Global Guide to Best Practices in Air Transport of Hatching Eggs, Day-Old Chicks, Poults and Ducklings

Do’s and Don’ts for Air Carriers DO’s • Handle DOC with extreme care, they are live animals and fragile. • Stack DOC boxes to the booking agreement’s height. • Keep boxes level while loading (note directions on the boxes). Place DOC in a dry, clean, ventilated and protected area and away from extreme heat or cold. Required temperatures in holding areas: 21 to 26 °C (70 to 79 o F). • Required temperature in aircraft cargo compartments/holds: 18 to 24 °C (64 to 75 o F) which generally achieves the required temperature inside the chick boxes indicated below (pictures to be added) • Maintain contact with the freight forwarder, shipper, and final destination in case of any delay or cancellation. A downgraded plane may not be suitable for DOC. • Ensure all documentation attached to the Air Waybill is transferred with the DOC. This is especially critical in case of transfer to another aircraft. • Make sure that all boxes are clearly marked with the name, address and country of the consignee together with the Air Waybill number. • During flight, take-off and landing or stopovers, remember to have appropriate air flow/humidity in the cargo compartment – make sure APU or GPU is switched on. • DOC must be removed from the aircraft and taken to appropriate animal holding areas as soon as possible after landing. DON’Ts • Don’t stack boxes upside down or on their sides. • Don’t let the DOC sit in the rain or sunshine and/or near the aircraft exhaust • DOC boxes or cases must not be mishandled. • DOC boxes should not be placed directly on the floor of the holding rooms and aircraft. • Don’t turn off the airflow during the flight. • Don’t forget to communicate any delay or change in aircraft to an agent at the destination. A downgraded plane will not be suitable for the DOC. 17