DEAS 1137 : 2023  
ICS 67.120  
 
© EAC 2023                                                                                                                        First Edition 2023  
 DRAFT EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  
Handling and transportation of slaughter animals – Requirements     
 
 
 
 
 
 
EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY  DEAS 1137 : 2023  
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved    ii 
 Copyright notice  
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 DEAS 1137 : 2023  
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved    iii 
 Foreword  
Development of the East African St anda rds has been necessitated by the need for harmonizing requirements 
governing quality of products and services in the East African Community. It is envisaged that through 
harmonized standardization, trade barriers that are encountered  when goods and ser vices are exchanged 
within the Community will be removed.  
The Community has established an East African Standards Committee  (EASC)  mandated to develop and 
issue East African Standards  (EAS) . The Committee is composed of representatives of the National 
Standards Bodies in Partner States, together with the representatives from the public and private sector 
organizations  in the community .  
East African Standards are developed through  Technical Committees that are representative of key 
stake holders including g overnment, academia, consumer groups, private sector and other interested parties. 
Draft East African Standards are circulated to stakeholders through the National Standards Bodies in the 
Partner States. The comments received are discuss ed and incorporated  before finalization of standards, in 
accordance with the Principles and procedures for development of East African Standards.  
East African Standards are subject to review, to keep pace with technological advances. Users of the East 
African Standards are therefore expected to ensure that they always have the latest versions of the standards 
they are implementing .  
The committee responsible  for this document is Technical Committee EASC/TC  004, Meat , poultry, game, 
eggs and related product s. 
Attention is drawn t o the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be subject of patent 
rights. EAC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.DEAS 1137 : 2023  
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved    iv 
 Introductio n 
Animal welfare is  an important issue for all sectors of the livestock industry. Good animal welfare practices are 
critical for maintaining a positive industry image , and for meeting legal requirements for the sale and 
transport ation  of livestock  thus ensuring good quality and safety of meat . The prim ary animal welfare needs 
should be  met through  provision to freedoms from: hunger, malnutrition and thirst ; fear and distress;  physical 
and thermal discomfort; pain, injury and disease  and, freedom to  express normal patterns of behaviour.  
 
The animal hand ler needs  competence, experience and observance  of high standards in  animal husbandry. 
Individuals’ knowledge and experience of livestock and their needs, local climates and weather patterns, 
topography and shelter, as well as m anagement practices remain o ne of the prime means of ensuring that the 
welfare of animals is maintained and enhanced. Knowledge of the normal appearance and behaviour of 
animals is crucial. It is essential to be able to recognize early signs of distress or  ill-health so that prompt 
remedial action is taken or advice sought .   
This standard recognizes the basic principle of humaneness towards animals as the prime consideration in 
animal handling and transportation.  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 DRAFT EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  DEA S 113 7: 2023  
 
 Handling and transportation of slaughter anim als – Requi rements      
1 Scope   
This draft East African Standard provide  for the requirements for the handling  and transportation of  live 
terrestrial food animals for slaughter    
2 Normative references  
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the ap plication of this document. For dated 
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest  edition of the referenced 
document (including any amendments) applies.  
CAC/RCP 58 Code of Hygienic Practice for Meat  
EAS 39 Hygiene in the food and drink manufacturing industry . 
EAS xxx Livestock Markets/abattoir/slaughter houses s-Specification  
ISO/TS 34700:2016 Animal welfare man agement — General requirements and guidance for organizations in 
the food supply chain   
3 Terms and definitions  
For the purpose of this standard the following definitions shall apply : 
3.1  
Competent authority  
official authority charged by the government for implementation of animal health, animal movement control, 
and welfare measures to ensure meat hygiene and qual ity  
3.2  
Animal handler  
person with knowledge of the behaviour and needs of animals who  has appropriate experience.  
3.3 
Transporter  
person licensed/ permitted by the Competent Authority to transport animals.  
3.4  
Transport  
the procedures associated w ith carrying of animals from one location to another.  
3.5 
Food animal  
Animal s declared edible for human  consumption under the laws of competent authority of a partner state   
3.6 
Humane Handling  
acting in a manner that causes least stress  to the  animal.  
3.7 
Point of use  
refers to the final destination of the food animal being moved/transported and/or utilized. It can be a 
Markets/abattoir/slaughter houses,  research lab, farm or abattoir.  
