarefully as those undertaken in other areasof animal use where transport legislationdoes apply. A professional shipper intendingto send any species on a journey that is ofsignificant duration or complexity, i.e. morethan 50 km or involving changes in mode oftransport, should prepare a route plan thatcan address most eventualities and problemsthat may arise4.



Table 1 Potential sources of stress for animals undergoing transport

HandlingSeparation from familiar conspecifics, possibly individual housingConfinement in an unfamiliar transport containerLoading and unloadingMovement and vibrations during the journey, including acceleration

and decelerationPhysical stress due to maintaining balance (especially larger animals)Unfamiliar sights, sounds and smellsFluctuations in temperature and humidityWithholding of food, or voluntary abstention from eating or drinkingDisruption of light:dark regimeNew housing and care protocols at the end user establishment, including unfamiliar

humans and possibly new social groups or hierarchies

Relevant legislation:

• ETS 193 Article 7: journey planning

4A route plan is a legal requirement under WATO97 for sheep, pigsand goats and certain horses travelling for more than 8 h, 50 km oracross a state border. However, some European countries require aroute plan for all vertebrates (e.g. Austria, Germany, and the UK).

3.1 Basic principlesThe principles set out below should be con-sidered in depth and comprehensively cov-ered within each route plan when preparingfor the shipment of animals under condi-tions that will ensure their welfare at allstages of the journey. The nature of eachroute plan will vary with the species, dis-tance, and type of vehicle(s) and whetherthe journey crosses international borders.However, all route plans should includecontact details of people who can act in anemergency, or otherwise assist at the various stages of the journey.

3.2 Choosing a routeThose planning journeys should discusstheir choice of preferred routes and shippingagents with the sponsor and should alsoshare their experiences of previous journeyprotocols (successful or problematic) withothers. It is advisable, where possible, toidentify more than one route, as this enablesalternative arrangements to be made imme-diately if the chosen route becomes nolonger available or otherwise unsuitable.Invariably it is preferable to select directflights, unbroken routes and preferably justone carrier where possible.

Long-distance journeys are likely to havemore detrimental effects on the welfare of the animals than short ones. Althoughtransport time and distance should be keptto a minimum, from the animals’ perspec-tive the quality of journey is extremelyimportant. An uninterrupted journey is preferable to one broken by stops or rest periods, especially if unloading and re-loading are involved. Loading, the initialstages of the journey and unloading proce-dures are the most stressful because theycan involve any or all of handling byhumans, mixing with or perceiving un-familiar animals and strange surroundings.

It is also important to consider the cli-mate, season and time of day when animalswill be travelling. For example, duringexcessively warm weather it may be advis-able to travel overnight to avoid high ambi-ent temperatures during the day. See alsoadvice produced by the UK DEFRA on the

transport of animals in hot weather:http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/farmed/transport/hot-letter.pdf.

3.3 DocumentsVarying combinations of the following docu-ments will be needed according to journeytype, species, microbiological status androute. They will need to be collated into ausable form, such as a book or pamphlet,which should be attached to containernumber one of the consignment.

General details• AWB number/IATA Shipper’s Certificate

for Air (this should be on each container)• Import licences issued by the State

Veterinary Service• Crate labels, e.g. ‘THIS WAY UP’

(orientation arrows), feeding guide, full consignee address and 24 h contact telephone number

• CITES permits, where necessary• Definitive invoices for Customs purposes• Fitness to travel documents• Individual or group animal records• Health certificate• Health screen• Journey log, if separate• List of contacts with telephone numbers• Packing list• Quarantine labels• Route plan or Animal Transport

Certificate• Transfer authorizations from specific

bodies that regulate laboratory animalsuse, e.g. the UK Home Office, US Animaland Plant Health Inspection Service

• Vehicle registration details and insurance

Animal detailsSpecies, strain, scientific name, number,sex, age, weight, identification numbers, any special requirements resulting fromphenotype.

Personnel detailsThe name, address, phone, mobile and faxnumbers for the following contacts areessential:• Sender• Intermediaries



• Consignee• Shipper/Carrier• Person with ultimate responsibility• Veterinarian

Crates• Date and times the animals were packed,

loaded, and departed with clear ‘LIVEANIMALS’ and orientation arrows

• 24 h contact telephone number

Expected events• Proposed and actual rest periods• Pre-journey review of plan by consignor• Post-journey review of plan by new

owner

Other documentsIt is also good policy for certain companyprocedures to be available to drivers in theformat of standard operating procedures.Such records might comprise:• The company’s own code of practice for

animal transportation• Species specific space, substrate, nesting

material, food and water requirements• Essential notifications and communi-

cation• A log of journey progress• Time plan of activity• Training requirements• Vehicle operation requirement—cleaning,

maintenance• Emergency procedures and contacts• If imported, records of collection/

delivery

In the UK, under WATO97, an AnimalTransport Certificate must accompany allvertebrate animals travelling for more than50 km, or documents containing similarinformation referred to here as a route plan5.It should record essential details of the ship-ment and journey events at various stages ofthe journey and include instructions forcontingencies in the event of delay or othermishap. A specimen Animal TransportCertificate and route plan is given inAppendices 1 and 2.

It is advisable to check whether the necessary documents have been alignedwith the United Nations (UN) Layout Keyfor Trade Documents. These are internation-ally agreed standards that are easily trans-lated because common information appearsin standard positions on all forms. Manycountries have trade facilitation organiza-tions that can advise on UN aligned documents, for example SITPRO in the UK(see www.sitpro.org.uk).

The TRACES system will be availableto provide formats for documents for bothimports and exports of live animals andanimal products. It is expected to becomemandatory from 1 January 2005 to use thissystem for notification of the appropriateauthorities of impending animal trans-port movements. For guidance seehttp://sanco.cec.eu.int/traces.

All the required documentation must beprepared accurately and in good time beforeeach journey. International transport shouldbe planned well in advance as it can take sev-eral weeks to make all the necessary arrange-ments and to obtain permits. Documentsmay be required not only to permit animaltransport but also to provide necessary infor-mation on health status; this may includehistorical records required by the client. Alloriginal documents should be included withthe shipment and original copies forwardedto other parties as necessary.

Spare copies should be made of all docu-ments and a copy of each sent in advance tothe recipient. Where journeys involve cross-ing international borders, it is good practiceto pack multiple copies of all licences,allowing for the loss of one at every borderinspection point en route. If licences are notavailable, the animals may not be released.

3.4 Courier detailsIt is the importer’s responsibility to makesure that a person with good workingknowledge of the species and strain to beshipped has checked and confirmed thatproper arrangements are in place to assuregood welfare. Road transport using dedicatedvehicles and staff allows for the best super-vision from starting-point to destination.



5Note that the layout of a route plan may change slightly for differentMember States. It is useful to consult the relevant national govern-ment departments (e.g. DEFRA in the UK), as they may have preferred layouts for route plans.

Drivers should receive instruction in thecare of animals under their charge. Theyshould be responsible, experienced, empa-thetic and competent (see Section 6). Inaddition, where animals can be accesseddirectly or are travelling loose, an animaltechnician or other competent person whocan attend to their welfare needs shouldaccompany them. This is essential for con-signments of large species, which should not be under the care and control of a driveralone.

Records should be maintained in a speci-fied format as standard operating proceduresfor organizations that ship, import or exportanimals. As a minimum, records shouldcontain:

• the organization’s own code of practicefor animal transportation;

• practices for boxing and containment;• husbandry requirements including

substrate, food and water, stockingdensities;

• environmental conditions;• the process for essential notifications

and communication;• time-plan of activity;• all necessary documentation (including

licences and labels);• guidance on relevant local transport

legislation• training requirements;• vehicle cleaning;• vehicle maintenance and checking;• emergency procedures and contacts;• journey returns according to government

requirement.

3.5 Responsibilities, roles and communicationJourneys can involve several stages andmany people in various roles, including thesupplier, consignee, drivers, shippers, hand-lers in transit and other subcontractors,customs officers and eventual recipient.Each should know and understand their roleand which actions to take in case of emer-gencies or unforeseen circumstances. Theyshould also know the relevant contacts and

handover procedures at the next stage of thejourney. However, it is unwise to assumethat they all do without making enquiriesand checking this before the journey begins.

Ensuring that roles are properly definedand understood can be especially difficultfor complex international journeys, soinstructions should be available in all relevant languages as animals will passthrough different countries. Those involvedat each stage should know the contacts andhandover procedures for the next stage. It isalso good practice to ensure that a handlingand feeding guide and 24 h contact tele-phone numbers for people who can act orassist at the various stages are securelyattached to the crate.

