Animal Welfare at the Abattoir Flashcards
At what point in the movement of animals to the slaughter house are their FCI, Passport and Ear Tags checked?
Between unloading and lairage.
Describe the legal requirements surrouding transport of animals to the abattoir
Those transporting and handling animals are trained and competent (Certificate of competence).
Vehicles to be approved (if undertaking journeys of over eight hours).
Animals are not caused injury or unnecessary suffering.
Animals are fit to travel.
In movements to the abattoir who is responsible for cleaning and disinfection of livestock vehicles and when does it occur?
Before new animals are loaded;
Inside or outside the abattoir;
Farmer & FBO responsibility;
FSA (MHI/OV) verifies FBO compliance;
Describe the 6 kinds of animals that should never be delivered to the abattoir and name the legislation that controls this
Council Regulation (EC) 1/2005 on the transport of animals and related operations
Animals that cannot move independently.
Animals with severe open wounds, or prolapses.
Pregnant (>90%) or gave birth within 7 days.
New born mammals with navel not completely healed.
Pigs of less than 3 weeks, lambs< 1 week, calves <10 days if journey is >100km.
Animals < 7days.
Medicated animals for which withdrawal periods have not been complied with.
Describe the process of unloading animals at the abattoir
Animals must be unloaded as soon as possible and they must be slaughtered without unnecessary delay.
The slaughterhouse must have suitable equipment and facilities to unload animals safely
Describe suitable unloading equipment
If ramps, they must have:
a slope that’s as flat as possible (ie not steep).
walls or railings to prevent animals falling off.
The floor must be non-slip and have side guards (lateral protection) where necessary.
No sharp edges, or parts that stick out, that animals could come in contact with and injure themselves.
How does EC 853/2004 effect the activities at a slaughterhouse?
This regulation requires slaughterhouse operators to 'request, receive, check and act upon' FCI for all cattle, sheep and goats sent for slaughter for human consumption. This came in for: Poultry in 2006. Pigs in 2008. Calves and horses in 2009. Cattle, sheep and goats in 2010.
When is FCI required by an abottoir and why is it important?
FCI is a valuable source of information for decision making in relation to animal health and welfare and is needed for every animal intended for human consumption.
Applies to ALL animals.
FBO must not accept the animals without FCI.
24h in advance (exemptions)
Describe the 5 pieces of information required on a FCI according to EC 853/2004
It should include at least:
The animal health’s status;
The holding health status (imp. cattle)
Details of medicines and withdrawal periods;
Private veterinarian details (pigs and poultry);
Relevant production data, diseases and analysis.
Describe the FCI form for pigs
Current document combines the pig movement license and Food Chain Information (FCI).
What are the responsibilities of the animal welfare officer?
Skilled and knowledgeable stockmen: Animal Welfare Officer (AWO).
Have caring and responsible planning and management.
Appropriate environmental design.
Consider the handling and transport.
Have humane slaughter methods.
What are the three benefits to good abattoir management?
Reduction of bruising.
Meat quality.
Good design means animals move through system with little or no encouragement.
What does FBO stand for?
Food Business Operator
What are the responsibilities of the OV at an abattoir?
The OV will have to carry out several checks on the day to ensure compliance.
In addition to Welfare, Hygiene and Animal By-Products (ABP) compliance the OV is responsible for the ante-mortem of ALL the (live) animals that arrive at the abattoir.
Give the 5 freedoms
From hunger and thirst. From discomfort and extremes of temperature From pain, suffering and disease. To express natural behaviour. From fear and distress.
