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

The first meeting took place from 6 to 7 June 2023 in Germany in Celle at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute. The Danish colleagues also held their Roadshow on 6 and 7 June. In the Netherlands, this will take place on June 28 and 29.

In Germany, one official veterinarian from each federal state was invited. In total, eleven delegates attended the Roadshow. On the first day, EURCAW-Pigs and its main tasks were introduced, feedback was received for the centre’s outcomes (e.g. thematic and indicator factsheets), and new ideas were generated how to support the work of official inspectors. Further, new media formats were discussed to provide knowledge on animal welfare (e.g. podcasts) and to enhance communication between official inspectors (e.g. communication of practice).

On the second day, a farmer was visited with a farrow-to-finish farm in the region of Celle. He is a demonstrator and provides various measures for good animal welfare. For instance, he is keeping undocked pigs and houses his fatteners in an open-front system with straw bedding and an outdoor run. Further, he is already in compliance with the new regulations of the German national legislation “TierSchNutztVO” stated in 2021 for sows in the farrowing and mating unit, to be fulfilled in 2036 and 2029. Additionally, he provides his piglets a balcony in the rearing pen which enriches the housing environment, what is an important key factor to prevent tail biting.

Overall, the participants showed a very high interest in the so-called Q2E Service. This means the possibility to ask questions to EURCAW-Pigs. In addition, the participants wished the continuation of the exchange among each other, whether by e-mail or within a community of practice (CoP). In conclusion, the field visit was praised as a source of inspiration.

Introphoto: Discussion on day 1 roadshow Germany (©EURCAW-Pigs)