Good communication concerning theprogress of the journey is essential betweenthe supplier, shipper and recipient so thatappropriate contingency plans and schedulealterations can be implemented to ensurethe animals’ health and welfare at all times.Each individual involved with every stage ofthe journey should have access to the entireroute plan, know whom to contact for information and have a clear understandingof their responsibilities. For any journeyinvolving transfers or more than one modeof transport and all international journeys,the supplier should notify the recipient that the animals have been dispatched assoon as critical stages of the journey hascommenced. Vehicles should always be fitted with mobile phones and/or driversshould carry them.

When planning transport by air, it isessential to liaise with the animal holdingfacility at each airport en route, to ensurethat animal husbandry and veterinary sup-port are adequate. There must be appropri-ate cover outside normal working hours and security staff, or whoever is on call,should know how to direct calls and takeappropriate action.

It is important that those transportinganimals are clear who has responsibilityfor animals, and what those responsibilitiesare, at each stage of the journey. If a journeyinvolves more than one carrier or agentthe consignor is generally responsible forarranging:



• documentation for the whole journey;• adequate transport, rest, feed and water

throughout the journey;• sufficient empathetic, competent atten-

dants to accompany the animals, wherenecessary.

During a road journey where the animalsare not unloaded from the vehicle, thedriver or attendant is responsible for the animals. However, note that under certaincircumstances a contravention in the regulations may also be the responsibility of the employer or consignor, particularlywhere the journey planning may have beenat fault.

Animals imported into the EU musttravel through a border inspection post (BIP),which requires 5 h warning in advance ofarrival of by air and 24 h warning for othermodes of transport. European CommunityRegulation number 136/2004 sets out proce-dures for veterinary checks at BIPs andincludes the UN aligned Certificate ofVeterinary Entry Document (CVED) withaccompanying guidance notes; seehttp://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2004/l_021/l_02120040128en00110023.pdf.

incoming air and/or maintain a suitableenvironment for the animals.

3.7 Containers and provisionsTransport containers should be preparedwell in advance of departure. Animals mustbe provided with adequate bedding and suffi-cient food and water (or suitable alternativesources of fluid and nutrients) for at leasttwice the expected duration of the journey(see Section 7 and specific recommendationsin Part II). For some species such as non-human primates and dogs it may be neces-sary to plan for acclimatizing animals to theshipping containers prior to loading.

Arrangements should be made for animalsto be transported using systems that avoidoverheating and maintain welfare duringreasonable unforeseen circumstances. Theuse of containers with non-occluded apertures that maximize ventilation andvisibility should be considered for rodents ifstrict bio-security is not required. Journeysmay need to be delayed or postponed duringperiods of extremely hot or cold weather;this can create health and welfare problemswhen transporting rodents in filtered ship-ping crates unless the whole of the journeyis made using dedicated airconditionedvehicles.

It is also important to ensure that anymandatory veterinary checks (e.g. at EU bor-der inspection posts) include comprehensiveinspection of animal welfare and the condi-tions in which animals are transported.



Relevant legislation:• ETS 193 Article 6: container design

and construction• ETS 193 Article 16: floors and

bedding• ETS 193 Article 23: containers

Relevant legislation:• ETS 193 Article 4: general principles

for transport• ETS 193 Article 8: animal attendants• ETS 193 Article 29: road vehicles or

rail wagons on roll-on/roll-off vessels• ETS 193 Article 30: transport by air

3.6 Ensuring consistent standardsIt is particularly important to consider theexperience, attitude, competence and perfor-mance of each carrier. Standards may vary,particularly between different countries, and this should be duly considered beforecommitting animals to the care of subcon-tractors. The type of vehicle being used totransport animals at all stages of the journeyis critically important. Reasonable enquiriesshould be made to ensure that the vehiclecomplies with all requirements of this guidance, especially in its ability to cool

3.8 LabellingEach container must be clearly markedwith:

• ‘LIVE ANIMALS’• ‘THIS WAY UP’, including ‘orientation

arrows’

• Instructions for handling the crate• The type and number of animals in the

container• The consignor’s name, address and a 24 h

contact telephone number• The consignee’s name and address and

24 h contact telephone number• Feeding and watering instructions, even

if these read ‘DO NOT FEED’

3.9 Final checksBefore any animals are transported, appro-priate checks should be made to ensure thatthe recipient expects the shipment and willbe ready to receive the animals. The recipi-ent should be informed of an estimated timeof arrival wherever possible and updatedwith a new expected time of arrival shouldthere be a delay or if a journey takes lesstime than expected. When journeys com-mence (or animals arrive) outside normalworking hours, it may be necessary toensure that security staff know about theshipment and know whom to contact forreceipt of animals. Final checks shouldassure that the animals are fit for theintended journey.

3.10 ContingenciesThe following should always be consideredso that adequate contingency plans can beput in place.

• Delays to shipments. Appropriatearrangements must be made to care forthe animals if an unavoidable setbackoccurs, and the transport container mayneed to be equipped with facilities tofeed and water the animals. Somespecies may have to be unloaded andrested if there is a significant hold-up;e.g. dogs may need exercise, non-humanprimates may require an alternativefacility for emergency use. This may bein a country other than the ultimate des-tination if the journey cannot be com-pleted in a satisfactory time. Animalsthat are transported in secure containersshould be provided with sufficient food,substrate and water to be able to travelfor at least 48 h without the need to

intervene or otherwise remove themfrom their container.

• Abandoning the chosen route.Alternative routes should be consideredin advance and a pre-prepared contin-gency plan that can swiftly be imple-mented should be in place.

• Vehicle breakdown. If the vehiclebreaks down, animals should not be leftalone. The driver should have a form ofexternal communication such as a carphone or mobile phone. The drivershould remain with the vehicle wherepossible and a back-up system forreplacement vehicles and drivers shouldbe available. A contact telephone num-ber should be made available by the consignor 24 h a day to give assistance as required to the transporter.

• Paying any tax or duty required onarrival. Even if it is not due, officials atborder posts may demand it on the spot.It is best to ‘pay now, argue later!’.

• Death in transit including emergencyeuthanasia. Any mortality during ajourney should be reported to the con-signee and the cause of death properlyinvestigated, particularly if a significantnumber of individuals have died.Appropriate postmortem examinationsshould be carried out, including an eval-uation of the environment within thetransport container(s) wherever possible.The approximate time of death can beestimated using the onset or wearing-offof rigor mortis, or indications of early oradvanced autolysis. This can then indi-cate the stage of the journey when theanimal died. Unless a carcass is showinggross signs of decomposition, experiencehas shown that a combination of goodobservation and careful necropsy tech-nique will often provide sufficient infor-mation to infer the likely cause of death,which in turn can be used to help prevent future mortality.

3.11 ArrivalBoth consignor and recipient should agreeon the conditions of transport and departureand arrival times, so that the recipient can



ensure that appropriate accommodation isprepared and that animals will be providedwith fresh food, drinking water and bedding.It is important to unload the animals fromtheir containers without delay and havethem inspected by a suitably trained andcompetent person before they are placed intheir home cage. Should any welfare issuesbe found, the consignor and others involvedin the journey should be notified as soon aspossible.

On arrival, the animals should be placedin previously prepared cages, fed, wateredand rested. With each consignment thereshould be an Animal Transport Certificate(see Section 3.3) as well as a manifest givingdetails of each shipment and indicating animals requiring particular care.

The recipient should understand that theyhave a duty of care to the animals and aresponsibility to assure their safe and securearrival. This includes the responsibility tomake contingency plans so that animals canbe accepted if delays occur and shipmentsarrive outside normal working hours.Alternatively, arrangements may have to bemade for animals to be diverted and accom-modated elsewhere if they cannot enter thefacility for immediate unloading. Whoeverreceives the animals on arrival should signthe delivery note and inspect the animals assoon as possible, ideally before the carryingagent leaves.

Following any journey, an acclimatizationperiod is essential before laboratory animalsare used in procedures. Each establishmentshould determine appropriate periods ofacclimatization for different species, strains,etc. However, as a general guide, at least7 days’ acclimatization is necessary follow-ing transport between sites and at least 3days between buildings on the same site(Section 8).

4 Habituation and fitness to travel

Animals for dispatch should be in goodhealth. This is important for welfare reasonsand also because stress during transport maycause latent infection to become clinicallyapparent. Prior to packing, animals should

be inspected by a suitably competent,trained and responsible person. Animalsshould normally be rejected from the shipment if any deviation from normal behaviour or good health is observed.

Confinement in a container, variation inenvironmental conditions and movementaffect different species in various ways.Animals require a period of adjustmentbefore removal from the facility to whichthey are accustomed. This applies particu-larly to non-human primates and dogs,where acclimatization may be required toconditions during transit. For example,exposing them to the transport containers afew days before loading will reduce anxietylevels. Larger animals, e.g. rabbits andheavier animals, should be supervised untilthe time when they are shipped.

• Sufficient food and moisture should be provided for at least twice the expect-ed journey time.

• Careful consideration may need to begiven to the time of travel to avoid load-ing animals during extreme climaticconditions unless suitable protective precautions are taken.

