[Animal transport in Europe--scope and trends]

In order to evaluate the importance of animal transports in the European Union, the figures on intra-Community trade, exports and imports can be used. In 1999, around 14.5 million animals (cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses) have been traded between Member States; the imports from third countries totalled 2.1 million heads and the exports to third countries 437.000 heads. The pattern of intra-Community trade is characterised by a clear trade flow from the Northern to the Southern Member Countries; the majority of the imports is coming from the Middle- and East European countries. Over the last few years, the annual volume of animal transports has been relatively stable, with the exception of cattle exports, where a significant reduction has taken place as from 1997.