Welfare of pigs during transport

Abstract

In the framework of its Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of the animal welfare legislation. The present Opinion deals with protection of pigs during transport. The welfare of pigs during transport by road is the main focus, but other means of transport are also covered. Current practices related to transport of pigs during the different stages (preparation, loading/unloading, transit and journey breaks) are described. Overall, 10 welfare consequences were identified as highly relevant for the welfare of pigs during transport based on the severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: group stress, handling stress, heat stress, injuries, motion stress, prolonged hunger, prolonged thirst, restriction of movement, resting problems and sensory overstimulation. These welfare consequences and their animal-based measures are described. A variety of hazards were identified, mainly relating to factors such as mixing of unfamiliar pigs, inappropriate handling methods and devices, the use of pick-up pens, inexperienced/untrained handlers, structural deficiencies of vehicles and facilities, poor driving conditions, unfavourable microclimatic and environmental conditions and poor husbandry practices leading to these welfare consequences. The Opinion contains general and specific conclusions relating to the different stages of transport of pigs. Recommendations to prevent hazards and to correct or mitigate welfare consequences are made. Recommendations were also developed to define quantitative thresholds for microclimatic conditions and minimum space allowance within means of transport. The development of the welfare consequences over time was assessed in relation to maximum journey duration. The Opinion covers specific animal transport scenarios identified by the European Commission relating to transport of cull sows and 'special health status animals', and lists welfare concerns associated with these.

Transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during animal transport

“…The work for the development of this Scientific Opinion was undertaken with the advice of EFSA Animal Health and Animal Welfare Panel (AHAW) which worked in parallel to answer the European Commission Mandate: ‘Request for a Scientific Opinion concerning the protection of terrestrial animals during transport’ (EFSA AHAW Panel, 2022a , b , c ).…”

“…increase space by 20% in case of hot weather). Since space allowance is considered one of the most important risk factors for poor health and welfare, the current minimum space allowance is under revision (EFSA AHAW Panel, 2022a , b , c ). Cattle are usually transported on single deck vehicles, able to move around freely.…”

“…More information can be found in the previously mentioned ‘Animal Transport Guides’ ( www.animaltransportguides.eu/materials/ ) and recently published EFSA Scientific Opinions (EFSA AHAW Panel, 2022a , b , c ). In these Opinions, the journey has been split in different stages, which are different depending on the species and if the animals travel or not in containers.…”

“…More information on transport of pigs can be found in the ‘Guide to good practices for the transport of pigs’ (Consortium of the Animal Transport Guides Project, 2018b , available online http://animaltransportguides.eu/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Guides-Pig-EC-Templ.pdf ) and EFSA AHAW Panel ( 2022b ).…”

“…As already indicated, in parallel with the current AMR Transport Mandate, Scientific Opinions on the welfare of different animals, including pigs, cattle and domestic birds, during transport were produced (EFSA AHAW Panel, 2022a , b , c ).…”