• Knowledge of actual conditions en routeis essential, as opposed to assessing themost direct route on paper. It may benecessary to consult others with directexperience of the journey.



Relevant legislation:• ETS 193 Article 9: fitness for trans-

port• ETS 193 Article 10: inspection and

certification before loading• ETS 193 Article 11: rest, water, feed

and habituation prior to loading

4.1 Special considerationsThese guidelines apply to routine journeysinvolving healthy animals. However, thehealth of laboratory animals may sometimesbe compromised for experimental purposes.Whatever the circumstances, animals shouldalways be fit for the intended journey and,where their health is compromised, appro-priate precautions must be taken to ensure

their welfare. These will necessarily vary on a case-by-case basis, but some commonexamples are set out below.

Individuals that carry harmful geneticmutations or that may be otherwise gene-tically modified (GM) may have specialrequirements and due regard should be paid to the effects of the modification.Unforeseen welfare problems can be avoidedby transporting GM animals as fresh orcryopreserved embryos, or cryopreservedgametes, wherever possible (Robinson et al.2003). Wide consultation between consignor,carrier and user is necessary when planningjourneys for GM animals, including those inembryonic form. All GM animals should beaccompanied by comprehensive informationincluding the nature of the phenotype andany specialist management needs withrespect to husbandry and veterinary care(Robinson et al. 2003).

Age, size, surgical alterations and healthstatus can also affect the ability to copewith transport stress and it is important toresearch ways of reducing the potentialimpact of transport on animals with specialneeds. Stocking density should be decreasedand/or additional ventilation and coolingprovided for animals subject to heat stress(such as obese mutants) and diabetic ani-mals should be provided with adequate andappropriate sources of fluids. Small mice,hairless mice and those travelling with fewothers are also prone to cold, so should beprovided with additional nesting material;immunocompromised animals should betransported in filtered shipping crates tominimize exposure to potential pathogens.

Sick or injured animals should not nor-mally be transported unless the journey isnecessary for the purposes of treatment,diagnosis, or humane killing. They may alsobe transported for experimental or other sci-entific purposes approved by the relevantcompetent authority, if the illness or injuryis part of a licensed research programme. Noadditional suffering should be imposed bythe transport of such animals, and particularattention should be paid to any additionalcare that may be required. A competent person should confirm that such animals are fit for the intended journey or that they

are subject to scientific procedures asdefined by legislation regulating animal use.Pre-shipment screening, which should beplanned well in advance, may be necessaryfor specific infections. In all cases wherenormal health and/or welfare may be com-promised, route plans should cater for ani-mals’ special needs and should include clearguidance on actions in case of delays, mor-bidity or mortality. Animals requiring anykind of special care during transport shouldnever be transported in inaccessible holds.

Sedation of laboratory animals prior totransport should only rarely be necessaryand is more likely to compromise their welfare by affecting their ability to ther-moregulate. If there is an exceptional casefor sedation on welfare or veterinarygrounds, drugs should only be administeredunder the direction of a veterinarian who isfully apprised of the journey plan. It is alsoessential that all those concerned withtransporting and caring for the animals enroute know that they have been sedated andare aware of any special care procedures andcontingency plans if the consignment isdelayed and the sedation begins to wear off.

4.2 Shipping and pregnancyArticle 9 of ETS 193 states that pregnantfemale mammals shall not be transportedeither during the last tenth of the gestationperiod or for at least one week after theyhave given birth. However, the TransportWorking Group recommends that pregnantlaboratory animals should not normally betransported during the last fifth of gestation(see Table 2). This is to ensure that they arenot put at risk of abortion or that parturi-tion does not commence during transport.Some species, for example rabbits, are morelikely to abort under the stress of transportand should not be moved during the lastthird of gestation. It is also preferable tomove larger species, such as dogs and non-human primates before the last trimester ofpregnancy. However, they can be trans-ported nearer the time of parturition provi-ded that the journey is direct, of relativelyshort duration, and can be undertaken



under appropriate veterinary direction and supervision.

Low stocking densities must be consid-ered for pregnant animals of any speciesbecause their ability to dissipate body heatcan be limited.

If nursing animals with young are to betransported following an appropriate periodafter parturition (a minimum of 7 days, asabove), they will normally require additionalcare including adequate additional beddingand nesting material. Neonates should notbe transported until their navels havehealed.

5 Vehicle design

Vehicles carrying laboratory animals shouldbe suitable for the purpose. They should beinsulated and fitted with controllable heat-ing, cooling and ventilation. The ventilationsystem should be capable of working inde-pendently of the vehicle’s main engine.Alarms should be fitted to warn the driverwhen certain variables, e.g. temperature,humidity or fan operation, go outside pre-setlimits. The interior of the cargo area mustbe designed so as to allow thorough cleaningand disinfection. Lights should be fitted inthe cargo area for loading and intermittentinspection. Ventilation louvers or aperturesfor the cargo area should be sited to allowan even distribution of air to prevent stagna-tion, draughts and ‘cold spots’. Containersshould also be protected from adverseweather conditions such as extremes of

temperature, sunlight, noise and draughts.Lashing points should be available on thefloor and walls to secure containers duringtransport and prevent them from toppling.Alternatively, rubber mats on vehicle floorswill prevent well-packed containers fromsignificant movement liable to disturb theanimals.

All vehicles used to transport live animalsshould have the following:

• Climate control, with back-up that is independent of the main engine

• A system to record cargo temperatures• Mobile phone or car phone• Instruction for contingencies• Back-up in the event of a breakdown• Instructions for handover procedures• Proper loading, packing and stacking in a

safe and secure manner• Floor attachment points for transport

boxes• Internal lighting• Trip recording equipment for environ-

mental parameters in the cargo area• Secure, mesh internal doors• The ability to view the load from the

driver’s seat• Safety grilles and a lockable 2-door

system, for the transport of non-humanprimates and animals subject to rabiesquarantine regulations



Table 2 Typical gestation periods of common laboratoryspecies and recommended permissible shipping times

Duration Can be shipped Species (days) up to (days)

Rat 21 17Mouse 21 17Guineapig 56–75 45Pig 114 91Rabbit 30–32 22Dog 61–65 40Cat 64–67 42Common marmoset 144 96Long-tailed macaque 153–167 102

Relevant legislation:• ETS 193 Article 22: lighting• ETS 193 Article 27: transport by road• ETS 193 Article 29: road vehicles or

rail wagons on roll-on/roll-off vessels

6 Driver and attendant training and competence

Ensuring that staff are trained, empatheticand competent to handle and care for theanimals is central to safeguarding their wel-fare during each journey. Ideally, an atten-dant who is in charge of the welfare of theanimals should accompany animal consign-ments. This person may be the driver in cer-tain circumstances. Attendants and/or

drivers should receive appropriate trainingor have the equivalent practical experiencequalifying them to handle, transport andtake care of animals, including in case ofemergency. However, such attendant ordriver requirements may not be requiredwhen animals are transported in containerswhich are securely fastened, adequately ven-tilated and containing sufficient water andfood for a journey of twice the anticipatedtime.

Drivers should also carry an emergency pro-cedure reference book that covers items suchas mechanical breakdown and proceduresfollowing an accident or extensive delays.

Both drivers and handlers will need to beaware of health and safety requirements thatmay be relevant to handling laboratory animals, particularly if they are known tosuffer from allergies to animals. Driversshould consult with the relevant Health andSafety Authority to determine whether prophylactic vaccinations are necessary.

6.1 Key driver and attendant competenciesPoor welfare is often due to a lack ofeducation on the part of those responsible foranimal care. Training in the competencieslisted below should be a prerequisite for anyperson handling animals during transport andshould be provided only by organizationsapproved by the competent authorities.

• Knowledge of which people are responsi-ble at various stages of the journey

• Knowledge of which organization to contact for advice on transport conditions or documentation

• Knowledge of enforcement authorities to inspect animals before, during andafter a journey

• Basic knowledge of their authorizationrequirements

• Know how to plan a journey; an abilityto anticipate changing conditions andmake contingencies for unforeseencircumstances

• Knowledge of vehicle use, constructionrequirements and how driving affectswelfare during transport

• Ability to load and control a roadworthyvehicle to ensure the welfare of theanimals

• Knowledge of appropriate methods ofhandling animals during loading andunloading

• Knowledge of statutory feed, water andrest requirements for the species

• Knowledge of stocking densities, takinginto account journey duration and ambient conditions



Relevant legislation:• ETS 193 Article 8: attendants

It is important to ensure that any memberof staff handling livestock during transporthas completed a training course recognizedby the competent authorities of all countriesthat the animals will travel through.

