Everything I need to do before the animals even leave the door! David M. Kurtz, DVM, PhD, DACLAM Animal Transportation http://horsetrailerworld.org/ Objectives of the Journey Maintain animal health and well-being Minimize stress to the animal Minimize the duration of transit Ensure regulatory compliance White, W.J.; Chou, S. T.; Kole, C.B.; Sutcliffe, R. 2010 Transportation of Laboratory Animals in The UFAW Handbook on the Care and Management of Laboratory and Other Research Animals, 8th ed. Eds. Robert Hubrecht and James Kirkwood, Wiley- Blackwell Journey Planning What, Where, When and How What needs to be transported?
Where do they need to go?
When do they need to go?
How am I going to get them there quickly and safely? Journey Planning Successful animal shipments require a team effort Consignor (sender) Consignee (recipient) Animal Shippers/Brokers Airlines Ground Transporters Government(s) Journey Planning Are frozen embryos or sperm available?
If yes, stop here and ship as biological material and not live animals. Journey Planning Animals health status Any physical condition that may impact travel? Sick Obese Infected Old/Young Pregnant Surgically altered Genetically Modified Hairless Immune Deficient Will consignee accept health status? Journey Planning Mode(s) of transport? Airplane Truck/Van Ship Train Quickest and most direct route with minimal transfers Journey Planning Air Transport operational guidelines Environmentally controlled holding areas Environmentally controlled airplane cargo areas with temperature alarms Minimal time between holding and loading (last on-first off) Accessible cargo areas during flight if possible Emergency veterinary plan Journey Planning Ground transport operational guidelines Redundant HVAC and power supply systems (long haul) Temperature alarm system(s) and validation GPS capabilities Non-porous floors and walls Sanitation/Disinfection Emergency veterinary and service plan Adapted from - Validation of Transporter Training and SOPs for The Transport of Lab Animals Animal Transport Association 2009 Journey Planning Animal Carriers/Brokers/Intermediate Handlers Handle some or all aspects of transport Many reputable companies with a lot of experience Especially helpful in securing proper documents Highly recommended for International shipments Journey Planning Animal Carriers/Brokers/Intermediate Handlers
Know thy carrier!! Review Training and Experience Assure Registrations, Permits and Licensure Review procedures for monitoring during transport Review feed and water procedures Review contingency plans Journey Planning Animal Shipment Journey Plan
Segment # Departure Site Estimated Departure Time Mode of Transport Destination Site Estimated Arrival Time
Driver(s) contact phone numbers: Segment # Driver name Phone number
Create a written Journey Plan
Agreeable by all primary stakeholders
Required by most EU counties
Best practice for all shipments Journey Planning Timing of Shipment Time of year (weather) Holidays Journey Planning Weather conditions during ALL phases of travel Journey Planning Required forms or permits CITES Permit(s) Health Certificate Customs Declaration Journey Declaration Packing List
Airbill
International Bilingual (?) Correct number of originals (sign in blue ink) Affix originals to shipping container (keep copies) Journey Planning Primary crate or container
Inspected of animals during transit Animal separation Animal identification Bedding material Journey Planning Food and water during transit Journey Planning Documentation of feed and water prior to departure
Documentation of visual observations during transit
Driver(s) Available 24-hours/day during shipment Journey Planning Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) Sanitation Journey Planning Emergency Rescue Network Endorsed by the Animal Transportation Association (ATA) Ground Transportation Network Veterinary Medical Network Journey Planning We are ready to ship! Journey Planning Welcome to your first day on the job as the Shipping Coordinator for your Institution! Journey Planning 1. https://www.polleverywhere.com/davidkurtz918 Interactive Session Using 2. Cellular phone (US carriers) Text to 22333 Text message body Multiple choice - # displayed by answer Free text entry - # displayed followed by response (limit to 3-5 words) 600553 Journey Planning Scenario 1 Ship 20 genetically-modified laboratory mice from North Carolina to Berlin, Germany in May Journey Planning Scenario 1 Mice from NC to Germany What is the most appropriate, primary method of transport for mice from North Carolina to Germany?
A. Cargo Ship B. Commercial Airline C. Drone D. Charter airline Journey Planning Scenario 1 Mice from NC to Germany Journey Planning Scenario 1 Mice from NC to Germany What is the most appropriate, primary method of transport for mice from North Carolina to Germany?
A. Cargo Ship B. Commercial Airline C. Drone D. Charter airline Journey Planning Scenario 1 Mice from NC to Germany Who do you think should handle the shipment?
A. Myself B. Package Shipper (e.g. FedEx, UPS, USPS) C. Animal Carrier/Broker Journey Planning Scenario 1 Mice from NC to Germany Journey Planning Scenario 1 Mice from NC to Germany Who do you think should handle the shipment?
