EFSA recommendations to improve animal welfare during transport

According to recommendations published by EFSA, it is necessary to provide more space, reduce maximum temperatures and keep travel times to a minimum to improve the welfare of farm animals during transport. EFSA provides its recommendations to the European Commission in a series of five scientific opinions intended to support its ongoing review of animal welfare legislation in the European Union (EU), a key element of the EU's 'De farm to table” (F2F).

The scientific opinions refer to small ruminants (sheep and goats), equids (horses and donkeys), bovines (cows and calves), pigs and animals transported in containers , including domestic birds (chickens, laying hens, turkeys, etc.) and rabbits . They identify the various welfare consequences that animals may experience during different stages of transport, the hazards they may cause, and the animal-based measures (ABMs) by which they can be assessed. For all species, being transportable is of utmost importance.

' Good animal welfare practices not only reduce unnecessary suffering , but also contribute to improving animal health. This is a key element for the safety of the food chain , taking into account the close links between animal welfare, animal health and foodborne diseases, in line with the One Health principle to which it is committed. EFSA," said Guilhem de Seze , head of the EFSA Risk Assessment Production Department.

EFSA has drawn up quantitative thresholds for the temperatures that must be maintained in a vehicle , as well as the minimum space available for animals. The EFSA also describes the development or progression of other well-being consequences over time during transport, such as hunger, thirst and fatigue.

For example, in the case of animals transported in containers (poultry and rabbits) , EFSA recommends that the entire time that the animals remain in the containers be counted as journey time .

The only way to avoid consequences on the welfare of day-old chicks is to transport the fertilized eggs and incubate them at the destination farm.

The current EU legislation on the protection of animals during transport came into force in 2005. Within the framework of the F2P strategy, EFSA conclusions will support the European Commission's review of ongoing legislation in order to adapt it to the latest scientific evidence, expand its scope, facilitate implementation and, ultimately, ensure a higher level of animal welfare. The Commission's proposal is planned for the second half of 2023 .

Next public event on animal welfare

On 26 September , EFSA will hold a public event presenting the results of scientific advice on animal transport and its recently published recommendations on the welfare of farmed pigs.