There are currently no formal trainingrequirements for those involved in thetransport of laboratory species. However,schemes are being developed for thoseinvolved in the transport of racehorses andlivestock that will include a certificate ofcompetence. Similar courses are likely to beestablished for laboratory animal transportthat will have the authority to judge andassure competency. Such courses shouldinclude:

• The basic biology and husbandry of relevant species

• Animal handling and restraint• Recognition of well-being, discomfort,

pain, distress and suffering; appropriatemeasures to alleviate adverse effects;recognition of when veterinary attentionis necessary

• Emergency euthanasia techniques• Legislation relating to animal transport

and to health and safety, including quarantine regulations

Certificates of competence should becarried in the vehicle and made available forinspection as required (note that the AATAManual lists recommended competencies forconsignors, consignees, carriers and drivers).

7 The container and its environment

Containers used to transport animals mustbe appropriate for the journey and speciestransported. An ideal container should:

• confine the animals in comfort and withminimum stress for the duration of thejourney;

• contain sufficient food and water (ormoisture in a suitable form);

• contain sufficient bedding so that theanimals remain comfortable and inconditions within their thermo-neutralzone;

• maintain an environment in which mostfactors known to cause stress arereduced to a minimum;

• allow adequate ventilation;• be escape-proof, leak-proof and capable

of being handled without the animalsposing a risk to handlers;

• be of such a design and finish that ananimal will not damage itself duringloading, transport or removal from thecontainer;

• be designed to prevent or limit the entryof microorganisms when holding virus-free or microbiologically-defined animals;

• be designed so it can be thoroughly dis-infected between shipments if intendedto be reusable;

• be designed so that the animals and theirprovisions can be inspected withoutopening the container.



6.2 Handling cratesIt is vital that anyone responsible forhandling crates containing live animals doesso competently and with respect and under-stands why this is necessary. Containersholding animals should be moved carefullywithout rough handling, excessive noise orvibration and maintained as level as possi-ble. Unauthorized persons and staff shouldbe prohibited from approaching or disturb-ing animals or from feeding them withoutappropriate instruction. If it is necessary toopen the container during transit, it shouldbe done by authorized persons in anenclosed area so that the animals cannotescape.

When animals are to be carried in quantity,care should be taken to maintain proper separation of containers in the cargo area so that there is adequate air circulationthroughout the stacks. Drivers should also

• Understanding the importance of tem-perature and humidity on animal welfareand adjustment of heating and ventila-tion accordingly

• Knowledge of the causes of stress, abilityto recognize signs of ill health and poorwelfare for the species; when to seekveterinary advice

• Ability to care for animals that becomeunfit or injured during transport

• Knowledge of catching and handling thespecies carried in case of emergencies

The day-to-day conduct of the trans-porters is critical for the welfare of theanimals concerned. Checks by competentauthorities may be hindered as transporterscan operate freely in different countries. Inparticular, they should always be able toprovide proof of their authorization, shouldreport routinely any difficulties, and keepprecise records of their actions and theresults of those actions.

be aware of the need to check containersregularly to ensure that they are adequatelyprotected from any significant exposure toprecipitation, prolonged exposure to directsunlight or high winds. Any of these willaffect the temperature within the container.

Relevant legislation:• ETS 193 Article 8: attendants and

their training requirements• ETS 193 Article 14: animal handling

Relevant legislation:• ETS 193 Article 23: containers• ETS 193 Article 12: loading and

unloading• ETS 193 Article 12: equipment and

procedures• ETS 193 Article 19: ventilation and

temperature

Below are some general principles to helpfulfil the above requirements6, while Part IIof these Guidelines provide some illustra-tive dimensions for container sizes. Notethat these may need to be scaled to theactual size of the animal(s) for which thecontainer is constructed. IATA sets out LiveAnimals Regulations relating to the trans-port of animals by air. These include adviceon general care and loading, the design andconstruction of containers, appropriatepacking details or stocking densities andarrangements for feeding and watering. Mostairlines are signatories to the Live AnimalsRegulations, which are revised and pub-lished annually, and will only accept ani-mals packed and transported accordingly.

7.1 Design and materialsThe usual design for a container to transportsmall laboratory animals is a rectangularbox, with the shape and dimensions dictatedby the species and strain for which it isintended. Where rectangular boxes are used,then they are usually designed with a fea-ture to ensure adequate ventilation betweenthe boxes when stacked together. This canbe achieved by incorporating sloping sidesinto the box design or spacer devices on thetop and base of the box. Handholds or otherlifting devices must be provided to enablethe containers to be lifted without unduetilting or bringing the handlers into closecontact with the animals; these can also actas spacers to ensure good ventilation (seebelow). Any container or stack of containersweighing more than 25 kg will need to bemoved using a forklift, so should have properly designed entries for the load forksto engage safely and securely.

Adequate ventilation is essential. Airvents should be sited on at least two oppo-site sides of the container. Both containerand vents should be designed so that occlu-sion of the vents cannot occur. The com-

bined area of the ventilation apertures andvents should be determined according to thespecies, dimensions of the container, intendedstocking density, filter material used andlikely ambient conditions prevailing duringtransport. Vents should be covered withwire or plastic mesh of such a gauge that nopart of the animal can protrude. Sharp edgesshould be avoided for both the welfare of the animals and to avoid injury to those in-volved in carrying the container.

Microbiologically secure containers foranimal transport usually have ventilationapertures covered with some form of filtermaterial. The pore size depends on thedegree of filtration required and the filter’sability to reliably remove all airbornemicroorganisms, particularly viruses. It is vital to remember that filter materialdecreases the ventilation within the contain-er by up to 70%, particularly if it becomesdamp. Other factors such as stocking density,container design and overall ventilation rateshould be adjusted to compensate for this.Filtered containers should also have a port orviewing panel so that animals can be moni-tored in transit. When carrying animals ofspecial categories, e.g. specific pathogen free(SPF) animals, the shipper must comply withthe specific container requirements detailedin this document.

A variety of materials are available forcontainer construction. Plastic, corrugatedcardboard or twin-walled polypropylene(Correx) are commonly used. Other materi-als that are less frequently used includewood, MDF, metal and fibreglass. Plasticand fibreglass are rigid, strong and durableand often used for reusable transport con-tainers. Correx and corrugated cardboard arerelatively cheap and easy to dispose of andtherefore tend to be made into containersthat are not reusable or do not need to beespecially robust. Corrugated cardboard con-tainers are used for transporting laboratoryrodents for journeys of relatively short dura-tion. The inside surface of cardboard con-tainers can be coated with plastic or wax togive some protection against urine damageand seepage. Such containers cannot bereused because they are destroyed by heatsterilization within an autoclave.



6Once the animals’ needs have been addressed, there are other fea-tures that are desirable from an operational viewpoint. For example, itmay be possible to reduce the storage space occupied by empty con-tainers by choosing designs that will fold flat or that can be ‘nested’or stacked. If containers are not going to be reused, they should beconstructed from materials that are easily disposed of.

7.2 Substrate, food and waterSubstrate or litter should always be pro-vided. It absorbs moisture, provides comfortand security and helps to protect againstjolts, vibration and unavoidable temperaturechanges. It should be clean and of a microbi-ological standard appropriate to the animals.Commonly used materials include coarsesawdust, wood shavings or shredded paper.The litter must be sufficient to absorb urineand prevent the base of the container frombecoming excessively damp. Bedding ornesting material should also be supplied forall species that will benefit from it, especiallyrodents. Suitable materials are paper strips,straw, paper tissues or any commerciallyavailable nesting material that is known tobe appropriate for the species, strain and ageof animal.

Food and water should only be provided in accordance with the consignor’s instruc-



The materials suggested above are thoseknown to be in general use. Containers canbe custom built in other materials, but it isimportant to check that the chosen materi-als will not adversely affect animal health orwelfare. Examples of materials to be avoidedinclude certain types of soldered tin, whichcan be toxic when used to make drinkingvessels due to the lead content, or wood thathas been treated with toxic preservatives. Ifcontainers are to be used on more than onejourney, it must be possible to adequatelyclean and sterilize them.

Wooden containers should be constructedso that the animal cannot bore, claw orbite them open at the seams or joints. Allcontainers should be adequately secured toprevent accidental opening. Nails, bolts,sharp edges or other protrusions on whichthe animals could injure themselves shouldbe avoided. All slats and uprights shouldhave rounded edges and must be installedso that the animals cannot trap theirextremities.

tions. In general, animals should have accessto food and water up to the time of packingfor dispatch, with the exception of dogs andcats, which should not be fed within 4 h ofthe start of the journey to permit the stom-ach to empty of food and therefore reducenausea and vomiting due to motion sick-ness. Rabbits and rodents should ideallyhave food available throughout the journey.Feeding of adult dogs, cats, ferrets and non-human primates can normally berestricted to once per day during transit;however, juveniles and lactating animalsmay require more frequent feeding andwatering. The food should be of the type andmicrobiological status to which the animalsare accustomed.

The law requires that food and water beprovided for at least twice the expected jour-ney time. Species requiring water should beprovided with water either in leak-proofcontainers, as a gel, as a wet mash of food,or in the form of fruit or vegetables. If theduration of the journey is greater than 24 hthen special feeding, watering and inspec-tion arrangements may be required whilstthe animals are in transit.

