News

African Swine Fever and roadmap to long tails central topics in Romanian roadshow

EURCAW-Pigs organizes physical meetings - roadshows - to exchange with animal welfare officials of EU Member States in 2023 and 2024. The fourth meeting was held in Sinaia, Romania on June 25 and 26.

The four EURCAWs discuss new cross-Centre activities

The first in-person meeting of the four EU Reference Centres for Animal Welfare - EURCAW Pigs, Poultry & Small Farm Animals, Ruminants & Equines, and Aqua - was held on 6 and 7 June in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Q2E on stocking density calculation

EURCAW-Pigs received a question on the estimation of the space required for a group of pigs, according to the legislation. EURCAW-Pigs developed an Excel tool which may be of help.

New Master’s in animal welfare assessment

Aarhus University has plans to develop a Master’s programme on animal welfare assessment, with a focus on official inspectors.

Substrate-based enrichment recommended for sows during pregnancy

In a short review, EURCAW-Pigs provides background on the behavioural needs of sows in terms of feeding and exploring. Furthermore, different methods to offer enrichment material to sows during pregnancy are highlighted.

How to cool pigs and their environment?

In a review, EURCAW-Pigs describes technologies on cooling the pig and on cooling the environment for pigs kept on farms. The knowledge in this review aims to support welfare inspectors in the field of climate control on pig farms, in particular at high temperatures.

Podcast series Pig Welfare in Action online

Pig Welfare in Action is a podcast series from EURCAW-Pigs, especially for pig welfare inspectors. The first two episodes are now online, together with a trailer.

Q2E on the electrode positioning for stunning of pigs at slaughter

EURCAW-Pigs was asked for advice on electrode positioning for stunning of pigs at slaughter. The context of the question is not a standard stunning situation but the emergency case, when an animal slips out of the correct electrode position just after placing them.

Designation of EURCAW on Aquatic Species

We look forward to welcoming a new member to the EURCAW family! On 17 January the fourth European Union Reference Centre for Animal Welfare was designated – this new EURCAW will focus on aquatic species.

Pre-transport fasting and implications for pig welfare – good or bad?

In a short review, EURCAW-Pigs provides a detailed background on effects of pre-transport fasting on pig welfare. This management procedure is quite common, especially when pigs are destined for slaughter.

Benefits, challenges, and practicalities of conducting inspection in pairs

Communication has frequently been identified as a challenging aspect of the inspection process. Inspectors must communicate with economic operators on compliance and non-compliance in accordance with legislation but they are also tasked with explaining the underpinning rationale and background of legislative requirements.

Better Training for Safer Food

The BTSF meeting from 22-24 November in Rome was a great success, as Silvia D’Albenzio and the rest of the BTSF team managed to organize training for three parallel sessions, including pig welfare, poultry welfare, and slaughter.

Developing training tools in communication for on-farm welfare inspection

On the 30th of October 2023, EURCAW-Pigs held the online workshop ‘Developing Training Tools in Communication for On-Farm Welfare Inspection’ for invited professionals engaged in training of pig welfare inspectors.

Raising entire males as an alternative to castration

The practice of surgical castration raises concerns regarding animal welfare. Raising entire males is an alternative to castration. EURCAW-Pigs has reviewed key areas in the assessment of animal welfare in entire males and how to minimize welfare problems in this type of production.

Third annual EURCAW-Pigs MS officials meeting

On 20 and 21 September, 2023, EURCAW-Pigs organised a third annual meeting for Competent Authorities and policy workers of EU Member States on pig welfare legislation. The programme for these meetings focus on the topics that the officials want to discuss, and there is ample opportunity to engage in dialogue with colleagues from other Member States as well as pig welfare scientists.

Report from Roadshow meetings EURCAW-Pigs 2023

Most of EURCAW-Pigs’ communications ask our target groups to come and find our technical and scientific information. Most of it is still in English. During the Roadshows we are not asking inspectors to come and find us, but instead EURCAW-Pigs will come to find them, and address them in their own language.

Q2E on the comfort zone of pigs regarding environmental temperature

EURCAW-Pigs received a question on the comfort zone of pigs regarding environmental temperature. Heat stress is a major factor for discomfort in pigs and may also be the cause for tail biting. When does heat stress start and when is welfare reduced?

EURCAWs hosted a third meeting with National Reference Centres and Supporting Bodies

On 20 June, the 3 EURCAWs hosted remotely the third joint workshop with National Reference Centres (NRCs) and Competent Authorities’ Supporting Bodies (SBs).