A. Myself B. Package Shipper (e.g. FedEx, UPS, USPS) C. Animal Carrier/Broker Journey Planning Scenario 1 Mice from NC to Germany Health Status of the mice?
Mice are genetically modified and have problems regulating their body temperature Journey Planning Scenario 1 Mice from NC to Germany If the mice have problems regulating body temperature, what can I do to reduce the chance of related health issues? A. Keep container on heat source B. Give high calorie diet C. Group house and give nesting material D. Wait until warmer months to ship Journey Planning Scenario 1 Mice from NC to Germany Journey Planning Scenario 1 Mice from NC to Germany If the mice have problems regulating body temperature, what can I do to reduce the chance of related health issues? A. Keep container on heat source B. Give high calorie diet C. Group house and give nesting material D. Wait until warmer months to ship Journey Planning Scenario 1 Mice from NC to Germany Any dates in May I should avoid for shipping? Journey Planning Scenario 1 Mice from NC to Germany Free text answer Journey Planning Scenario 1 Mice from NC to Germany 5/1 May Day Germany 5/25 Memorial Day - US Journey Planning Scenario 1 Mice from NC to Germany Forms and Permits International Health Certificate signed by a veterinarian and approved by the USDA within 10 days of departure stating free of pathogens Customs Invoice Declaring Animal Number and Base Value Written Journey Declaration Journey Planning Scenario 1 Mice from NC to Germany Packing Prevent microbial exposure during transit with observation port Food and water source - 4-6 days Bedding standard wood bedding OK with nesting materials Separation by sex or age? Any singly housed? All labels affixed Journey Planning Scenario 1 Mice from NC to Germany Its time to ship! Am I OK with the carrier at my door? Notify German Customs ( 24 hours) Assure German carrier is at airport prior to arrival Alert consignee (recipient) of departure Have consignee confirm receipt Journey Planning Scenario 1 Mice from NC to Germany Congratulations! You have successfully completed your first shipment! Journey Planning Scenario 2 Transfer a colony of 10 Cynomologus Macaques (Non- human primates - NHP) from Toronto to Alabama in July Journey Planning Scenario 2 NHPs from Toronto to Alabama What is the first document I should obtain for this NHP shipment? A. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) permits B. Airway Bill C. Animal Health Certificate D. Packing List Journey Planning Scenario 2 Journey Planning Scenario 2 NHPs from Toronto to Alabama What is the first document I should obtain for this NHP shipment? A. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) permits B. Airway Bill C. Animal Health Certificate D. Packing List Journey Planning Scenario 2 Document packet Approved CITES permits (export and import) Packing List Food and Water Log Canadian Animal Health Certificate Customs Declaration Airway bill NHPs from Toronto to Alabama Journey Planning Scenario 2 Notification of proper agencies Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) US Center for Disease Control (CDC) US Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) State Veterinarian(s)
Interested US agencies USDA-APHIS Homeland Security and TSA NHPs from Toronto to Alabama Journey Planning Scenario 2 NHPs from Toronto to Alabama Journey Planning Scenario 2 Can the NHPs ship directly from Toronto to Alabama? NHPs from Toronto to Alabama Usually no All NHPs covered under a CITES Permit must enter the US through a USFWS designated Port All NHPs entering the US must be quarantined for a minimum of 31-days at a CDC-designated quarantine facility Journey Planning Scenario 2 Check the weather reports!
July/August in Georgia and Alabama usually very hot! NHPs from Toronto to Alabama Journey Planning Scenario 2 NHPs from Toronto to Alabama 7/1 Canada Day 7/4 Independence Day (US) Journey Planning Scenario 2 NHPs from Toronto to Alabama Include a log sheet for feed and water with instructions
List time of last feed and water prior to departure Journey Planning Scenario 2 Packing the NHPs Shipping containers meet AWA and IATA Guidelines Feed and water w/in 4 hours of departure Single or paired in container Container properly labeled NHPs from Toronto to Alabama Journey Planning Scenario 2 Clearing the animals through customs Who will do this for you? Broker? All paperwork present and accurate? All required import fees paid? CDC and USFWS inspections completed? All reports signed? NHPs from Toronto to Alabama Journey Planning Scenario 2 Transporting animals to quarantine facility and final destination Transport vehicle and cargo area acceptable? Acceptable (written) route plan? Is the driver alone? Emergency plans (GPS, cell phones, credit cards) NHPs from Toronto to Alabama Journey Planning Scenario 2 Biosafety
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) who needs it and when?
