Receipt of animal livestock

(This section applies when livestock is purchased from a wholesaler's import facility meeting the appropriate section of this code. Retailers who import fish direct or buy fish via a consolidator should also refer to the Code for Unpacking Imported Livestock).

1. The retailer should accept responsibility for any livestock ordered once despatched, in good faith, for delivery at a reasonable time or at another pre-arranged time. An out of hours contact should be available so that any delay in delivery can be dealt with promptly.

2. Fish should be carefully unpacked at the place of destination. Preferably in dim light and avoiding strong sun or artificial light sources. The animals should be acclimated to the physical and chemical water conditions in the holding facility using all reasonably practicable means to reduce the stress experienced by them during the procedure.

3. Newly imported livestock (either direct import or via consolidation) should be separated from previously held stock, clearly marked and rested for a minimum 48 hours or until a normal behavioural and feeding pattern has been re-established, whichever is the longer period, before sale.

4. Materials used in packing should either be disposed of hygienically or, if to be reused, disinfected appropriately.

5. Fish must be acclimatised to the water in the holding facility and a normal feeding pattern should be established, with an appropriate food, prior to retail sale.

6. When tanking fish due regard should be paid to the physical and behavioural needs of each species.

7. All reasonable precautions must be taken to prevent the outbreak and spread of diseases. This may include disinfecting nets, the use of a specified net for each tank in an individually filtered aquaria. In centralised systems it may include efficient UV filtration or tank isolation.

8. Fish showing overt clinical signs of disease should be treated appropriately. This may require the affected individuals or population to be isolated. No sales from these individuals or populations should be made. Veterinary consultation may be required. Sick or damaged fish should be removed from public view.

9. Antibiotics should only be used on a veterinary prescription.

10. Water quality should be assessed regularly and managed so that criteria outlined in Annex A are satisfied.

11. Records of fish purchased should be maintained.

12. Records of mortalities should be maintained and related where practicable to batches of fish from which they originated.