This decision was triggered by the transport of a pregnant cow due to travel from Bavaria to Uzbekistan, a 5000km journey.

The veterinary officer in charge refused to issue a health certificate, thus making it legally impossible to transport the animal. The reason: the long journeys to countries where regulations on animal welfare are far below EU standards often lead to severe animal welfare problems. The head of department has supported this decision and decided to ask the Minister for advice. The ministries of the two states are now focusing on a harmonized and legally compliant procedure on national level. Besides that they are currently working on a list of third countries where AW standards do not meet EU law.