3.8 
Abattoir  
establishment where specific animals are slaughtered a nd dr esse d for human consumption and that is 
approved, registered and/or listed by the competent authority for such purpose    
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved    2 
 3.9 
Stunning  
any mechanical, electrical, chemical or other procedure that causes  immediate loss of consciousness; when 
used befor e slau ghter , the loss of consciousness lasts until death from the slaughter process; in the absence 
of slaughter, the procedure would allow the animal to recover consciousness.  
3.10 
Animal production  
breedin g and rearing of food animal.  
3.11 
Container  
receptacle  or other rigid structure for holding animals during a journey by one or several means of transport.  
3.12 
Animal welfare  
how an animal is cop ing with the conditions in which it lives.  It encompasses disease prevention and 
veterinary treatment, appropri ate sh elter, management, nutrition, humane handling and slaughter/killing.  
3.13 
Ante -mortem inspection  
procedure conducted by a competent authority on live animals for the purpose of judgment of safety and 
suitabili ty and disposition  
3.14 
Drov ing/trekking  
practice of moving livestock over long distances by walking them on the hoof.  
3.15 
Shall ering  
gather or bring animals together  
3.16 
Handling  
deliberate interruption  of an animal’s normal activity by a person, including touching, distracting , manipulating, 
training, restraining, catching, holding, carrying, moving or transporting the animal, whether by or under 
supervision of a keeper.  
3.17 
Raceway   
Confined narrow pathw ays for animals to pass through so that they cannot turn around or get w edged beside 
each ot her. The width is species specific.  
3.18 
Yard  
enclosure with pens in which animals are sorted or temporarily housed  
3.19 
Tethering  
where an animal is fastened by a  chain, rope  or something of the like to a central anchor point, causin g it to be 
confined to  a specific area  
4 General handling  
4.1 Handlers  
Animals shall be cared for by a sufficient number of personnel, who, collectively, possess  the ability, 
knowledge and competence necessary to maintain the health and welfare of the animals in accordance wi th 
this code.  
Animal handlers shall;  
a) Have knowledge of the animal’s normal (and abnormal) behaviour and needs   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved    3 
 b) Be able to rec ognize signs of good and poor animal health, disease and injury  
c) Be able to anticipate and/or re cognize pro blems early  
d) Be calm, e fficient and competent in approach  
e) Know when to intervene and when to seek assistance  
f) Be working to optimize manag ement systems, including for the benefit of animal welfare  
g) Have knowledge of and ability to ide ntify the appropriate a nimals for a particular  husbandry system. 
More formal education -based training is a useful complement to practical experience . 
4.2 Animal Handling during production  
The handling of food animals shall be in accordance with ISO/TS  34700  and CAC/RCP 58 relev ant 
legislation s of the partner state”   
Proper handling of animals is essential for their good husbandry. Distress and risk to b oth the animals and 
their handlers are decreased when good handling practices are followed. S ome of the recommended  best 
practic es include;  
4.2.1 Animals shall be handled at all times in such a way as to minimize the risk of pain, injury or distress 
to the animals.  
4.2.2 Animals  shall not be prodded in the most sensitive areas, including the udde r, eyes, nose, anus, 
vulva or testi cles.  
4.2.3 Only the m inimum force required shall be used when moving animals.  
a) When encouraging animals to move, audible or visual measures ( e.g., Whistling, rattles, plastic cans, 
stones in a container) shall be preferr ed to devices which rely on physi cal contact ( e.g., Alkath ene 
hoses, stock whips, stock canes, and sticks).    
b) The flow of animals shall be monitored, and if necessary controlled, at gateways, in narrow laneways 
and corners, or at other pressure points so as to ensure animals, espec ially yo ung animals 
unaccustome d to yarding, are not injured, trampled, or smothered.   
c) Animals shall be allowed ample time to calm down after sheltering  to ensure easier and safer handling 
and to reduce fear.   
d) Animals in pens o r yards shall not be overcrowde d, but allowed to be able t o move away from 
handlers or other animals, because crowding is likely to contribute to distress and injury.   
4.2.4 The social behavior of animals shall be considered when separating animals.  
4.2.5 Care  shall be taken not to induce sudden fear or panic in  animals in confined spaces such as in 
pens, corners and gateways, because flight might increase the risk of injury.  
4.2.6 If problems of aggressive behavior occur, the animals shall be sepa rated i nto compatible groups.  
Groups of ho rned and polled cattle,  bulls and cows, and calves and unfamiliar older cattle shall be held in 
separate pens when yarded.  
