Transport guidelines - PACKER'S GUIDELINES Aph/2

   
PACKER'S GUIDELINES
 
 
Aph/2 – Amphibians, terrestrial forms
   
1. General welfare
   
1.1 Animals should have priority over merchandise.
   
1.21 Only animals in good health should be transported.
   
1.3 Animals should not be sedated.
   
1.4 Animals of different species should not be transported in the same bag.
   
1.5 Unless animals of the same species are known to be compatible with one another, they should not be transported in the same bag.
   
1.6 Animals should be left undisturbed during transport.
   
1.72 Animals that have become sick, or that have been injured during transport, should receive veterinary treatment as soon as possible and, if necessary, should be humanely destroyed. A record of any such occurrences should be kept.
   
1.82 Sick or dead animals should be removed from containers, when feasible, and a record kept.
   
1.9 No feeding should be necessary during transport.
   
1.10 To avoid cross-infection, and for health and hygiene reasons, human contact with animals should be avoided. Should it be necessary, in an emergency, to handle them, then the hands should be thoroughly washed immediately afterwards, as the skins of some species are toxic.
   
1.11 To avoid damage to the animals' skins, the hands should be moistened before handling.
   
1.12 No animal should be transported with radioactive material or other substances dangerous to health.
   
1.13 Containers should be secured to the aircraft, rail wagon, lorry or ship to avoid any possible movement, and should at all times be maintained in a horizontal position.
   
2. Advance arrangements for transport
   
2.1 All possible precautions should be taken in advance to ensure that animals are not subjected to extremes of temperature. This would necessitate planning their movement with due regard to the climatic conditions natural to them, and to the conditions prevailing at their final destination, and also those that will be encountered during transport. Particular attention should be paid to the facilities at any intermediate stops at airports, etc.
   
2.2 Any bags or other packing material should be destroyed after use; when containers are to be re-used they should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before and after use.
   
2.3 The estimated time of arrival should be notified in advance to the consignee, and also the route of the consignment. Adequate arrangements for its prompt collection at the final destination, and for any necessary movement at transit points, should be made in advance.
   
2.4 Should any delay in collection be anticipated, then advance arrangements should be made for the housing of the animals.
   
2.5 Cash on delivery facilities should not be used.
   
3. Container
   
3.1 The container should be constructed of wood, hardboard, or other material of similar strength, and an adequate framework should be provided to ensure mechanical strength.
   
3.2 The container should be of adequate strength to house the animals, and to withstand the handling involved during transport.
   
3.3 The container should be provided with an adequate number and size of ventilation holes, to ensure a free flow of air to the animals.
   
3.4 Spacer bars of adequate size should be fitted on all walls, roof and base of the container, to ensure that there is a free flow of air to the animals in the event of stacking or close stowing of cargo.
   
4. Packing
   
4.1 In order to minimize pollution of the packing material, animals should not be fed for 24 hours before shipment.
   
4.2 Animals should be packed in damp sphagnum moss, foam chippings, or other suitable water-retaining material, in bags made of netting, or other loose-weave material, that will allow a free flow of air.
   
4.3 The number of animals packed in each bag should be such that excessive movement is prevented, but also that there is no danger of crushing or of asphyxiation.
   
4.4 Very large specimens should be packed in bags singly.
   
5. Labelling and documentation
   
  Durable, waterproof labels should be provided as follows:
   
5.1 "LIVE ANIMALS – DO NOT TIP" on all sides and top.
   
5.2 "THIS WAY UP", with arrows indicating the top, on all sides.
   
5.3 Consignor's and consignee's name, address and telephone number. Box numbers should not be used as the sole address.
   
5.4 Detailed list of contents: number of animals; scientific name and common names used in the exporting and importing countries.
   
5.5 Temperature range required.
   
5.6 Date on which animals were packed for transport.
   
5.7 Official stamp of carrier showing date of his receipt of consignment.
   
  Durable, waterproof means of containing the following documents and other essential information should be firmly attached to the container:
   
5.8 Duplicate of consignor's and consignee's name, address and telephone number.
   
5.9 Duplicate list of contents as in 5.4.
   
5.10 Copies of relevant export and import licences.
   
5.11 Copy of valid health certificate issued in accordance with the requirements of the importing country.
   
5.12 Duplicate information regarding temperature range required.
   
____________________
   
1 Exceptional circumstances may arise which justify departure from this recommendation.
2 Amphibians are frequently in a state of torpor and, therefore, the advice of someone qualified in handling them should be obtained before any action is taken in cases where there is any doubt as to the condition of the animals.