All water containers must have roundededges or be adequately covered so that ani-mals do not injure themselves. Unless thereare contrary instructions from the shipper, asource of moisture shall be provided, exceptwhere not needed by the specific containerrequirement, at least once every 24 h. Youngand lactating animals, minipigs and non-human primates may require more frequentwatering.

Special recommendations for individualspecies are given in Part II and they shouldbe considered when planning a journey.

Relevant legislation:• ETS 193 Article 6: container design

and construction

Relevant legislation:• ETS 193 Article 11: rest, water and

feed prior to loading• ETS 193 Article 16: floors and

bedding• ETS 193 Article 29: road vehicles

or rail wagons on roll-on/roll-offvessels

• ETS 193 Article 30: transport by air

8 Good practice for animal transport on site

This section addresses the movement of ani-mals from one building to another or to newaccommodation within a building, e.g. on adifferent floor. On-site transport may be ofshort duration, but it can still cause stress(see Section 1) and should be carefullyplanned with all due consideration for theanimals’ experience of the journey. Animalsshould not be moved within a site unless



7.3 Grouping and stocking densityIt is preferable to transport compatible ani-mals in socially harmonious pairs or largergroups. All animals in a container should befrom the same established colony, and wher-ever possible be of similar age and the samesex. Breeding pairs, trios and any offspringshould travel in the same container wherefeasible. However, note that dogs, cats andminipigs should normally travel singlyunless they are in compatible same-sexgroups, but same sex, compatible non-human primates should travel as pairs.Species should never be mixed within thesame transport container, especially if theyinclude predators and prey (e.g. rats andmice).

The number of animals within any onecontainer must be such that animals travelin comfort with due regard to the conditionslikely to prevail throughout the journey.Guidelines for stocking densities have beenprepared for mice and rats, hamsters,guineapigs, rabbits and ferrets (see Part II).Optimum stocking densities for rodents andrabbits are suggested for both non-filteredand filtered crates transported and main-tained with full temperature controlthroughout the journey. Lower stocking den-sities are also suggested and these are moreappropriate for use when all or part of thejourney occurs without full temperaturecontrol of the shipping crate’s environment.

absolutely necessary and transit timesshould be as short as possible, avoidingunnecessary delays by good coordination ofstaff and resources. It is important that highstandards of animal care and welfare aremaintained at all times, which may includeperiods of quarantine when moving betweenbuildings with different barrier status.

Arranging the transport should be theresponsibility of senior animal care staff andonly trained persons should assist in thetransfer procedure. Animals in transit shouldnot be left unattended and remain the re-sponsibility of the consignor until they arehanded over. It is essential to liaise effectivelyand in good time with the recipient, to ensurethat suitable housing and adequate staff willbe ready for the animals on arrival.

All species (apart from dogs in certain circumstances; see below) should be movedwithin containers secured with appropriate,tamper-proof door catches and locks. Cats,primates and minipigs should be relocatedin purpose-made transport containers withsecure fastenings, whereas rabbits androdents can generally be moved whilst stillin their home cages, carried on a trolley orother suitable vehicle. Dogs can be movedby a wider range of methods including leadwalking or carrying, provided that they areappropriately trained (see Prescott et al.2004).

For larger animals such as dogs, cats, primates and minipigs, transfer by trolley orcart is an option for relatively short on-sitejourneys. Noise and vibration can be stress-ful, so all wheels and hinges should be regu-larly oiled and wheels should be made ofrubber to reduce vibration. The weight-bearing surface of the trolley should be non-slip and the trolley should have a lid toprevent animals jumping out. Each trolleyor cart should be moved and checked beforeevery journey to ensure that it has beenproperly maintained. Care should be takento ensure a slow, gentle journey, taking carenot to bump or jolt the trolley.

Longer journeys, or those between build-ings, may require the use of specificallydesigned transport boxes. These are purpose-built containers that are usually moved in aventilated vehicle. Certain animals may

Relevant legislation:• ETS 193 Article 17: space allowances

(floor area and height)

1 Rodents

This document covers laboratory bred andreared rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils andguineapigs. Laboratory rodents should alwaysbe transported under SPF conditions, regard-less of their microbiological status, to protectthem from pathogens carried by any compan-ion animals which may be transported on thesame vehicle. Specialist advice should besought for other, less commonly used rodentspecies or for wild-caught rodents.

1.1 Design and construction of containersMaterialsThe body of the container may be made ofcardboard with moisture-resistant coating;moulded plastic (including, but not limitedto, polyethylene, polycarbonate or poly-styrene); corrugated plastic composite board;laminated plastic composites; fibreglass; oraluminium. Interior surfaces should have asmooth, moisture-resistant, durable surface.Suitable materials for viewing windows aremetal wire or transparent sheet plastic (e.g.Mylar). Spun-bonded polyester is recom-mended for use as filtration medium.

ConstructionContainers can be constructed for single useor for repeated use, following defined recondi-

tioning practices. SPF containers should beconstructed to allow at least eight similarlyconstructed, fully-loaded containers to bestacked on top of one other without causingdamage or crushing the bottom container.Care must be taken to ensure that larger con-tainers have been designed with sufficientstructural support. This is especially impor-tant in the case of international shipments(see Fig 1). Some SPF shipping containersmay consist of one or more primary or innerenclosure(s) and a secondary covering or ‘overshipper’. See Fig 2.



need to be habituated to the container toexperience confinement and motion beforethe journey wherever possible.

However animals have been transported,they should be removed promptly from theirtransport containers on arrival, checked forgood health and placed in the pre-preparedaccommodation. Appropriate records, such asindividual animal histories and clinical rec-ords, should always accompany each animalduring the journey to ensure that they staywith the right animals and are not mislaid.

9 Sources of additional advice

The International Air Transport AssociationLive Animals Regulations and the AnimalAir Transportation Association Manual forthe Transportation of Live Animals provideadvice on requirements for animal ship-ments and are highly recommended readingfor all who transport animals. These publi-cations can be obtained from www.iata.org/and www.aata-animaltransport.org/ respectively.

Part II Specific requirements for species and other groups

Fig 1 Example of a container for use in international shipments

Mice of different strains can be transport-ed within the same container, provided thatit is divided into sections to separate them.The physical and environmental conditionsand stocking densities within each compart-ment should conform to the guidelines else-where in this report. See Fig 3.

Surfaces should be designed and materialsselected so that animals cannot gnawthrough the container. For example, this canbe achieved by lining the container withfine-meshed screen wire or plastic film, orby using solid, smooth plastic. In the case ofhamsters, the entire interior of the container



Fig 2 Example of a container for rodents withadditional bio-security

Fig 3 Example of a multi-sectioned container forshipping mice of different strains

should be lined with at least one (preferablytwo) layers of screen wire to ensure thatthey cannot gnaw through the container.Hamsters will readily gnaw free edges ofscreen wire, unfastened seams, elevatedseams or wrinkles in the screen wire, socontainers should be checked carefully tomake sure that they are sound. The piece ofscreen wire covering the opening must alsobe fastened so that the animals do not haveaccess to any free edges.

Wire mesh linings should be covered byan absorbent nesting material or substrate tomake the animals more comfortable. Anynesting or substrate material should be non-toxic, generally non-consumable and capableof being disinfected. The amount of materialshould be sufficient to absorb urine or faecesvoided by the animals during the anticipatedlength of shipment and any spillage fromliquid sources placed in the container. As amore comfortable alternative to screen-wirelined cardboard containers, containersappropriately constructed from Correx haveproved to be escape-proof.

The container design must allow the con-tents of the container to be viewed withoutopening it. One or more viewing windowscan be placed in the lid, usually covered witha protective flap made of materials the sameas or similar to the rest of the container. SeeFig 4. The design must also incorporatespacer bars or other offsets so that when thecontainers are placed in a stack, ventilationis not compromised by preventing heated airmoving vertically upwards and therebyretaining a cooling effect. See Fig 5.

Fig 4 Example of an inspection window for rodentcontainers

Ventilation and filtersThe placement and type of ventilation open-ings can vary considerably between shippingcontainers, but there should always be ventilation apertures on at least three of thewalls of the container for effective crossventilation. The total ventilation areashould represent at least 14% of the totalcombined surface area of the sidewalls.

All filters in the container should be pro-tected from direct animal access by wiremesh or other coverings. Filters should be constructed of water-resistant and tear-resistant materials (e.g. spun-bondpolyester) to minimize the risk of damageduring shipment. Excessive moisturereduces air transfer across filter surfaces, sofilters should be sited so that they cannotget wet if it rains, or otherwise protectedfrom rainfall.

