When you transport livestock, there are rules that must be complied with relating to cleansing and disinfection to help with disease prevention and control. These rules are governed by the Transport of Animals (Cleansing and Disinfection) (Wales) (No. 3) Order 2003.
The main requirements are that:
- After unloading the animals, the vehicle must be fully cleansed and disinfected as soon as is reasonably practicable, before the vehicle is used again and in any case within 24 hours after it has been unloaded.
- Wheels, wheel arches and mud flaps must always be cleansed and disinfected whenever the vehicle is cleansed and disinfected.
- Drivers leaving a market or slaughterhouse with an empty dirty vehicle will still be required to sign a declaration saying where the vehicle will be cleansed and disinfected if it is not practicable to cleanse and disinfect on the premises.
Cleaning and disinfection is a critical factor in disease control and checks are carried out to make sure that the rules are followed.