The transport of animal by-products (ABPs) is a crucial element in the management of animal- derived waste. It involves the movement of materials not intended for human consumption but that can be utilized for other purposes, such as the production of animal feed, fertilizers, biogas, or raw materials for the chemical industry. Below are the key aspects regarding the transport of ABPs.
Classification and Types of Animal By-Products
ABPs are divided into three categories based on the risk they pose to human and animal health:
- Category 1: Materials with the highest risk, which must be promptly disposed of. This includes animals suspected of having infectious diseases, infectious materials, and products containing hazardous substances.
- Category 2: Materials with medium risk, which can be used for fertilizer or biogas production after proper processing. This includes animal manure, stomach contents, and materials from slaughterhouses of fallen animals.
- Category 3: Materials with the lowest risk, which can be used for pet food production or processed into other technical products. This includes carcass parts, by-products from food processing, skins, feathers, wool, etc.
Legal Requirements and Regulations
The transport of ABPs is strictly regulated by both national and international laws. In the European Union, these issues are regulated by regulations such as:
- Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009: Lays down health rules as regards animal by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption.
- Regulation (EU) No 142/2011: Provides detailed rules for the implementation of Regulation No 1069/2009, including transport requirements.
Transport Procedures and Requirements
Transporting ABPs requires compliance with a range of sanitary and logistical requirements:
- Approval and Registration of Vehicles: Vehicles used for transporting ABPs must be approved by the relevant sanitary and veterinary authorities and registered. They must be properly marked and adapted for transporting materials with varying risk levels.
- Hygiene and Disinfection: Vehicles must be regularly cleaned and disinfected to prevent the spread of pathogens. Disinfection should be carried out after each transport of higher- risk materials.
- Appropriate Packaging: ABPs must be transported in sealed, appropriately labeled containers that prevent leaks and environmental contamination.
- Documentation and Tracking: Each transport of ABPs must be thoroughly documented. Documentation includes the origin of the material, risk category, destination, and details of the carrier. Tracking systems enable monitoring from the point of departure to the destination.
- Transport Temperature: Depending on the type of ABPs, specific temperature requirements may apply to prevent material decomposition and minimize sanitary and epidemiological risks.
Equipment and Safety Regulations
Transporting ABPs requires specialized equipment that ensures the safety of the transported materials and minimizes risk to people and the environment:
- Containers and Tankers: Must be made of materials that are easy to disinfect and resistant to mechanical damage.
- Refrigerated Vehicles: In the case of some ABPs, the use of refrigerated vehicles is necessary to maintain the appropriate temperature.
- Security Systems: Vehicles should be equipped with systems that prevent uncontrolled opening of containers and GPS monitoring systems.
Summary
The transport of animal by-products is a key element in managing animal-derived materials, requiring strict adherence to legal regulations and hygienic procedures. Proper management of ABP transport ensures sanitary and epidemiological safety, environmental protection, and the effective use of these materials in various sectors of the economy. Education and awareness among carriers, along with appropriate legal regulations, are crucial for maintaining high standards in this field.