DimensionsThe animal(s) must be able to assume allnormal postures and to move about freelywithin the container. There must be ade-quate space between the highest part of thebody and the lid of the container, both toallow adequate air mixing and to preventcontact injuries. Filtered containers restrictventilation to some degree, which slowsdown heat dissipation by passive or convec-tive ventilation. This has to be compensatedfor at elevated ambient temperatures byreducing the number of animals, hence theheat generation, within each container (seeTable 3).

1.2 Preparations before dispatchLaboratory rodents should be provided withclean, appropriately disinfected and dry sub-strate and/or nesting material in the ship-ping containers. The most commonly usedmaterials are shaved, shredded or chippedwood products, mulched corncobs, or spe-cially prepared chipped or shredded paperproducts. The primary purpose of this mate-rial is to absorb moisture produced by theanimals or by any food or water sources inthe shipping container. In the case of smallrodents, additional nesting material shouldbe used to aid thermoregulation by makingnests or burrows. As many rodents huddle



Fig 5 Examples of containers for rodents



Table 3 Minimum stocking density guidelines (cm2 floor area per animal) for rodents

Floor area cm2 per animal Floor area cm2 per animal Species (When no active temperature (When active temperature & weight control is provided control is provided in g throughout the journey) throughout the journey)

Filtered cratesRats Min. height 15 cm Min. height 15 cm

�50 120 9651–75 160 12876–100 200 160

101–125 240 192126–150 280 224151–175 360 288176–200 360 288201–225 420 336226–250 500 400�251 600 480

Mice Min. height 10 cm Min. height 10 cm10–20 120 9621–25 150 12026–30 150 120�31 180 144

Hamsters Min. height 15 cm Min. height 15 cm30–60 120 9661–90 160 12891–120 200 160�121 240 192

Guineapigs Min. height 15 cm Min. height 15 cm100–150 330 264151–250 400 320251–350 440 352351–450 480 384451–550 520 416�551 560 448

Unfiltered cratesRats Min. height 15 cm Min. height 15 cm

�50 60 4851–75 80 6476–100 100 80

101–125 120 96126–150 140 112151–175 180 144176–200 180 144201–225 220 176226–250 253 203�251 300 240

Mice Min. height 10 cm Min. height 10 cm10–20 60 4821–25 75 6026–30 75 60�31 90 72

Hamsters Min. height 15 cm Min. height 15 cm30–60 60 4861–90 80 6491–120 100 80�121 120 96

in groups to facilitate thermoregulation, animals travelling individually or in smallgroups should be provided with additionalnesting material. Sufficient substrate andnesting material should be provided to keepthe interior of the shipping container drythroughout the entire shipping period,but without interfering with ventilationapertures.

1.3 Feeding and watering guideThere are various options for providing foodand water to animals being shipped underSPF conditions. Rodents fed on pelleted, drymaintenance diets can be given the samefood during transport. The pellets can besoaked in water to form a mash providingboth water and nutrients.

Water can be provided in liquid formthrough water kits (i.e. flexible containerswith water accessed via a nipple drinker),but these are prone to flooding when airtransport is used due to pressure changeswithin the cargo compartment. In the case of bio-secure shipping containers, thereis usually no means to refill water contain-ers during transit and still maintain themicrobiological integrity of the container.Sufficient moisture and food sources musttherefore be provided inside the containerwhen the animals are packed. Other mois-ture sources such as agar or colloid, stabi-lized water (‘gelled water’) are often used as



Table 3 (Continued )

Floor area cm2 per animal Floor area cm2 per animal Species (When no active temperature (When active temperature & weight control is provided control is provided in g throughout the journey) throughout the journey)

Guineapigs Min. height 15 cm Min. height 15 cm100–150 165 132151–250 200 160251–350 220 176351–450 240 192451–550 260 208�551 280 224

These stocking densities are based on those in guidelines set out by LABA/LASA (1993). They havebeen re-evaluated using surveys conducted by LABA and input from the Corporation of LondonAnimal Reception Centre at Heathrow Airport. The existing guidelines were found to work wellfrom both animal welfare and practical aspects, and therefore they are largely unchanged.

an alternative. Gelled water products maycontain additional nutrients, includingenergy sources such as simple or complexcarbohydrates and stabilizing agents thatinhibit spoilage, but they are not nutrition-ally complete diets.

Emergency feeding and watering during transitBio-secure laboratory rodent containersshould not be opened under conditions inwhich microbiological control cannot beassured. Sufficient food and water must bepacked with the animals to allow for thedouble anticipated transit time, so thereshould be no need to open the containerunless a delay exceeds this period. The ship-per should be contacted if there is reason tobelieve that delays will exceed this marginso that alternative arrangements can bemade to care for the animals underappropriately controlled conditions. In theevent of a delay in departure, the carriershould advise both the consignor and consignee.

Opening containers containing laboratoryrodents will invariably compromise the animals’ health or ‘disease free’ status andtherefore their use as laboratory animals. Insome circumstances it may be necessary toopen the containers to prevent or stopanimals suffering, even though it wouldmake them unsuitable for research andwould mean that they had to be euthanizedor rehomed.

1.4 Care and loadingSome SPF shipping containers can accom-modate heating or cooling packs or othertemperature-altering devices, but these canbe unreliable and can also contain chemicalsthat can be classified as dangerous goods.

1.5 Effect of phenotype and health statusThe phenotypic effects of inbreeding, gene-tic mutation or modification, age and healthstatus can all have an impact on a rodent’sability to withstand transport stress. Inbredanimals, or those with a harmful geneticmutation, are less able to withstand therigours of transport. It is vitally importantfor animals such as these to make sure thatthere are effective contingency plans to copewith likely delays.

Genetically-modified animals can havespecial requirements and wide consultationmay be required when planning their jour-ney (see Section 4.1, Robinson et al. 2003).Low stocking densities may be necessaryfor obese and pregnant animals becausetheir ability to dissipate body heat can belimited. Pregnant rodents should not betransported during the last 20% of gestation(see Table 1).

2 Rabbits and ferrets

2.1 Design and construction of containersMaterialsThe following materials are suitable for con-tainers for transporting rabbits or ferrets:sheet metal; fibreglass; fibreboard; rigid plas-tic; strong, welded wire mesh; or wood linedwith wire mesh. See Fig 6.

Principles of designRabbits are usually transported singly or individed boxes. Stocking density guidelinesare given in Table 4.

In addition to the general container require-ments (see Section 7), there are other impor-tant principles of design that need to be met.

• Container height should be restricted forrabbits to prevent back injury caused bykicking out.



Table 4 Minimum stocking density guidelines (cm2

floor area per animal) for rabbits and ferrets

Rabbits & Min height Min height ferrets 20 cm 20 cm

Filtered crates600–1000 1000 800�1001 2000 1600

Unfiltered crates600–1000 500 400

1001–2500 762 610�2501 1000 800

Fig 6 Example of a container for specific pathogenfree (SPF) rabbits

• For long journeys, it may be necessaryto incorporate a grid floor or area forrabbits to separate excreta from thelying area.

• Containers constructed without a wiremesh liner must provide wire-screeningcover on all air vents.

The current IATA Live AnimalsRegulations include details of appropriatecontainer design and construction for rab-bits and ferrets. Dog and cat pet carriers canbe used where filtered ventilation is notrequired.

ConstructionContainers should be constructed with astrong framework, with joints and cornersdesigned so that the animals cannot claw orbite through them. Access to the containershould be by a sliding or hinged door that issecurely attached and can be adequatelysecured, e.g. with twisted wire or plasticties, to prevent accidental opening or escape.It is common practice to construct the doorusing bars, welded mesh, or smoothexpanded metal to enable adequate inspec-tion of the dogs during transport and to provide good ventilation.

VentilationVentilation holes 2.5 cm wide must also beprovided over the whole surface of the oppo-site end to the door, with a distance of10 cm between the centres of adjacent holes.Similar holes must be provided on the upperthird of the remaining two sides. The totalventilated area must provide a minimum of16% of the total surface area of all foursides. These are minimum requirements andit is permitted to have additional ventilationholes on the top or sides or larger ventila-tion openings covered with wire mesh ifnecessary. It should be impossible for theanimal to protrude its nose, paws or tailoutside the container through any opening,including ventilation holes.



2.2 Feeding and watering guideRabbits or ferrets should not require feedingfor 24 h following packing, but provisionsfor feeding and watering must be suppliedfor journeys exceeding 24 h. Rabbits rarelyeat or drink during a journey, but food andwater should still be provided in case of longjourneys, delays or unexpected stop-over(rest) periods. If feeding is necessary due toan unforeseen delay, rabbits should be givencarrots, fruit, hay or grain and ferrets shouldbe given tinned cat or dog food.

3 Dogs and cats

3.1 Design and construction of containers for dogsMaterialsThe use of fibreglass or plastic containers,designed to comply with IATA recom-mendations, is recommended. These are incommon use for transporting companionanimals and are readily available. See Figs 7and 8. Modern, impermeable materials suchas fibreglass have largely superseded woodfor dog container construction; in any case,wooden containers are not suitable for largedogs because they are less robust and heav-ier than fibreglass or plastic containers of similar size. Also note that some airlinesmay not accept wooden containers.

