Animal Production

ZMB - Legal Hub - Animal Production - Picture © Brent Stirton

SUMMARY

Animal identification is mandatory and must be done by the owner or registered operators with a registered identification mark. Moving any animal, animal product, or animal by-product, without a permit, is prohibited. The Minister has the authority to issue regulations governing the transportation of animals. Transporters are required to record animal movements. Offenses related to animal identification and traceability are subject to civil and criminal penalties.
All establishments involved in animal production or gathering, such as marketplaces, must be registered. Inspectors are appointed to enforce animal identification and traceability. Various legislative instruments define the functions of these inspectors. The Department responsible for livestock development regulates the importation, manufacturing, and use of animal feed. Officers can inspect and control the use of feed, and veterinary officers can detain, treat, dispose of, or destroy animal feed for health reasons. Importing, manufacturing, or selling non-compliant animal feed without a permit is prohibited.
Laws regulate the manufacture, processing, importation, and sale of farm feed, including its standards and purity. A certificate is issued upon the registration of a plant. Selling animal feed without providing a statement of analysis to the purchaser is prohibited. Sellers implicitly warrant that the article sold as farm feed is suitable for its intended use.
The Minister can approve laboratories for testing farm feed derived from animal carcasses. Regulations govern the labeling and packaging of feed. The use of medicated feed/tools for non-therapeutic purposes is restricted. All actors involved in the production and distribution of feed products must be registered as feed business operators. Premises used for manufacturing feed and their owners must be registered. Importing, manufacturing, or selling animal feed without a permit and compliance with prescribed standards is prohibited. Operating an agro-veterinary shop requires a permit, and registration of shop details is necessary. A list of authorized veterinary products for agro-veterinary shops is established. Importing genetically modified organisms for use as feed or processing requires authorization. Manufacturing, distributing, or dealing in medicines or feed additives necessitates a pharmaceutical license and marketing authorization.
Transportation of animal feed is subject to inspection, and regulations can restrict and regulate the transportation of animal products, by-products, and articles. Labeling, packaging, and inspection requirements ensure compliance. Importing animal feed or class of feed into Zambia is subject to restrictions and conditions set by the Minister. Imported feed products must be available for inspection, and the law allows for destruction in case import is denied. Exporting animal products for animal feeding, medicines, and feed additives requires a permit. Exported feed products must undergo inspection to ensure compliance.
The law prohibits animal torture and inhumane treatment, with the Director of Veterinary Service regulating animal welfare. Animals must be kept in a manner that meets their physiological needs and provides protection from adverse conditions and health risks. Authorization from the competent authority is required for animal transporters, and minimum standards apply to vehicles used for animal transportation, including design, hygiene, disinfection, and temperature monitoring.
Suspected infected animals must be isolated and movement prevented. Slaughtering animals must minimize pain and suffering. A license is required for aquaculture activities, and the establishment of facilities must be approved. Inland aquaculture activities need a water use permit. Environmental impact assessments are compulsory for aquaculture activities. The use of specific chemicals in aquaculture is restricted.
The Department of Livestock Development (DLD) under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock is responsible for providing technical guidance and implementing functions to achieve sustainable development in the livestock sector. DLD focuses on upgrading and maintaining a healthy animal population, providing technical support and quality assurance for animal products and feed, in collaboration with provincial, district staff, and other stakeholders. 

ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION AND TRACEABILITY

FEED SAFETY AND QUALITY

ANIMAL WELFARE

AQUACULTURE

INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK RELEVANT TO ANIMAL PRODUCTION