4.2.7 Animals shall not be dragged or lifted by the wool, wings, tails, ears an d legs or horns.  
4.2.8 Animals shall not be held on t heir side or back for u nnecessarily long time   subjecting it to undue 
stress especially if they are full or if they are heavily pregnant.   
4.2.9 Vehicles shall not be used to push animals physically.  
4.2.10 When dogs a re used, they shall be under contro l at all times.   
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 4.2.11 Shall ering and Droving of Animals shall not be forced to proceed at a pace that will cause 
exhaustion, heat stress or injury.  
4.2.12 If ear marking is pe rformed, as little as possible and no more th an 10% of ear tissue shall be 
remov ed, using an implement that is clean and sharp.  
4.2.13 Care shall be taken when applying an ear -tag to avoid hitting the cartilage ridges or major blood 
vessels.   
4.3 Restraint and Facilities during production   
4.3.1 All facilities, including fences, yar ds, sheds, and housing,  shall be constructed, maintained and 
operated in a manner that minimi zes the likelihood of distress or injury to animals.  
4.3.2 Metho ds of restraining animals shall only be used:  
a) when they are sui table for those animals being handl ed;    
b) where the operat ors are fully conversant with their safe operation;  
c) if they are in good working order so as to minimi ze the risk of injury or un necessary pain or distress;  
d) only for as long as necessary to perform  particular husbandry practices; an d   
e) where they allow th e animal to be released immediately if required.  
4.3.3 Animals that a re physically restrained shall be kept under supervisi on.  
4.3.4 Tethering shall be carried out in a manner so as not to cause in jury or distress to the animals. Th e 
tether shall also all ow animal to stand, lie down and access any food or water provided.  
4.3.5 Yard, shed and raceway design shall enable free flow of animals.   
4.3.6 Yard and shed flooring surfaces shall be constructe d of material that minimi zes animal s slipping.  
4.3.7 The use of dusty yards shall be avoided when livestock are predisposed to stress and ill -health ( e.g., 
lambs susceptible to pneumonia).  
4.4 Feed and Water  
Feeding of animals during primary production  shall be subject to good animal fee ding practice.  
4.4.1 Animals shall not be given feed and feed ingredients that:  
a) are recognized as like ly to introduce zoonotic agents (including transmissible spongiform  
encephalopathies - TSEs) to the slaughter populat ion; or  
b) Contain chemical substances,  (e.g., veterinary drug s, pesticides) or contaminants that could result in 
residues in meat at levels t hat make the product unsafe for human consumption.  
4.4.2 All animals shall receive sufficient quantities of feed and  nutrients to enable them to:  
a) maintai n good health;  
b) meet the ir physiological requiremen ts; and  
c) minimi ze metabolic and nutritional disorders.  
4.4.3 All animals shall have access to water, sufficient for their daily needs and that is not harmful to their 
health.   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved    5 
 4.4.4 If animals are to be give n feeds to which they a re not accustomed ( e.g., supplementary feeds and 
crops), they shall be gradually introduced to those feeds to enable them to adapt and to prevent digestive 
problems associated with the change of diet ( e.g., lactic acidosis or grain o verload). Animals shall be closely 
monitored during any change in feed. The feeds shall comply to the relevant EAS  standards.  
4.4.5 Mould -contaminated or excessively dusty supplementary feeds shall not be fed to lives tock.  
4.4.6 Care shall be taken to ens ure animals, particular ly in late pregnancy, do not overfeed. Overfeeding 
resulting in a full rumen can contribute to difficult births and, in sheep in full wool, a greater risk of becoming 
cast.  
4.4.7 Automated feed  delivery and water reticulation system s without any storage c apacity or other backup 
supply systems shall be checked daily to ensure that they are in working order and any problems promptly 
rectified.  
4.4.8 In controlled grazing systems where feed is rat ioned the amount of feed available on e ach area shall 
be suffi cient to meet the needs of all the animals during the time that they are on that area or the break.  
4.5 Shelter  
4.5.1 All animals shall have access to shelter to reduce the risk t o their heal th and welfare caused by 
exposure to extr eme weather conditions.  
4.5.2 Animals giving birth shall be provided with an environment affording the newborn protection from any 
reasonably expected climatic conditions likely to compromise their  welfare and survi val. 
4.5.3 Animals shall be provided with  means to minimize  the effects of heat stress.  
4.5.4 Where animals develop health problems associated with exposure to adverse weather conditions, 
priority shall be given to remedial a ction that will minimize  the c onsequences of such exposure.  