Fig 7 Example of a typical Sky kennel used fordogs and cats Fig 8 Example of a container for dogs



Loose housingDogs are generally transported in individual,purpose-designed containers, particularly forlonger journeys. However, transporting dogsin established, compatible groups can reducetransport stress and improve welfare. Dogsmay travel loose in small, single-sexed, com-patible groups by road, in the cargo area of asuitably equipped vehicle with an inner doorsystem constructed of wire mesh and woodor metal framing. Absorbent substrate mustbe provided and the supply of food and watershould be incorporated into the design. Thereshould be sufficient space to allow the dogsto stand, turn, lie down and stretch.

3.2 Design and construction of containers for catsMaterialsSuitable materials are rigid plastic or fibre-glass.

Principles of designCats usually travel in purpose-designed con-tainers such as the Vari Kennel®. In general,dimensions should be 52 cm (l) �35 cm (w) �35 cm (h) for rectangular containers and

Fig 9 Example of a container for cats

50 cm (diameter) �35 cm (h) for circular containers. See Fig 9. For international trans-port, ventilation openings must be coveredwith wire mesh with stapled or glued inter-nal edges to prevent the animal clawing atthe apertures or filter material. The containerdoor must be adequately secured to preventaccidental opening and a viewing windowshould be available in the lid section.

3.3 Feeding and watering guideDogs and cats being transported should befed at intervals of not more than 24 h andgiven water at intervals of not more than12 h. There should be clear written instruc-tions about feeding and watering. Both dogsand cats are prone to motion sickness, soshould not be fed or watered within 4 h ofdispatch or supplied with food or waterduring transit. It should only be necessary to feed dogs and cats that have been travel-ling for over 24 h (when travelling intemperature-controlled conditions). If feeding is necessary, the animals’ normaldiet should be provided or, if this is not possible, biscuits and/or canned food shouldbe substituted. Care must be taken not tooverfeed to avoid vomiting.

The vehicle should be stopped, approxi-mately every 4 h, to check the animals’ con-dition. During this time the animals shouldbe offered drinking water. The journeyshould re-commence after the animals havebeen allowed sufficient time (30 min) toabsorb any water consumed. Off-loading forfeeding and watering is not recommended.

3.4 Care and loadingDogs, and particularly cats, may resent con-finement in a transport container. Whereverpossible, dogs and cats should be habituatedto transport containers by placing the con-tainers in their holding pen. Short periods of confinement and habituation to motion(e.g. in carts or trolleys) should also be considered, particularly before longer jour-neys. This should be included in generalhabituation and training programmes. Dogsshould be exercised immediately beforebeing placed in the transport container. The



appropriate number of animals within eachcontainer will depend on their size and onenvironmental conditions likely to prevailthroughout the journey. Animals in quaran-tine must be segregated from those that are not.

Suitable substrate should always be pro-vided in the container, e.g. clean sawdustand shredded paper. The purpose is to absorburine and excreta as well as providingwarmth and comfort. It may be necessary tomix different types of substrate and beddingmaterial to achieve optimum comfort andhygiene. Spare, clean material should alwaysbe carried in case of emergencies.

Vehicles used for dogs and cats should beequipped with mechanical ventilation and,ideally, have temperature control that canbe operated independently via an externalelectrical supply when the vehicle is parkedor when travelling on ferries. Containersshould be firmly secured within the vehicleduring transit, even for short journeys.Rubber mats in the vehicle will help tosecure the load and reduce noise. Containersshould be loaded in the vehicle so that allanimals can be checked, fed and wateredduring the journey. Some means of monitor-ing conditions in the cargo area should beprovided. Ventilation holes must not be cov-ered when containers are stacked and theuse of dividers or spacers within the vehiclemay be necessary to prevent this. If it isnecessary to open the container during tran-sit, it should always be done in an enclosedarea to prevent the animals from escaping.

4 Non-human primates

4.1 IntroductionThe guidelines given here relate specificallyto the routine shipment of macaques andmarmosets, as these are the genera of non-human primate most commonly used inresearch laboratories. The principles encom-passed here should, however, be used asguidance on the transport of other non-human primates, such as squirrel monkeys,tamarins, vervets and baboons. The trans-portation of apes is not covered by this document.

Minimizing journey duration is criticallyimportant when transporting non-humanprimates. With careful planning, closemonitoring and suitable contingency plans(see Section 3), domestic travel should beachieved within 12 h in most countries andinternational journeys completed withinapproximately 56 h.

4.2 Design and construction of containersMaterialsSuitable materials are wood, MDF and/orrigid plastic.

Principles of designThe principles listed below are in additionto general container requirements (seeSection 7).

• Containers must be constructed with anespecially strong framework and joints,with corners designed so that the ani-mals cannot claw or bite through them.

• Great care must be taken to ensure thatall apertures are of such a size or designthat the animal cannot protrude itsextremities outside the container.

• Ventilation, normally provided by wiremesh or barred grilles, should be situatedon at least three sides of the container andprotected by battens to prevent the ventsbecoming obstructed when the containerhas been loaded. The ventilation or grilledarea must occupy a minimum of 10% ofthe total surface area of all four verticalsides of the container; when fitted withfilter material this figure should beincreased to take into account the reducedairflow. If using a multi-compartmentcontainer, ventilation should be providedbetween compartments.

Macaques: The front of the containershould allow the animals to be easilyobserved and this is normally achieved bythe use of wire mesh. Access should be provided by means of a sliding door, secured with tamper-proof locking devices.Containers for water and food should be provided and positioned to prevent fouling.Handrails should be fitted above the ani-mals’ head height to help them steadythemselves during the journey.



Fig 10 Line diagram of a 3-pair primate container for juvenile macaques

Fig 11 Line diagram of a 2-pair primate container for juvenile macaques

Marmosets: For road travel, both local andEuropean deliveries, a Correx containerwith a viewing flap on the top is suitable foranimals accustomed to handling. This con-tainer has a central divider and this enablesthe individual transport of two animals.Substrate, e.g. wood shavings, should beprovided. For international transport by air,the container used should be as specified byIATA and can be constructed from wood,MDF or rigid plastic.

4.3 Feeding and watering guideAnimals should not usually require feedingduring the first 24 h following the time of packing. However, moist food should beprovided in sufficient quantities to allow fortwice the anticipated duration of the jour-ney. For international travel, an additionalallowance of food and water must be consid-ered and any further provision of foodand/or water that may be required should bedetailed on the route plan.

Careful consideration needs to be given tothe various foods provided to ensure localimport rules are not broken. When new ani-mals arrive at the user establishment, try toensure that they are fed on a similar diet tothat being used in the source establishment.

4.4 Care and loadingWhen transporting non-human primates, the shipper and the carrier should follow



For longer journeys at least part of thefloor should be slatted or mesh to allowdroppings to fall into a removable tray fittedinto the base. Alternatively, a sill should befitted to the inside back and front of thecontainer, to prevent the escape of urine.The base of the container should be leak-proof and absorbent material should be used to soak up the urine and faeces. Thedroppings tray should be fitted with a locking device.

Recommended container size based on thebodyweight of individual animals:

• For animals up to 3.0 kg, the IATAcontainer dimensions are acceptable.However, rather than dividing the con-tainer into five single animal compart-ments, it is preferable to divide it intothree paired animal compartments sothat each animal can have a companionand more space. See Fig 10.

• For animals over 3.0 kg, the IATAapproved container should be divided intotwo compartments to house four animalsin pairs, but the height of the containerneeds to be at least 69.5 cm. See Figs 11,12 and 13.

Containers larger than this may allowtoo much movement, which is undesirablebecause it may lead to injury during thejourney.

Fig 12 Example of a container containing pairedjuvenile macaques

Fig 13 Example of a container containing pairedjuvenile macaques



a number of basic principles to ensure theanimals’ welfare and comfort. It is naturalfor monkeys to investigate their surroundingsand try to escape; they may not willinglyaccept confinement and could become frustrated, so the containers must be con-structed to contain the animals securely.

It is essential that the animals be in goodhealth. Therefore, a veterinary inspectionshould be carried out within 24 h prior toshipment. Non-human primates are nownormally supplied from healthy, purpose-bred colonies and so present a reasonablylow risk of transmitting zoonotic diseases(but note that this may not be recognizedinternationally). However, there are a num-ber of infectious diseases communicablefrom non-human primates to man and viceversa so proper personal hygiene precautionsshould always be taken. To minimize thespread of infectious diseases, it is recom-mended that different batches of non-humanprimates should not come into close contactwith each other.

