Breeding, keeping and transportation of laboratory animals

6. Strict rules and emergency plans

Switzerland’s Animal Welfare Ordinance lays down strict criteria for transporting animals. It specifies the responsibilities of the sender, transport company and recipient. The people who transport the animals must be proficient and trained in the conditions associated with transporting experimental animals. Customs brokers who work hand-in-hand with the transport companies are used to ensure there are no holdups at customs. In complex cases, border veterinary inspectors may be notified in advance so they can be involved. Transport companies must have a disaster plan for incidents such as road congestion, accidents, extreme weather, fire or earthquake and situations associated with pandemics. This plan must describe the actions to be taken in each scenario.