Biosecurity Policy of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2010 designates BAFRA as the competent authority to coordinate and implement biosecurity in the country. Animal biosecurity is implemented in the country by BAFRA in coordination with the implementing partners viz. Department of Livestock, Livestock farmers, and various players in the entire livestock value chain which is in accordance with the Livestock Act of Bhutan 2001 and its rules. 

1. Import regulation of animals and animal products
2. In-country movement regulation of animals and animal products
3. Biosecurity enforcement in animal farms
4. Containment operation of disease outbreaks
5. Regulation of animal Tshethar practices
6. Regulation of livestock product processing plants (abattoirs, dairy plants including retail outlets)

• Import regulation of animals and animal products

Animals of any species and their products including foods of animal origin are restricted from entry into Bhutan. Prior permission must be obtained from BAFRA to import any animal or their products into Bhutan. 

Information on import of animal and animal products including foods of animal origin into Bhutan can be accessed by following specific protocols (click “Download” – “Guidelines and Standards” on this web page). However, zoo-sanitary requirements may vary from what has been stated therein depending on the exporting country which can only be determined following import risk analysis. Live animals may be quarantined at the place of entry. 

Anyone in possession of any animal or animal products and entering the country will have to declare it to BAFRA officials on duty at the entry point. Failing to do so, will be levied penalty in accordance with the Livestock Act of Bhutan 2001 and its rules. 

• In-country movement regulation of animals and animal products

Animal health situations vary between regions with some regions remaining endemic to certain diseases. Movement of animals and animal products from one Dzongkhag to another is regulated to prevent spread of diseases between regions. Movement is permitted with prior authorization by BAFRA after subjecting the animals and their products to some health scrutiny. For details, please follow the link …………………….

• Biosecurity enforcement in animal farms

Livestock farms are required by Law to implement farm biosecurity to prevent disease introduction and outbreak. BAFRA enforce implementation of farm biosecurity measures in close coordination with the Department of Livestock and Livestock Farmers. In-country Livestock Biosecurity Guidelines was developed and made available (link be provided here) for farmers to use. 

• Containment operation of disease outbreaks

As per the section 9.2 of Livestock Act 2001, when notifiable disease is suspected and confirmed, an official control measures shall be taken as prescribed by the Ministry. In line, BAFRA’s role in disease outbreaks are:

1. Implement Ban on the movement of livestock and livestock products

Based on the specific disease prevention and control plan, BAFRA implemented a ban on the movement of animals, and their products both into and out of the affected areas to prevent spread of the infection to other places. 

1. Implement Biosecurity Measures during the outbreak

The biosecurity measures during the disease outbreak includes depopulation, disposal and decontamination as per the specific disease prevention and control plan. The decontamination includes segregation, cleaning and disinfection of the infected premise, and biosecurity risk goods and equipment. 

• Regulation of animal Welfare and Tshethar practices

BAFRA works to maintain and improve domestic animal welfare including tshethar practices in collaboration with governmental agencies, private sectors, and NGOs. BAFRA has primary responsibility for promoting and regulating animal welfare through good animal farming practice in the country and implementation of the “Bhutan Animal Welfare Standard” and Guideline for Tshethar Practices” for companion animals, draught animals and production animals to be implemented among farmers and animal welfare groups. These guidelines and standards include the following needs:

• For a suitable environment (place to live),
• For a suitable diet,
• To exhibit normal behaviour patterns,
• To be housed with, or apart from, other animals (if applicable),
• To be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease.

• Regulation of livestock product processing plants (abattoirs, dairy plants including retail outlets)

The livestock Act 2001 requires all establishments related to production, storage, and marketing of livestock and livestock products, veterinary drugs as well as feed shall be regulated by Regulatory Authority. BAFRA carry out the following activities:

• Feasibility studies
• Risk based inspection and monitoring
• Testing and certification