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Published (Version of record)CC BY-ND V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY-ND V4.0, Open
Journal article
Welfare of small ruminants during transport
EFSA journal, Vol.20(9), pp.1-101
09/2022
PMID: 36092764
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Abstract
In the framework of its Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of animal welfare legislation. The present Opinion deals with the protection of small ruminants (sheep and goats) during transport. The main focus is on welfare of sheep during transport by road but other means of transport and concerns for welfare of goats during transport are also covered. Current practices related to transport of sheep during the different stages (preparation, loading and unloading, transit and journey breaks) are described. Overall, 11 welfare consequences were identified as being highly relevant for the welfare of sheep during transport based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: group stress, handling stress, heat stress, injuries, motion stress, predation stress, prolonged hunger, prolonged thirst, restriction of movement, resting problems and sensory overstimulation. These welfare consequences and their animal-based measures are described. A wide variety of hazards, mainly relating to inappropriate or aggressive handling of animals, structural deficiencies of vehicles and facilities, unfavourable microclimatic and environmental conditions and poor husbandry practices, leading to these welfare consequences were identified. The Opinion contains general and specific conclusions in relation to the different stages of transport. Recommendations to prevent hazards and to correct or mitigate welfare consequences have been developed. Recommendations were also developed to define quantitative thresholds for microclimatic conditions within the means of transport and spatial thresholds (minimum space allowance). The development of welfare consequences over time were assessed in relation to maximum journey time. The Opinion covers specific animal transport scenarios identified by the European Commission relating to the export of sheep by livestock vessels, export of sheep by road, roll-on-roll-off vessels and ‘special health status animals’, and lists welfare concerns associated with these.
Details
- Title
- Welfare of small ruminants during transport
- Creators
- EFSA AHAW Panel (EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Welfare)Søren Saxmose NielsenJulio Alvarez - Huvepharma (Bulgaria)Dominique Joseph BicoutPaolo Calistri - University of Veterinary MedicineElisabetta Canali - University of MilanJulian Ashley Drewe - University of Veterinary MedicineBruno Garin-Bastuji - University of Veterinary MedicineJose Luis Gonzales RojasChristian Gortázar SchmidtVirginie Michel - University of Veterinary MedicineMiguel Ángel Miranda ChuecaBarbara PadalinoPaolo Pasquali - University of Veterinary MedicineHelen Clare Roberts - European Food Safety AuthorityHans Spoolder - University of Veterinary MedicineKarl Stahl - University of Veterinary MedicineAntonio Velarde - University of Veterinary MedicineArvo ViltropChristoph Winckler - University of Veterinary MedicineBernadette EarleySandra EdwardsLuigi FaucitanoSonia MartiGenaro Miranda de la LamaLeonardo Nanni CostaPeter T ThomsenSean AsheLina Mur - Boehringer Ingelheim (India)Yves van der Stede - European Food Safety AuthorityMette Herskin
- Publication Details
- EFSA journal, Vol.20(9), pp.1-101
- Publisher
- Wiley-VCH GmbH
- Identifiers
- 991013293553302368
- Copyright
- © 2022 European Food Safety Authority.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; Veterinary Science
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article