Sows are more vulnerable towards transport than most other pig categories

In Europe, a culling rate of around half of the sows per herd per year is not unusual, which means that millions of sows are transported to slaughter each year. The specific welfare risks of transporting cull sows to the abattoir are addressed in a EURCAW-Pigs review.

Dutch Roadshow focussed on the ban on routine tail docking

EURCAW-Pigs organised a third Roadshow meeting to exchange with animal welfare officials of EU Member States. It was held in the Netherlands on June 28 and 29, and was a follow-up of similar meetings in Germany and Denmark. For the Dutch Roadshow meeting all pig farm inspectors of the National Competent Authority NVWA were invited.

EURCAWs hosted a joint meeting for National Reference Centres and Supporting Bodies

On 20 June, the 3 EURCAWs hosted a joint meeting for National Reference Centres (NRCs) and Supporting Bodies (SBs).

Early life factors contribute to the expression of tail biting in later life

The current conditions in which weaned pigs are kept are the most important in relation to the development of tail biting behaviour. Evidence for associations between management and housing during suckling and tail biting behaviour is scarce and contradictory.

EURCAW-Pigs Roadshow was held with the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration

EURCAW-Pigs organises physical meetings - Roadshows - to exchange with animal welfare officials of certain EU Member States in 2023 and 2024.

Roadshow in Germany generated many ideas to support the work of inspectors

EURCAW-Pigs organises physical meetings - Roadshows - to exchange with animal welfare officials of certain EU Member States in 2023 and 2024.

Animal welfare on the agenda of 40th International Veterinary Congress in Germany

From April 23th to 25th 2023, the 40th Veterinary Congress of the Federal Association of Civil Servant Veterinarians took place in Bad Staffelstein in Bavaria, Germany.

How to detect and prevent heat stress in pigs on farm?

With increasing global temperatures, the risk of heat stress for farm animals is growing. EURCAW-Pigs published a review and webdossier, and inspection tools, to support welfare inspectors and other stakeholders in the field of climate control on pig farms.

Assessments of proper handling, stunning and bleeding at slaughter

In three factsheets, EURCAW-Pigs describes animal-based indicators to assess calm handling, and proper and effective stunning and bleeding at slaughter. Each factsheet combines several indicators. The factsheets are also available in French, German, Spanish and Dutch.

Second annual MS officials meeting took place in Brussels

On October 5 and 6, 2022, EURCAW-Pigs organised a second annual meeting for Competent Authorities and policy workers of EU Member States on pig welfare legislation. The programme for these meetings focus on the topics that the officials want to discuss, and there is ample opportunity to engage in dialogue with colleagues from other Member States as well as pig welfare scientists.

Future possible work topics discussed in third Reflection Board meeting

A third Reflection Board meeting between EURCAW-Pigs and representatives of the pig supply chain, related professional organisations and civil society organisations was held remotely via MS Teams on November 24th of November 2022. The Board was represented by seven delegates.

Challenges facing inspectors in the field are multifaceted and complex

Drawing on fieldwork in four European countries, EURCAW-Pigs identified the needs of inspectors by examining the challenges they face in the conduct of their work, with a focus on assessing welfare on farm and at slaughter.

EURCAWs hosted a second meeting with National Reference Centres and Supporting Bodies

The three EU Reference Centres for Animal Welfare (EURCAWs) hosted a second workshop with National Reference Centres for Animal Welfare and the Competent Authorities’ Supporting Bodies on 13 September 2022.

Group-housing systems for sows after weaning and in early pregnancy

In 2021, the EU Commission announced it intends to phase out stalls for sows after weaning and in early pregnancy by 2027. EURCAW-Pigs made a compilation of examples of group-housing systems for sows after weaning and in early pregnancy.

Recent developments in animal welfare assessment

On Thursday 27 October the Welfare Quality Network held its annual seminar on animal welfare indicators. This year the meeting was jointly organised by the three EURCAWs, and held in Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Commission concludes Fitness Check current Animal Welfare legislation

The European Commission published an overview of the achievements, and challenges, of the current Animal Welfare legislation, concluding that the legislation has improved the welfare of many of Europe’s animals - notably laying hens, sows and calves - including their protection during transport and at the time of slaughter.

EFSA recommendations to improve welfare of pigs on farm and during transport

In the framework of its Farm to Fork Strategy, the European Commission is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of the animal welfare legislation. The Commission requested EFSA to give independent views on the protection of welfare of pigs kept on farms and during transport.

Welfare issues resulting from feed restriction in pregnant sows

According to Council Directive 98/58/EC (1998) animals must be fed a diet that is appropriate to fulfil their physiological needs. However, pregnant sows are generally fed at a restricted level to avoid a high body condition score and the risk of farrowing problems.