4.6 Housin g 
4.6.1 All animals shall be able to lie down and rest comfortably for sufficient periods each day to meet their 
behavioral  needs.  
4.6.2 Separate confinement shall be prov ided for those animals under treatment for  ill health , injury , or 
disease for the mi nimum period possible o r those known to be aggressive  
4.6.3 All fittings and internal surfaces, including entry raceways and adjoining yards that may be used by 
the housed animals, shall be constructed and maintain ed to ensure there are no hazards likely t o cause injury 
to the a nimals.  
4.6.4 Building  design or ventilation shall be sufficient to prevent the build -up of harmful concentrations of 
gases such as ammon ia and carbon dioxide.  
4.6.5 Adequate lighting shall be available during daylight hours  
4.7 Health, Injury , and Diseas e  
4.7.1 Signs of ill health  or injury shall result in timely preventative or remedial action, as appropriate.   
4.7.2 Medic ation shall only be used in accordance with registration condition s and manufacturer’s 
instructions or profes sional advice.  
4.7.3 Medical and surgical treatment shall be carried out taking into account the animal’s welfare.  
4.7.4 Veterinary pr ofessional advice as per legislations of the  partner state shall be sought wh ere there is:   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved    6 
 a) Significant injury or disease   
b) Persistent or chronic  pain  
c) Persistent ill -thrift and poor performance that does not respond to treatment   
d) Need to est ablish an appropriate health plan  concern about the welfare of the animal   
5.0 TRANSPORTATIO N OF ANIMALS  
5.1 General requirements   
5.1.1 Animals  shall be insp ected by a competent authority  or an animal handler to assess fitness to travel 
and issue mo vement permit  it is the responsibility of a veterinarian to determine its ability to travel.  Animals 
found unfit to travel shall not be load ed onto a vessel.  
5.1.2 Animals that are unfit to travel include, but may not be limited to:  
a) those that are sick, injured, weak, disabled or fatigued;  
b) those that are unable to stand unaided or bear wei ght o n each leg;  
c) those that are blind in both eyes;  
d) those that cannot be moved without causing them additional suffering;  
e) newborn with an unhealed navel;  
f) females  traveling  without young who have given birth within the previous 48 hours;  
g) pregnant animals wh ich w ould be in the final 10% of their gestation period  at the planned time of 
unloading;  
h) animals with unhealed wounds from recent surgical procedures such as dehorning.  
5.1.3 Transportation of animals for slaughter from one point to another shall be done  as in accordance with 
CAC/RCP 58  and ISO/TS 34700   
5.1.4 Transportation of animals shall follow the most direct stock route and be undertaken in a timely 
manner to avoid unnecessary stress to the ani mals.  
5.1.5 Animals shall not be transported with any other a nimal species other than of their own, however 
sheep and goats may be tran sported together . Loaded lorries and pick -ups shall have enough space for the 
comfort of slaughter animals during  transit,  
5.1.6 Groups  of animas  horned and polled cattle, bulls an d cows, and calves and unfamiliar older cattle shall 
be transported separat ely” 
5.1.7  Goats, sheep, pigs  and poultry,  shall be carried in appropriate containers when necessary  
5.1.8  Animals shall  not be transport ed in vehicles intended for human trans portation.  
5.1.9  Animals  shall be transported in upright  positions   
5.1.10 Tempe rature extremes are to be avoided when animals are transported.  
5.1.11  Small animals such as poultry, rabbits, goats, sheep and pigs sha ll be carried in appropriate 
containers if carried on bicycles or motorcycles   
5.1.12 Animals sh all not be transported i n vehicles intended for human transportation.   
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 5.1.1 3 Animals shall be untethered,  and if possible,  fed and watered  prior to the time of d eparture  
 5.1.1 4 Any transportation  that i s necessary shall be carried out in a way that minimi zes stress, pain and 
suffering of the animal  
5.1.1 5 The driver shall be accompanied with certified document  
5.1.1 6 Slaughter animals shall be transported in accor dance  with the space requirements given in Table 1  
Each load shall be checked again early in the trip and adjustments  made as appropriate. Periodic checks shall 
be made throughout the trip, especially at rest or refueling stops or during meal breaks when the vehicle is 
stationary.  
5.1.1 7 To avoi d excitement of the animals,  abrupt movements by driv ers and loaders shall be  avoided.   
Careful driving will help prevent bruises and injuries, weight losses, rapid acceleration or sudden brakes shall 
be avoided bec ause poor driving can cause animals to l ose their balance   
5.1.1 8 Drivers and animal handlers  shall check the load im mediately before departure to ensure that the 
animals have been  properly loaded.  
