Page 10 - The STAT Trade Times August 2024 for Website

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in particular. For instance, on May 13, 2024,
the US Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) issued a final rule effective
1 August 2024 that makes changes to the
importation requirements for dogs into
the United States to address the public
health risk associated with dog-maintained
rabies virus variant (DMRVV). Among this
rule’s requirements impacting airlines, one
provision imposes on airlines to create
an air waybill (AWB) for all dogs entering
the United States via air, including dogs
transported as cargo, hand-carried, and as
checked baggage.
Majeres informed that following joint ac-
tion by IATA and other associations, CDC has
recognised that the requirement to issue
an AWB for dogs that are hand-carried or
checked as baggage is an issue.
“Consequently, all airlines can apply
immediately for a waiver to the AWB on a
provisional basis. CDC will grant a waiver PHOTOS: Equitrans Logistics
on a provisional basis based on a request
from the air carrier that will be valid for 90
days. During this 90-day period, air carriers
must complete their waiver application
and submit all required documentation,” shift and change in attitudes of people
he explained. that is influencing the movement of
“Once complete, CDC will decide animals by air.
regarding the completed waiver ap- “Pet adoption rates have remained
plication. If granted, the waiver will high post-pandemic, indicating a
be extended so that it is valid for a cultural shift towards greater ac-
period of 9 months from issuance of ceptance of companion animals.
the provisional waiver. If denied, air This trend is not limited to tradition-
carriers will no longer be able to trans- ally strong markets but is also gaining
port dogs without an AWB,” he added. traction in emerging markets across
Majeres also pointed out that there South East and South Asia, Central Asia,
is growing scrutiny on animal transport Sub-Saharan Africa, and Eastern Europe,”
from regulatory bodies around the world he observed.
and compliance from all stakeholders’ Beyond pets, there has been increasing
angles has become complex, sometimes activity in the global transportation of horses.
resulting in penalties. Air France KLM Martinair Cargo is also Nair added, “Etihad Cargo transports
“In order to facilitate live animal transpor- a board member of the IATA LAPB (IATA horses globally via our SkyStables product,
tation IATA has initiated the development Live Animals and Perishables Board), where supporting the cultural importance of
of a modern automated online solution representatives from various communities horses in the Middle East. We have also
called “LAR VERIFY” & the related APIs with a meet twice a year at a conference. been involved in major global equine
vision to continue the development of the “During these conferences, attendees events, supported by our specialised stalls
AutoCheck concepts,” he said. can provide feedback on transportation and a trained, dedicated team for equine
practices. Based on this feedback, the IATA and live animal transport.”
Sharing experience, knowledge LAPB board may adjust the regulations.
While there are updates in the regulatory Compliance with the regulations in IATA Training to handle with care
framework and increased scrutiny, the way LAR is mandatory. Local authorities regard Regulatory evolution and adapting to new
to go is by collaborating with other stake- these requirements as legal standards, standards set by authorities is an ongoing
holders and cooperating. On the same line, and non-compliance can result in fines or process aimed at continuous improvement.
de Boer observes that most airlines focus on penalties,” he said. However, one of the important pieces
working with organisations such as ATA and Sharing his experience, Nair of Etihad among these is the people who handle the
are members of these organisations. Cargo reflected that there is a cultural live animals on the go.
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