asked the Minister for Agriculture if he intends to make it compulsory to have livestock lorries washed out at meat factories and ports.
Written Answers. - Livestock Transport Vehicle Hygiene.
649.
The Transit of Animals Orders 1927-73 require that vehicles used for the transport of livestock be cleansed and disinfected after use for that purpose. Veterinary officers of my Department take on-the-spot action to enforce these regulations including rejection at ports of consignments of animals presented in dirty vehicles. The livestock trade and hauliers are advised periodically as to the necessity for maintaining proper standards of hygiene and cleanliness in the transport of animals. The legislation and the enforcement procedures in this area are currently being examined with a view to introducing any necessary improvements.