Indicators to confirm death after euthanasia of suckling piglets on farm

In a factsheet, EURCAW-Pigs suggests animal-based indicators to confirm death of suckling piglets following euthanasia. The factsheet elaborates on the recently published review on euthanasia of suckling piglets on farm.

Mette Herskin winner of Humane Slaughter Award 2022

Dr Mette S. Herskin, Senior Researcher in the Department of Animal Science at Aarhus University, Denmark, and staff member of EURCAW-Pigs, is the 2022 recipient of the HSA award.

Responsive approaches for improving inspection processes

Inspectors of EU animal welfare legislation work in a field where the inspectors have to be able to communicate with the economic operators. This is not only about compliance according to legislation but also about the background for the legislation, e.g. animal welfare needs of pigs.

Reflection Board supports EURCAW-Pigs in identifying demonstrators and inspiring examples

Once a year, EURCAW-Pigs invites representatives of the pig supply chain, related professional organisations and civil society organisations to discuss and reflect on the Centre’s work programme and activities. These representatives form the so-called Reflection Board. Important outcome of the last meeting (held remotely via Teams on 26th of October 2021) was to collaborate on finding possible demonstrators of good and best practices and inspiring examples on how to deal with welfare requirements.

Four key areas relevant during welfare inspections related to euthanasia of suckling piglets

In a review, EURCAW-Pigs addresses the underlying scientific knowledge and key areas to focus on during welfare inspections related to on-farm euthanasia of suckling piglets. The necessity to euthanasia occurs particularly during this first period of the life of pigs.

Officials of EU Member States and EURCAW-pigs experts met in first annual meeting

On October 4 and 5, EURCAW-Pigs organised a first annual meeting for Competent Authorities and policy workers of EU Member States on pig welfare legislation. Aim of the meeting was to discuss obstacles and to answer questions that inspectors and other officials may encounter in their daily work.

Potential of the Cambridge Calgary Model for improving inspector-farmer meetings

EURCAW-Pigs is developing training material targeted at improving the inspector-farmer communication in the welfare control scenario on pig-farms. In an on-line workshop the principles of video-based training based on the so- called Cambridge Calgary Method were introduced and discussed.

National and EU Reference Centres discussed support to Member States on animal welfare issues

The three EU Reference Centres for Animal Welfare (EURCAWs) met for the first time with National Reference Centres (NRCs) and National Supporting Bodies (NSBs) designated by EU governments.

Overcoming barriers for change in farrowing housing and management

The international workshop Freedom in Farrowing and Lactation 2021 was held in August for sharing knowledge and experiences in order to overcome barriers for change to sow’s loose housing in farrowing and lactation.

Initiative on revision of the EU legislation on animal welfare

The European Commission is preparing a revision of the animal welfare legislation and considers options for animal welfare labelling. Citizens and stakeholders are informed about the Commission's plans in order to allow them to provide feedback on the intended revision and to participate effectively in future consultation activities.

European Commission supports phasing out of cages for farm animals

Last week, the European Commission decided to positively respond to the European Citizens' Initiative “End the Cage Age”. In its reply, the Commission sets out plans for a legislative proposal by 2023 to prohibit cages for a number of farm animals.

Welfare of pigs being handled, stunned and bled in the slaughterhouse

EURCAW-Pigs published a review on the welfare of pigs being handled, stunned and bled in the slaughterhouse. As such it relates to Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing for the purpose of slaughter.

European Parliament supports EU citizens’ call for gradual end to caged farming

The Members of the European Parliament voted in favour of a motion for a resolution on the European Citizens Initiative (ECI) “End the Cage Age”. With the resolution the European Parliament asks the EU Commission to come up with legislative proposals to ban cages in animal farming by 2027.

Renewal of the mandate of the EU platform on Animal Welfare

The European Commission has adopted a Decision renewing the mandate of the EU Platform on Animal Welfare until 30 June 2025.

EU Reference Centre focusing on the welfare of ruminants and equines designated

The tasks of this third EU Reference Centre for Animal Welfare include supporting the Commission and the Member States in the application of animal welfare requirements for ruminants and equines, carrying out scientific and technical studies, as well as conducting training courses and disseminating research findings and information on technical innovations.

Scientific knowledge about fitness for transport of pigs reviewed

For some pigs with certain pre-transport characteristics, the challenges of transport make their fitness for transport questionable from a scientific point of view. In a review, the scientific knowledge about fitness for transport is reviewed against the background of the relevant European legislation.

Indicators to monitor the welfare of group-housed sows

In the recently published review on group housing and mixing of sows, EURCAW-Pigs suggests animal-based indicators that inspectors can use to monitor the welfare of group-housed sows. These indicators are now presented and described in seven indicator factsheets.