5.3 Loading of animals . 
5.3.1 General  
5.3.1.1  Prior to loading a vehicle, an interior i nspection by competent person shall be performed and bedding 
added or other corrective m easures taken to assure safe transportation  
5.3.1.2  Animals shall be loaded slowly an d carefully to avoid discomfort due to noise, breezes, movement of 
objects, and fla shes of light.  
5.3.1.3  Animals shall be loaded or unloaded using  ramps in order to preve nt injuries or suffering.  
5.3.1.4  If a handler leads an animal into a vehicle, there shall be an avenue of escape for the handler shall 
the animal initiate any unexpect ed behaviour  
5.3.1.5  A system of early identification of injured  animals prior to loadin g/unloading and an action plan shall 
be in place and known to all employees.  
5.3.1. 6 Electric prods shall not be applied to the head or genital regions of any ani mal. 
5.3.1. 7 Tipping of animals off vehicles during offloading shall n ot be practiced.  
5.3.1. 8 Beating and twisting/breaking tails, eye and nose poking and pouring hot water on the animal  shall 
be avoided.  
5.3.1. 9 If possible mixing unfamiliar animals sh all be avoided since it can result in an increase in aggression, 
which in turn leads to addition al stress  
5.3.2  Loading and unloading facilities  
Loading and unloading facilities shall have the following characteristics:  
a) ramps shall accommodate the diff erent  sizes of vehicles in common use, for example, by providing 
docks of  different heights, or adj ustable ramps. No gap shall exist between the ramp, its sides and the 
vehicle  
b) ramps and chutes shall be of solid construction and free from sharp projecti ons; 
c) the dock surface shall be levelled with the vehicle floor; and  
d) prior to  loading, watering points for animals shall be provided depending on the time and distance the 
animals shall take on the truck.  
5.3.2.1 Loading shall be carefully planned as it has the potential to be the cause of poor welfare in 
transported animals.   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved    8 
 5.3.2.2 Loading shall be super vised and/or conducted by animal handlers. The animals are to be loaded 
quietly and without unnecessary noise, harassment or force. Untrained assis tants or spectators shall not 
impede the process. Animals shall not be loaded or un loaded in a way that cause s avoidable injury or 
suffering. Ramps shall be used.  
5.3.2.3 A system of early identification of injured animals prior to loading/unloading and an a ction plan shall 
be in place and known to all employees.  
5.3.2.4 Animals  shall not be rushed during loadin g and unloading.  
5.3.2.5 Tipping animals off vehicles during offloading shall not be practiced.  
5.3.2.6 Beating and twisting/breaking tails, eye and nose  poking,  and pouring hot water on the animal shall 
be avoided.  
5.4 Loading  Facilitie s 
5.4.1  The facil ities for loading including the collecting area, raceways and loading ramps shall be designed 
and constructed to take into account the needs and abilities of the animals with regard to dimensions, slope s, 
surfaces, absence of shar p projections and flooring .  
5.4.2 Loading facilities shall be properly illuminated to allow the animals to be observed by animal handler(s), 
and to allow the ease of movement of th e animals at all times.  
5.4.3  Adequate V entilation and spacing shall be pr ovided during loading.  
5.5 Goads and other aids  
When moving animals, their species -specific behaviour shall be used. If goads and other aids are necessary, 
the following principles  shall apply:  
5.5.1 Animals that have little or no room to move shall not be subjected to physical f orce or goads and other 
aids which compel movement. Electric goads and prods shall only be used in extreme cases and not on a 
routine basis to move animals  
5.5.2  The use of such devices shall be limited to battery -powered goads on  the hindquarters of pigs and large 
ruminants, and never on sensitive areas such as the eyes, mouth, ears, a genital region or belly. Such 
instruments shall not be used on sheep an d goats of any age, or on calves or piglets.  
5.6 Regulating the environment  within vehicles or contai ners  
5.6.1  Loading density shall be reduced in hot and humid weather   
5.6.2  Animals shall be protected against harm from hot or cold conditi ons during tr avel. The container shall 
have effective ventilation.  
5.6.3  Where necessary , a cost-effective  control led environment shall be provided   
5.6.4  non-slip flooring shall be provided to minimize slipping  
5.6.5  Vehicle doors an d internal gates shall be large  enough to permit animals to pass through easily without 
bruising or injury  
5.6.6 All vehicles and conta iners used for transporting animals shall have sides, and where appropriate, 
partitions that are secure, stro ng, and high enough to prevent animals from  jumping, falling or being pushed 
out.  
