It’s illegal to transport any livestock, including poultry that’s considered unfit for travel. You must undertake an assessment of the fitness of poultry before crating and loading them. If the transporter does not carry out the assessment, there should be clear and documented procedures as to who undertakes and has responsibility for this task, and what action is to be taken on birds that are judged unfit for transport. Once loading of birds commences, the transporter is wholly responsible for the welfare of the birds until they are unloaded at the end of the journey.
As broilers can suffer lesions on the feet, an assessment of foot and leg health should be undertaken before transporting poultry. Birds with severe and painful conditions such as advanced plantar necrosis are unfit for transport.
Special considerations may apply to the transport of poultry in severe weather conditions, as they are particularly prone to stress during hot weather.