Primates should ideally be acclimatizedto their transport container in compatiblegroups. When animals are packed on theday of their journey, they must be inspec-ted regularly to ensure that they haveadjusted to their new surroundings beforethe journey begins. Good communicationbetween breeders and users of non-humanprimates and efforts to socialize, habituateand train the animals using positive rein-forcement techniques can significantlyreduce any stress caused by transport andrelocation.

Different sexes and species should be car-ried separately, with the exception of juve-nile animals which should not be separatedfrom one another, as this is very stressfulfor them. Juveniles should be transported inpre-established single sex pairs, but if this isnot feasible they should be shipped eitherin the company of compatible conspecifics,in partitioned containers, or in separatecontainers loaded adjacent to each other.Adult macaques should be transported incompatible pairs, wherever possible,although in some circumstances they mayneed to be crated individually, in whichcase they should be separated by partitions.

If marmosets are accustomed to nest boxes,consideration should be given to allowingthem access to these during transportationalong with provision of familiar scentmarking material, such as chewing or gnawing sticks.

Non-human primates are affected bytemperature changes and can be adverselyaffected by temperature extremes. The dif-fering climatic conditions prevailing duringa journey must therefore always be consid-ered when arranging the routing and car-riage of these animals. Consideration mustbe given not only to temperature changesbut also to the chill factors involved. Underno circumstances should the animals beexposed to direct heat. Non-human primatesshould be accompanied at airports untilthey enter the cargo area.

4.5 ArrivalAnimals must be removed from their trans-port containers as soon as possible uponarrival, reunited with their peer groupmembers if appropriate and provided withfood and water. It may be necessary toshow the animals the drinking valves orprovide bowls of water until the animalsaccustom themselves to their new surroundings.

It is good practice to take a record of theanimal’s arrival bodyweight and a record ofthe animal’s condition soon after arrival bya competent individual. A person such as asenior member of animal care staff shouldcheck the health and well-being of newarrivals frequently.

Any relocation invariably involves unfa-miliar care staff and a change in environ-ment, husbandry regime and possibly dietand social grouping. A period of acclimatiza-tion and social adjustment is necessary toenable the animals to recover from theirjourney, and relocation, before scientific pro-cedures begin. The acclimatization periodwill vary depending upon the animal’stemperament and condition, length of thejourney and nature of the differences inhousing and care between the source anddestination establishments.

area because pigs are prone to heat stressand the journey can be adjusted accordingly.Minipigs should be accompanied at airportsuntil they enter the cargo area.

5.3 Feeding and watering guideSome food (10–20% of the daily ration)should be offered in the morning but more(80–90%) should be provided in the eveningor when parked for the night. Water shouldbe offered every 4–6 h depending on ambienttemperature.

5.4 ArrivalThe risk of pathogen transfer must be mini-mized by parking the vehicle away fromother pigs or livestock units likely to housethem. Anyone entering the animal area ofthe vehicle or cargo area should put on dis-posable over boots and step into a drip traycontaining disinfectant. On arrival thecontainers should be carried to secureentrances into the animal facility to reducethe risk of cross contamination bypathogens. Containers should be cleanedand disinfected before return.

5 Minipigs

Minipigs for laboratory use are frequentlytransported as young, weaned animals byroad in rigid containers within climate-controlled vehicles.

5.1 Design and construction of containersThe principles of container design andconstruction, feeding guides and generalcare and loading for dogs are relevant tominipigs. Generally, sky containers designedfor dog transport are used of a size appropri-ate for the pig’s weight. Table 5 gives guid-ance on container sizes for minipigs.

Space allowances can be adjusted for longjourneys by increasing the space per pig by15% and for short journeys (i.e. less than 2 h)reducing it by 10%. It is essential to ensurethat the minipig can lie down fully stretched.

5.2 Preparations before dispatchA good depth of substrate should always beprovided and it will be necessary to planfor the replacement of substrate during longjourneys. It is important to monitor tem-peratures and ventilation within the cargo



Table 5 Typical container sizes for minipigs

Maximum Sky kennel Inner dimensions weight of No. of type (cm) minipigs (kg) minipgs

Small 50 �36 �35 7 14 2

Medium 64 �46 �44 12 17 24 3

Intermediate 77 �51 �53 20 112 28 35 4

Large 86 �56 �62 28 115 210 37 45 5

Extra large 97 �65 �71 45 125 215 310 48 56 6

The vehicle should not be used for thetransport of other pigs because certainporcine pathogens can survive long periodsoutside the animal. It cannot be guaran-teed that all parts of the vehicle will bethoroughly sterilized by disinfection.

6 Amphibians including Xenopus

6.1 Design and construction of containersAmphibians can be transported in smallplastic containers, as long as they are keptmoist in transit by placing pieces of spongein the containers that have been soaked inthe water from the animals’ holding tank(not tap water). Alternatively, soaked vegeta-tion from the animals’ usual holding tankcan be used but it will be necessary to checkwith the receiving authority because ofplant health implications. The containersshould have sealable lids, perforated withholes to ensure a good air supply. Clear plas-tic containers allow easy inspection; alterna-tively, containers can also be constructedof waxed fibreboard placed within anotherstronger container and packed aroundwith polystyrene chips for insulation andprotection. See Fig 14.

Completely aquatic species such as theAfrican clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, can betransported in waterproof plastic bags placedwithin an outer stronger container. Air isblown into the plastic bag over the surfaceof the water and the bag sealed so that thewater approximates 30% of the overallvolume. It is essential that such containersremain upright whilst animals are insidethem. Small Xenopus (�3 cm) may travel forup to 72 h in this manner.

6.2 Preparations before dispatchPrior to transport, the animals should bechecked by a veterinarian or other senioranimal technician to ensure that they arehealthy and fit for travel. It is also impor-tant to check with the relevant state veteri-nary services about any disease-screeningprocedures. Some species of amphibian areCITES listed and it will be necessary toarrange CITES permits in these cases.



Fig 14 Example of a container for Xenopus laevisshowing a waxed cardboard box with dampSphagnum moss as substrate

6.3 Feeding guideThe metabolic rates of amphibians are typi-cally at least 10–20 times lower than thoseof mammals of similar size, so relativelyshort periods (e.g. up to 2–3 days) withoutfood should cause no harm.

6.4 Care and loadingDuring transport it is important that theambient temperature should remain withinthe range to which the animals are accus-tomed, avoiding extremes of temperature.For Xenopus, the temperature should beabout 19oC. Box size and the number ofamphibians per box will depend on thespecies and the animals’ requirements forair and moisture, and if necessary, for appro-priate devices to maintain the requiredtemperature and humidity. Containers ofapproximately 750 ml volume are suitablefor transporting one or two adult female orup to four small male Xenopus.

6.5 ArrivalGreat care should be taken when openingtransport boxes, especially if sharp knivesare used to cut the sealing tapes. Someamphibians such as Xenopus may be livelyafter transport and attempt to jump out ofthe box. If the box contains a number of ani-mals it is wise to cover it with a perspexsheet and to remove them by hand, one by

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Appendix 1 Animal Transport Certificate

This certificate has been designed by SITPRO Ltd to comply with the relevant UN aligned document.

1. Sender/agent name and address Animal Transport Certificate

2. Booking number 3. Sender’s reference

4. Carrier’s reference 5. Other reference

6. Consignee 7. Carrier/transporters name and address

8. Place of delivery address 9. Place of loading address

10. Owner of the animals name and address (if notsender or consignee)

11. Flight no./vehicle ref no./trailer no.

12. Date and time of departure/dispatch

13. Identifying marks Description/Species Total net wt (kg)

14. Comments and incidents on the journey

15. Name of carrier/agent 16. ARE THE ANIMALS 17. Name of sender/agentUNACCOMPANIED?

Name of signatory Name of contact and tel. no.

Place and date Place and date of issue

Signature of carrier/transporters HAS THE CONSIGNEE SignatureBEEN NOTIFIED?

If the answer is YES then place a “Y” in the applicable box



Appendix 2 Route Plan

1. Sender name and address Route Plan

2. Booking number 3. Sender’s reference

4. Carrier’s reference 5. Other references

6. Consignee 7. Carrier/transporters name and address

8. Place of delivery address 9. Place of loading address

10. Means of 11. Estimated journey 12. Owner of the animals name and address (if not transport time sender or consignee)

13. Flight no./vehicle ref. no/trailer no.

14. Date and time of departure/dispatch

15. Route plan: for transit, feeding, watering and resting of animals during transport as required by

Directive 91/628/EEC

STOPPING OR TRANSFER POINT (S): -

Place and address Date and time Length of stop Reason

16. Comments/observations and additional accompanying documents

17. Name of person in charge of 19. Carrier/transporters nametransfer during journey

Date and time of arrival Carrier/transporters signature

Signature of person in charge during journey

20. Authorized stamp of the veterinarian 21. Name of company preparing of the place of departure document

Name of contact and tel. no.

Place and date of issue

Signature

18. Authorized stamp of the Competent authority of the Point of exit (3rd country movements only)