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved    9 
 5.6.7  Vehicles and containers shall have a quick -release  mechanis m for partitions used to separate large 
animals to enable the release of animals in the event of stradd ling. 
5.6.8  Vehicles and containers shall have se cure, smooth fittings, and shall be free of protruding bolt heads 
and any othe r sharp protrusions. Bolts  or latches shall fasten securely so that the animals will not move them.  
5.6.9  Provi sion shall be made for the drainage or absorption of urine of anima ls during transportation.  
5.6.10  Suitable bedding such as straw or wood shavin gs or appropriate mats can  be added to vehicles to 
assist in absorbing urine and faeces, provide better f ooting for the animals and protect them from the hard 
floor.  
5.6.11  Vehicles and containers used to transport animals shall be cleaned, sanitized, and  equipped with 
enough suit able fresh bedding at all times  
5.6.12  Vehicles used to carry animals shall be safe and effective for movement of the animals. Vehicles 
used to pull tra ilers shall have sufficient power to smoothly accelerate the unit and sufficie nt braking ability to 
stop safely.  
5.6.13  Sufficient ventilation shall be availa ble at all times while the animals are on a vehicle. Aerodynamic 
airfoils installed on truck trac tors to enhance fuel efficiency shall not restrict airflow into the trailer wh ich is 
necessary for venti lation and cooling. Appropriate measures shall be taken to prevent engine exhaust from 
entering the area occupied by the animals.  
5.6.14  When animals a re transported in crates or bins, the design, construction, available space an d state of 
repair shall allow the animals to be loaded, conveye d, and removed without injury.  
5.6.15  Chutes shall take advantage of natural behaviour of animals. Most species pr efer to follow a leader 
and to have no harsh changes in lighting. Animal handl ing is more easily accompl ished if the alleyways and 
ramp s have no sharp turns that could impede movement or could cause injury.  
5.6.16  Unless animals can be seen easily from ou tside the containers, every container used to transport 
animals shall have a s ign or symbol to indicate that it contains live ani mals and to show its upright position.  
5.6.17  Containers used for transporting animals shall be securely placed on vehicles to  prevent them from 
moving during the journey.  
5.6.18  When transporting animal s in containers, attention  shall be giv en to temperature, ventilation, facilities, 
and available space during the entire journey.  
5.6.19  Containers that hold animals shall be ti lted as little as possible during all stages of loading and 
unloading. Contain ers shall always be moved smoothly and never thrown or dropped.   
5.6.20  space requirements for transportation of food animals shall be used to avoid overcrowding as 
recommended in Table 1.  
Table 1—space requirements for transportation of food a nimals .  
Type of animal  Approximate  
weight (Kg)  Minimum area 
(m2) per animal  Number of animals in a truck  
5.3 m x 2.2 m  4.5 m x 2.2 m  
Cattle  >300  1.4 7-10 5-8 
<300  0.9 10-11 9-10 
Pigs  <100  0.4 14-15 11-13 
>100  0.8 31-34 28-30 
Sheep and 
goats  <35 0.3 14-16 10-12 
>35 0.4 35-40 30-35 
Table 2: space requirements for transportation of food animals - poultry   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved    10 
 Maximum Loading and Transportation Densities  Moderate  Extreme heat  
Broiler Chickens  63 kg/ m2 54 kg/ m2 
Broiler Breeders   66 kg/ m2 56 kg/ m2 
Turkeys  98 kg /m2 83 kg/ m2 
End-of-Lay He ns 63 kg/ m2 54 kg/ m2 
5.7 Sick, injured or dead animals  
5.7.1  A driver or an animal handler finding sick, injured or dead animals shall act according to a 
predetermined emergency response plan.   
5.7.2  Sick or injured animals shall be segregated.  
5.7.3   Ferries (roll -on roll -off) shall have procedures to treat sick or injured animals during the journey.  
5.7.4   In order to reduce the likelihood  that animal transport will increase the spr ead of infectious disease, 
contact between tran sported animals, or the wa ste products of the transported animals, and other farm 
animals shall be minimized.  
5.7.5  During the journey, a dead animal if any shall be  disposed under the supervision of competent 
authority in such a  way as to prevent the tran smission of disease and i n compliance with all relevant health 
and environmental legislation.  
5.7.6  When killing is necessary, it shall be carried out as quickly as  possible and assistance shall be 
sought from a veterinarian or other person(s) competent i n humane killing procedur es. 
