Export of animals and animal products

The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration is responsible for ensuring that export of animals and animal products fulfill the conditions for import into the country of destination. Compulsory washing and disinfection of empty animal trucks arriving in Denmark reduce the risk of introducing animal diseases.

Introduction
Danish exporters of animals and animal products must be registered at the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration. The exporter is obligated to notify the Regional Veterinary and Food Control Authorities about each consignment before the export. The written notifications shall among other things specify type of product, amount, place of dispatch and destination.

The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration is responsible for ensuring that intracommunity trade in animals and animal products is performed in accordance with EU legislation. In cases of exports to Third Countries, DVFA negotiates and drafts the necessary health certification to meet the conditions for import into the country of destination.

If an outbreak of a transmissible animal disease occurs in Denmark, the export of animals of susceptible species will be halted.

Export of animals
In 2003, 27.449 cattle (73%) were exported to The Netherlands and 2.026.520 pigs (95%) – mainly feeder pigs - were exported to Germany. Small batches of breeding animals were exported to many countries. Poultry were mainly exported to Germany, The Netherlands and Poland.

Risk of introducing animal diseases as a consequence of export
Export animal trucks that operates in areas with endemic or un-reported animal diseases poses a risk for livestock when returning to Denmark. Therefore, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration have introduced compulsory wash and disinfection of empty animal trucks arriving in Denmark. After cleaning and disinfection these trucks are quarantined for 48 hours before they are allowed to access farms. The quarantine period does not apply if the truck loads animals at an export animal assembly point.

Intra-Community trade; export of animal products
It is the responsibility of Danish Veterinary and Food Administration that only animal products fulfilling the EU legislation is exported. An example could be that food containing animal protein must be fit for human consumption and fulfill certain animal health requirements as originating from areas not under restrictions due to an outbreak of an animal disease. For non-food animal products and live animals Denmark enter the veterinary heath certificate in the TRACES system. The exporter is required to notify the Regional Veterinary and Food Control Authorities in advance when exporting.

Contact

Please contact the Control Authorities for further information.