Having an eye for what pigs need and acting quickly on what is observed are vital for pig welfare

This was a general conclusion in the last regional meeting organized by EURCAW-Pigs in a series of four in 2019 and 2020. Tail biting and how to control it, and sow housing and management were discussed with inspectors and other officials from the northern EU Member States.

Inspections to quantify sows’ welfare status in group-housing systems

Council Directive 2008/120/EC of 18 December 2008 laying down minimum standards for the protection of pigs states that pregnant sows must be housed in groups from four weeks after service until one week before the expected time of farrowing. EURCAW-Pigs reviewed the topic to provide inspectors key information within this welfare area.

Fitness for transport and on-farm killing central welfare topics in Regional meeting East

On 16-17 November 2020, EURCAW-Pigs organized its third regional meeting in a series of four in 2019 and 2020, aiming to meet with the primary target groups of the reference centre. A third central welfare topic being discussed was tail biting.

Request for more alignment between countries with regard to training for inspection of pig welfare

Invited national training capacities discussed the state of inspector training on pig welfare in an online workshop organized by EURCAW-Pigs. Materials from the workshop are now available on the Centre's webpage.

Communication training for inspectors

EURCAW-pigs provides suggestions for communication methods that could be incorporated into ongoing inspector trainings.

Indicators to assess pig welfare during transport

EURCAW-Pigs has published indicator factsheets on the assessment of pig welfare during transport in relation to temperature and space allowance.

Welfare inspections at arrival and in lairage at pig slaughterhouses

Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing requires that each pig arriving and handled at the slaughterhouse shall be spared any avoidable pain, distress and suffering. In a review, EURCAW-Pigs describes three relevant key areas to focus on during welfare inspections: arrival at the slaughterhouse, handling and moving in lairage, and comfort around resting in lairage pens.

Farrowing housing and management: five focus areas for inspections

In a review on farrowing housing and management, EURCAW-Pigs addresses five key areas to focus on during welfare inspections. For each key area, indicators are suggested that can be used by inspectors to identify potential or existing welfare problems and to verify compliance with EU legislation.

Covid 19: more flexibility to carry out official controls

The Commission has published a measure which allows Member States to carry out official controls on the agri-food chain on a more flexible basis, in order to tackle the specific challenges of the situation due to COVID-19.

Pig welfare during transport in relation to temperature and space allowance

Recent hot summers in Europe have raised concerns about welfare in relation to transport of pigs at high environmental temperatures. In a review, EURCAW-Pigs addresses temperature control and space allowance in relation to the welfare of pigs during transport.

Farmers, inspectors and animal welfare: possibilities for change

Available research highlights the potential for inspections to be a driver for animal welfare improvement on farms and the possibility for inspectors to act as agents of change.

Council of the European Union adopts conclusions on animal welfare

On 16 December 2019, Council of the European Union adopted a set of conclusions on animal welfare. These highlight the importance of animal welfare as an integral part of sustainable animal production.

Animal Welfare: extension of the mandate of the Platform

The European Commission has adopted a Decision extending the mandate of the EU Platform on Animal Welfare until 30 June 2021. Launched in 2017, the Platform is now widely recognised as an important tool for exchanging of best practices and undertaking non-legislative initiatives.

Sow housing and management central topic in Regional meeting South

On 8-9 October 2019, EURCAW-Pigs organized its second regional meeting in Brescia, Italy. It was the second meeting in a series of four in 2019 and 2020, aiming to meet with the primary target groups of the reference centre: inspectors of Competent Authorities and pig welfare policy workers.

Commission designates a second European Union Reference Centre

In October 2019, the Commission designated a second Reference Centre dedicated to the welfare of poultry and other small farmed animals. This centre aims at improving the enforcement of the EU legislation applicable to those animals, such as laying hens, chickens for meat production and other small farmed animals, including their transport and killing operation.

Inspectors’ queries on welfare enforcement addressed during first EURCAW-pigs Regional meeting

At the end of April, EURCAW-Pigs organized the first regional meeting in Wageningen, The Netherlands. It is the first meeting in a series of four in 2019 and 2020, aiming to meet with the primary target groups of the reference centre: inspectors of Competent Authorities and pig welfare policy workers.

Pig sub-group advices on coordinated action to reduce tail docking of pigs

The pig sub-group of the EU platform on Animal Welfare had its second meeting at the end of March, at the SANTE F building in Grange, Ireland.

Animal welfare challenges in the European pig farming sector

On 10th and 11th January 2019 the French farmers organisation INAPORC and the French ministry of agriculture organised a multi-country seminar on pig welfare.