CALGARY, Alta. — Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC) and the International Animal Transportation Association (AATA) are hosting a livestock transportation conference in Calgary May 1-4. A special workshop for livestock truckers will be held on the final day of the event.

The main conference will focus on traceability and security of livestock through the transportation process. Tracking and security measures from other parts of the world will be discussed.

However, livestock truckers will be most interested in the Livestock Trucking Workshop on May 4. Presentations will address: factors that contribute to stress and recognizing signs of stress during transport; liability, responsibility and insurance for animal handlers, their equipment and the animals in their care; defining of overloaded versus overcrowded when loading animals; the definition of an unfit animal; use of on-board disinfection systems for trucks; the price of bruised animals upon arrival at market; special needs cargo such as the sensitivity of swine and poultry; the latest regulations on transport of slaughter horses; commercial livestock trucking accidents; training of livestock transporters and; a look at the similarities and differences between the North American, European and Australian trucking industry.

For information about the workshop, visit www.afac.ab.ca/careinfo/transport/transport.htm or call 403-932-8050. The cost is $90 and registration wraps up Apr. 23. The conference takes place at the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire and the event will be of interest to anyone involved in the animal transportation industry.