[Experiences with the conversion of legal regulations in practice].

An intensive preparation is necessary to make legal regulations work in practice. Examples are given how the registration procedure of a livestock enterprise is performed. Firstly, the owner has to declare the type of keeping system and the animal species. Secondly, he has to apply for a registration number which is related to the farm site and which is listed in the geographical information system (GIS). The particular procedures of licensing livestock operations and their facilities this according to the animal transport regulation (Viehverkehrsordnung) and the animal disease act (Binnenmarkt-Tierseuchenverordnung) are explained. The precise registration and licensing of facilities and operations is important for common market trade and the issuing of health certificates. Health certificates have to show name and address of facilities and operations and can give the registration number or license number. The control actions of the veterinary service are described when the arrival of an animal transport is announced and how to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in case of danger. Special regulations for the import of animals such as quarantine and laboratory tests are explained.