Fairview Post
Posted By Chris Zwick
November 12, 2008

Livestock haulers and handlers across the country will soon require certification to transport livestock, but luckily enough the Fairview college campus is offering a one-day Certified Livestock Transport training program on Nov. 15.

The Certified Livestock Transport program is relatively new. Developed in 2007 by Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC), it focusses on the humane transportation of livestock to comply with new Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) standards and is largely industry-driven.

“It’s designed to give these people information on the new CFIA regulations, what animals are fit to be transported and those that aren’t, and gives an idea of how to handle things if you’re in an accident with the animals,” said Ken Mcdonald of Indian Head, SK.

Mcdonald has been instructing producers and truckers on the new regulations since April and will be doing the same in Fairview Saturday.

There are also several instructors who are interested in being trained on how to conduct the course themselves.

“The biggest thing we focus on is that it’s illegal to transport animals where it would cause undo suffering,” said Mcdonald. The course teaches drivers to recognize lame, ill and generally unfit animals for transport and teaches them what to do when they find themselves in a situation where unfit animals are involved.

It’s also important to teach truckers what to do in case of an accident. They need to know how to control the animals, to make sure their are no further human injuries on the highway.

“Industry itself is making it work, said Mcdonald, citing the fact that many feedlots and packing plants in Alberta will not be accepting loads from uncertified drivers as of June, 2009.

“It elevates the level of professionalism of the industry, and gives it some kind of standards,” he said.

There is one core module everyone must take, then Mcdonald provides instruction on the different regulations that apply to different species of livestock whether it’s cattle, sheep, horses, hogs, or even poultry.

Commercial drivers with more than two years experience in the livestock transportation business may be eligible to receive their certification through a grandfathering process.

The course will take place Saturday, Nov. 15 starting at 9 a.m. on the Fairview campus. For more information call Russell Workun at 780-835-6616, or to register call 780-835-6605 or 1-888-999-7882. Total cost for the full-day course is $135.

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Posted by Admin on July 21st, 2009 :: Filed under Regulations, Transportation
Tags :: animal care, education, livestock, regulation, Transportation
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