5.7.7  At the destination, th e animal handler or the driver during transit shall ensure that responsibility for 
the welfare of sick, inju red or disabled animals is transferred to a veterinary professional.  
5.7.8  If treatment or humane killing is not pos sible aboard the vehicle, there shall be appropriate facilities 
and equipment for the humane unloading of animals that are non -ambulatory du e to fatigue, injury or 
sickness. These animals shall be unloaded in a manner that causes t he least amount of suffer ing. After 
unloading, separate pens and other appropriate facilities shall be available for sick or injured animals.  
5.7.9 “Disease risks du ring transportation   
The following shall  be taken into account in addre ssing the greater ri sk of disease due to anim al transport and 
the possible need for segregation of transported animals at the destination:  
a) Increased contact among animals, including t hose from different sources and with different disease 
histories;  
b) Incre ased shedding of pat hogens and increased susc eptibility to infection related to stress and 
impaired defenses against disease, including immunosuppression;  
c) Exposure of animals to patho gens which may contaminate vehicles, resting points, 
Markets/abatt oir/slaughter houses s, etc. 
d) Animals transported th rough disease free zones   
5.8  Water and feed requirements during transportation  
Suitable water and feed shall be provided to the animal s, during the journey  
5.8.1 Care of animals during transport: In -transit observations, Rest per iods and conditions  
5.8.2 Drivers shall start, drive, and stop trucks smoothly to prevent animals from being thrown off their feet.  
5.8.3  Drivers shall check ea ch load with relevant documentation as provided by competent authority  
immediately before depar ture to ensure that the animals have been properly loaded. Each load shall be  
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved    11 
 checked again during  in the trip and adjustments  made as appropriate. Drivers shall check for signs of general 
discomfort of the animals, such as overheating. Periodic checks sha ll be made throughout th e trip  
5.8.4 High environment temperatures will increase the risk of heat stress and mortality during 
transportation. It is important to  transport animals in vehicles during the cooler mornings and evenings or  even 
at night. This is  particularly important for pigs. A combination of high humidity and high environment 
temperatures is especi ally deadly to pigs. Heat can rapidly build up to l ethal levels in a stationary vehicle. 
Wetting pigs with water will help keep them cool  
5.8.5 Anim als that are being trans ported shall be rested at appropriate intervals during the journey and 
offered  feed and water, either on the vehicle or, if necessary, unloaded into suitable facilities.  
5.8.6 When resting requires the unloading of the animals. The se facilities shall meet  the needs of the 
particular animal species and shall allow access  of all animals to feed and water.  
5.8.7 Animals being transported b y rail shall be observed at each scheduled stop. The responsible rail 
transporter shall monitor t he progress of trains ca rrying animals and take all appropriate action to mini mize 
delays.  
5.9 Cleaning and disinfection  
a) Vehicles, crates, containers, etc . used to carry the animals shall  be cleaned before re -use through the 
physical removal of manure a nd bedding by scraping, w ashing and flushing with water and detergent. 
This shall be followed by disinfection when there are concerns about disease transmiss ion.  
b) Manure, litter, bedding and the bodies of any animals which die during the journey shall be disposed 
of in such a way as to prevent the transmission of disease and in compliance with all relevant health 
and environmental legislation.  
c) Establishments like livestock Markets/abattoir/slaughter houses s, slaughterhouses, resting sites, 
railway station s, etc. where animals are  unloaded shall  be provided with appropriate areas for the 
cleaning and disinfection of vehicles.  
5.10  Actions in the event of a  refusal to allow the completion of the journey  
a) The welfare of the animals shall  be the first consi deration in the event of a  refusal to allow the 
completion of the journey.  
b) When the animals have been refused import,  the Competent Authority of the import ing country shall 
make available suitable isolation facilities to allow the unloading of animals fro m a vehicle and their 
secu re holding, without  posing a risk to the health of regional herd  or flock, pending resolution of the 
situation. In this situation , the priorities shall be: 
i. The Competent Authority of the importing country shall provide urgently in  writing the reasons for t he 
refusal;  
ii.  In the event of a refusal for animal health reasons, the Competent Authority of the importing country 
shall provide  urgent access to a veterinarian, to assess the health status of  the animals with 
regard to the conce rns of the importing count ry, and the necessary facilities and approvals to 
expedite the required diagnostic testing;  
iii.  The Competent Authority of the impo rting country shall provide access to allow continued 
asse ssment of the health and other aspects of t he welfare of the animals;   
b) In the event that a Competent Authority requires the animals to remain on the vehicle, the priorities shall be:  
i. To allow p rovisioning of the vehicle with water and feed as ne cessary;  
ii. To provide urgently in writing the reaso ns for the refusal;   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved    12 
 iii.  To p rovide urgent access to an independent veterinarian(s) to assess the health status of the animals, 
and the necessary facilities and approvals to expedite the required diagnostic te sting in the event of a 
refusal for animal health reasons;  
iv.  To provide acce ss to allow continued assessment of the health and other aspects of the welfare of the 
animals, and the necessary actions to dea l with any animal issues which arise.  
