This section of the Code applies on the first occasion livestock is unpacked following import.

Thus it may apply to:

• traditional wholesalers
• retail outlets importing directly
• businesses buying livestock through consolidators

The provisions laid out in this section are similar to those applied whenever livestock is unpacked or handled. However they must be applied bearing in mind the origin of the livestock and the length of time they have been in transit.

Businesses receiving livestock in the manners described as above should be able to provide the additional care and husbandry required by livestock immediately following import. Particular attention and effort is necessary when wild caught specimens are considered.

1. Livestock should be unpacked promptly upon arrival.

2. Suitably trained and/or experienced staff should be available during unpacking.

3. Fish should be unpacked in dim light conditions. Livestock should not be exposed to strong natural or artificial light.

4. Livestock should be acclimated to the physical and chemical water conditions in the holding facility using all reasonably practicable means. Particular attention being paid to those factors e.g. pH, temperature and ammonia which may have altered substantially during transport.

5. Livestock showing overt signs of distress, injury or disease should be treated as appropriate. This may require the affected individuals or populations to be isolated. Livestock thus treated should not be sold and should be removed from public view. Veterinary consultation may be required.

6. 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.

7. Records of disease outbreaks, treatments and moralities should be maintained. These should be related to particular batches of fish whenever practicable.

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

9. Antibiotics should only be used under the supervision of a Veterinary Surgeon practising in the EC and following the normal practice of the profession in the UK. (See also 'Use of Medicines').

10. When tanking fish due regard should be paid to 5 and 6 above and the physical and behavioural needs of each species.

11. Stocking Densities - see Appendix A

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

13. A record of fish bought and sold, including information on source and destination should be maintained. This may be in the form of invoices and orders. Records of mortalities should be maintained relating to particular batches where reasonably practicable.

Sale and Movement of Livestock

The provisions of Fish Health and Conservation legislation must be adhered to.

14. 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 proves the longer period, before sale.

15. Before sale a careful visual examination of livestock should be undertaken. Any signs or symptoms of disease should be noted, investigated further and treated appropriately. Records of treatments used, relating where possible to individual batches of fish should be maintained.

16. All stock sold must be in good health as far as can be reasonably determined without veterinary inspection.

17. Fish should, if appropriate, be transported to the retailer by the quickest reasonably practicable means. Any livestock received or consigned should be transported according to the regulations laid down by the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997 or other relevant legislation or recommendations. For air transportation the IATA guidelines must be followed. For rail transportation the British Rail guidelines should be followed.

18. The animals should be packed to survive at least 15O% of the anticipated journey time. The packing must therefore take account of climatic conditions and the behavioural characteristics of the fish as well as the travelling time.

19. Complaints from retailers should be dealt with promptly, courteously and sympathetically. In the event that a dispute cannot be settled then the matter may be referred to the OATA Ltd office.

20. CITES Species The import permit number or a photocopy should be supplied, either when the order is delivered or with the invoice for such an order.

21. EC Wildlife Trade Regulations Wholesalers should satisfy themselves that the necessary import permit (Annex B species) or import declaration (Annex D species) has been given or made as appropriate when supplying Annex B species it must be ascertained that the recipient is able to care for them.

22. Labelling of transport boxes.

    The following information should be available to the transporter:

    • consignee
    • consignor
    • out of hours contacts of both

    Where necessary Plant Heath Passports should be obtained.