Abstract: Too often, the issue of animal welfare during transport is the subject of emotional debates. For farmers within the International Federation of Agricultural Producers, it is important that the economic, scientific and practical aspects be taken into account when setting international rules for animal welfare. Farmers also stress the need to combine scientific data with their practical experience. Raising awareness, adopting a risk-based approach, education, labelling, slaughterhouse capacity and animal health, as well as standards and rules, are issues of importance for developing a long distance transportation infrastructure respectful of animal welfare around the world.

Abstract: Issues pertaining to the long distance transportation of animals are examined according to the aspirations of the world’s zoo community. Guidance comes from the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), the civil society organisation that provides ‘leadership and support for zoos, aquariums and partner organisations of the world in animal care and welfare, conservation of biodiversity, environmental education and global sustainability’. The authors describe why it is necessary to transport zoo animals over long distances and how animal welfare can be protected during the process. Transportation of animals among zoos is essential for the cooperative breeding programmes undertaken for the ex situ conservation of wildlife with the help of WAZA studbooks. The challenge is to satisfy the entwined ethical imperatives of safeguarding animal welfare and protecting biodiversity.

Abstract: The international and long distance movement of animals is a far larger business than most people imagine. Some reasons are outlined in this paper, along with the history of the AATA (Animal [Air] Transportation Association). This trade association has been involved for over 30 years in developing standards and procedures for the movement of all types of animals. The competence of animal handlers is of paramount importance. Competence of flying grooms is assessed by the AATA. This paper is written from the viewpoint of someone who has been a member since the Association's inception. The subject will be of interest to airlines, transporters, veterinarians, farmers, animal relocators, zoological establishments and legislators.

Abstract: Since Roman Antiquity, domestic and wild animals have been transported over long distances for purposes as different as improvement of livestock production, food supply, scientific interest, public entertainment, war and numerous other purposes. This long distance transportation was originally limited to the Mediterranean area but, during the Middle Ages extended to the rest of Europe. The conquest of the New World was the first major occasion to transport large numbers of horses and other livestock across the oceans. Domestic animals were necessary for the new colonies and their armies. European expansion to Asia and the Pacific also required the transportation of large numbers of domestic animals. Data, figures and description of the conditions of transport of animals as different as wild beasts, horses, camels, elephants or poultry are reported for each historical period.

Abstract: A compendium of papers brings together a range of perspectives on the long distance transportation of animals. The purpose is to assist in the strengthening of global public policies for the protection of animal health and welfare. The audience targeted is the wide range of people involved in shaping sound public policy. Papers cover the history of long distance transportation of animals, the viewpoints of the foremost civil society organisations involved in the long distance transport of animals, how various governments approach public policy on the subject, the implementation of quality management for the transportation of different species of animals in different situations, future directions for quality management, design and engineering of infrastructures, transport safety and animal welfare and the education and training necessary for the successful management of animal welfare during long distance transportation. A seamless connection between animal health and animal welfare is an absolute necessity given the critical importance of animal movements in the spread of infection and the devastation to animal and human welfare produced by infectious disease. A compendium of papers brings together a range of perspectives on the long distance transportation of animals. The purpose is to assist in the strengthening of global public policies for the protection of animal health and welfare. The audience targeted is the wide range of people involved in shaping sound public policy. Papers cover the history of long distance transportation of animals, the viewpoints of the foremost civil society organisations involved in the long distance transport of animals, how various governments approach public policy on the subject, the implementation of quality management for the transportation of different species of animals in different situations, future directions for quality management, design and engineering of infrastructures, transport safety and animal welfare and the education and training necessary for the successful management of animal welfare during long distance transportation. A seamless connection between animal health and animal welfare is an absolute necessity given the critical importance of animal movements in the spread of infection and the devastation to animal and human welfare produced by infectious disease.

Abstract: The long distance transport of animals within countries, between countries, across regions and across continents is increasing significantly and is also changing in nature. Statistics from the International Trade Centre of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the World Trade Organization show that the value of world trade in live animals soared from US$8.7 billion in 2000 to US$12.1 billion in 2005. This enormous figure would be even greater if zoo animals, wildlife and illicit traffic were included. The history of animal transportation goes back thousands of years. It remains a legitimate practice to this day provided proper measures are taken to protect animal well-being and health. What has made circumstances different in the 21st century is the nature of transport (land, sea and air), the volume of traffic and a public awareness of welfare issues with demands that animals be treated humanely and in accordance with best contemporary practices. This increased volume of transport creates an unprecedented risk for disseminating infectious diseases, including those that may affect people. Key public concerns about animal welfare relate to factors such as a lack of infrastructure and investment in training, research and standards development, as well as indifference and neglect. The live animal transportation industries are threatened when these deficiencies are not corrected. Fortunately, a number of countries foresaw these problems and introduced a series of activities to support good animal welfare practices. Many recognised the clear connection between animal welfare, health and husbandry practice, and established policy settings to include these activities under a veterinary public and animal health umbrella. Recognising its critical importance, the World Organisation for Animal Health (Office International des Epizooties: OIE) in its IVth Strategic plan (points a to b), identified animal welfare as a key issue and launched a number of initiatives, such as the development of internationally agreed animal welfare guidelines to inform countries, industries and the public at large on best practice. The resulting OIE guidelines for the transport of animals by sea and land have provided the necessary reference point for further progress. This issue of Veterinaria Italiana deals with livestock transportation. It is not a collation of scientific articles on the subject per se. Rather, its uniqueness derives from the fact that it provides advice and guidance on practical measures to improve approaches based on analyses of the science. Policy makers, risk analysts, regulators, quality managers, engineers and educators will gain greatly from this edition, which will serve as a key reference document on the subject. The role of veterinarians and veterinary services in providing leadership and guidance on animal welfare, health and husbandry is fundamental and must not be undervalued. They have a fundamental responsibility to be involved in these issues and, when allied to the range of additional skills they possess, can 'make a difference' in supporting continuing improvements to animal welfare and health. Gardner Murray