c)  Animals shall not be unloaded until all relevant documentat ion is presented. The docu mentation shall 
include date, time and place of loading and unloading, veterinary certification when required, animal 
identifica tion to allow animal traceability to the  premise of departure, health status (including any tests, 
treatment or vaccinations car ried out).  
6.0 Trekking  
6.1 Movement of animals is subject to existing regulations by the competent  authority.  
6.2 Only cattle, sheep and goats can be successfully moved on hoof, and here certain risks are involved. The 
journey shall be planned, paying at tention to the distance to be travelled, opportunities for grazing, watering 
and overnight re st. 
6.3 Animals shall be wa lked during the cooler times of the day and, if moving some distance to a railhead, 
they shall arrive with suf ficient time to be rested and watered before loading.  
6.4 The maximum distances that these animals shall be trekked depend on various factors suc h as weather, 
body condition, age etc., but the distance given in Table 2 shall not be exceeded when trekked.  
Table 3: Maximum distances  for trekking  
Species  One day journey  More than one day  Subseq uent days  
Cattle     30 km              24 km                     22 km  
Sheep/goats     24 km               24 km                     16 km  
7.0 POINT OF USE  
Animals shou ld not be received until all  relevant documentation is presented. The documentation should 
include date, time and place of loading and unlo ading, veterinary certification when required, animal 
identification to allow animal traceability  to the premise of d eparture, health status (inc luding any tests, 
treatment or vaccinations carried out).  
7.1 Slaughter  
7.1.1  All animals should be slaughtere d in a slaughterhouse operated by a competent authority and should 
be in accordance with the prov isions in EAS 39 and the Meat Control legislation  of competent authority within 
a partner state  
7.1.2  Persons in charge of slaughter premises must ensure that animals are cared for by a sufficient 
number of personnel who possess the appropriate ability, knowledge and professio nal competencies to 
maintain  the health and welfare of animals.  
7.1.3  During the slaughter of animals, the following methods, procedures or practices are unacceptable on 
animal welfare grounds:  
7.1.4  The restraining methods which work through electro -immob ilization or immobilization by injury such 
as breaking legs, leg tendon cutting, and severing the spinal cord ( e.g., using a  puntilla or dagger) cause 
severe pain and stress in a nimals. Those methods are not acceptable in any species.  
7.1.5  The use of the electrical stunning method o f with a single application leg to leg is ineffective in any 
species.   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved    13 
 7.1.6  The slaughter method of brain stem severance by piercing through the eye s ocket or skull bone 
without prior stunning is not acceptable in any species.  
8.0 Markets/abattoir/slaughte r houses s/abattoir/slaughter houses  
8.1 Animals sh all not be received  at the markets/abattoir/slaughter houses s/abattoir/slaughter houses  until 
all relevant documentation is presented as required in a partne r state  
8.2 The Markets/abattoir/slaughter hou ses s shall have suitable premises for loading, unloading and securely 
holding the animals, with water and feed, and with protection from adver se weather conditions . 
8.3 The Markets/abattoir/slaughter houses s shall have an ade quate number of animal handle rs to load, 
unload, drive and hold animals in a manner that causes minimum stress and injury.  
8.3 The management of the Markets/abattoir/slau ghter houses   shall put measures in place to minimise the 
opportunities for disease t ransmission, in consultation with the Competent Authority . Provisions shall  be made 
for isolation of sick or ‘ suspect’  
8.4 The Markets/abattoir/slaughter houses shall be equipped with appropriate facilities for emergencies.  
8.5 The space requirements shall  be adequate for various clas ses of animals to avoid congestion and stress.  
8.6 The Markets /abattoir/slaughter houses  shall have provisions for separate cl asses of animals.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved    14 
  
Bibliography  
DKS 2829: 2018 Food animals’ we lfare - code of practice