Brussels, 04/01/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 5 January, a new EU regulation on animal welfare in transport came into force to reduce the stress and harm that animals can experience during land and sea journeys. The Council adopted the measures in December 2004 as a compromise deal, leaving aside more controversial issues like maximum travel times and how many animals can be transported in vehicles until 2011 (see EUROPE 9215 and 8861). The new safeguards introduced in the regulation include the use of satellite navigation systems (compulsory for new trucks in 2007 and all trucks from 2009 onwards), a ban on transporting young animals (piglets, lambs, veal calves and foals), and female animals may not be transported at all in the week prior to and following giving birth. Vehicles must be equipped with ventilation, heat regulation and watering systems. (lc)