How will the cargo hold be disinfected and by whom? NHPs from Toronto to Alabama Journey Planning Scenario 2 Questions so far? Journey Planning Or, name additional important steps in Journey Planning? You may respond at PollEv.com/davidkurtz918 when the presenter pushes this poll or Text 601518 and your message to 22333 Journey Planning Free text answer Houston, We Have a Problem
Dealing with Contingencies in the Transport of Laboratory Animals The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men Gang aft agley
To a Mouse, on Turning Her Up in Her Nest with the Plough by Robert Burns (1785) Journey Planning Successful animal shipments require a team effort Consigner (sender) Consignee (recipient) Animal Shipper/Broker Drivers and Assistants Airlines Government Journey Planning Causes for Shipment Delays Animal health during shipment Improper documents Weather Motor vehicle breakdown/accident Drivers getting lost Work interruptions/strikes Political unrest Journey Planning Question:
What is the most common cause for animal shipment delays? A. Weather B. Incorrect documents C. Sick animal D. Vehicle problems Journey Planning Journey Planning Question:
What is the most common cause for animal shipment delays? A. Weather B. Incorrect documents C. Sick animal D. Vehicle problems Journey Planning Scenario 1 Mice from NC to Germany You get a call at 6 AM from the Broker
The address of the consignee (recipient) on the Customs Invoice does not match the address listed on the Journey Declaration What do you do? Journey Planning Scenario 1 Mice from NC to Germany Question:
Your mice are stuck in German customs because the delivery addresses don't match. What do you do? A. Ship them back B. Panic C. Fax a copy of the corrected documents D. Overnight ship corrected documents Journey Planning Scenario 1 Mice from NC to Germany Journey Planning Scenario 1 Mice from NC to Germany Question:
Your mice are stuck in German customs because the delivery addresses don't match. What do you do? A. Ship them back B. Panic C. Fax a copy of the corrected documents D. Overnight ship corrected documents Journey Planning Scenario 1 Mice from NC to Germany German Customs receives corrected, original documents the following day and approves Additional feed and water source sufficient for 24- hour delay Consignee had been alerted and ready to receive Journey Planning Scenario 2 Amazingly, the shipment from Canada to Atlanta went off without a glitch. The NHPs have been cleared from quarantine and are loaded on a truck for final segment to Alabama. The expected arrival time is 2 PM.
You receive a call from the driver that the truck engine has overheated and cannot continue.
What should the driver do? NHPs from Toronto to Alabama Journey Planning Scenario 2 Question:
The truck engine overheats in route from Atlanta to Alabama. What should the driver do first? A. Call for a tow to a local garage B. Pull into a parking lot and go to lunch C. Pull over to the side of the highway, check the animals and call the consignee D. Pull off the highway to a discreet location, check the animals and call their dispatch NHPs from Toronto to Alabama Journey Planning Scenario 2 The truck engine overheats in route from Atlanta to Alabama. What should the driver do first? NHPs from Toronto to Alabama Journey Planning Scenario 2 Question:
The truck engine overheats in route from Atlanta to Alabama. What should the driver do first? A. Call for a tow to a local garage B. Pull into a parking lot and go to lunch C. Pull over to the side of the highway, check the animals and call the consignee D. Pull off the highway to a discreet location, check the animals and call their dispatch NHPs from Toronto to Alabama Journey Planning Scenario 2 Driver stays with the truck Immediately checks the animals Offer food and water Regularly check cargo area temperature Repair truck if completed in a few hours and cargo area conditions stable If not, obtain alternate vehicle with same capabilities Contact consigner and consignee to alert about delay NHPs from Toronto to Alabama Journey Planning Scenario 2 Redundant HVAC systems allowed for cargo area to maintain proper temperature and ventilation
Truck was not able to be repaired. Dispatcher located comparable vehicle in close proximity (30 minutes away)
Animals were transferred to new truck and completed journey
NHPs from Toronto to Alabama Journey Planning Expect the unexpected!
Have a single point of contact for all aspects of animal shipments
Create a Journey Plan Checklist Journey Planning Journey Plan Checklist 1. Animal Health fit for travel (Records/Certificate) 2. Proper approvals from recipient 3. Mode of Transport 4. Dates of Transport 5. Weather 6. Reputable Animal Shipper/Broker 7. Shipper Training 8. List of permits/forms Journey Planning 9. Written Journey Plan 10. Suitability of Transport vehicles 11. Appropriate shipping container/crate 12. Appropriate food and water source 13. Contact phone numbers for all key stakeholders 14. Rescue network in place (transport and veterinary) 15. Receipt arrangement at destination 16. Contingency plans Journey Plan Checklist Journey Planning Journey Planning for the safe and efficient transport of laboratory animals is not a rigid process
Plan carefully but always be ready to adapt to new situations.
Acknowledgments ILAR Transportation Workshop Committee Bill White, Carol Clarke, Judy Franko, Diane Gaines, Ford Morishita, Bruce Kennedy, Susan Silk, Bob Dysko Joe Simmons Insight Diagnostics and Consulting, Inc. Skip Bohm and Marion Ratterree - Tulane National Primate Research Center Amber Lange - Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Antonio Ramirez & Langston Hull USDA-APHIS Sharon Lynn USFWS Michael Hackett World Courier, Inc. Luis Fernandez - Bioculture Group