Pathological Manifestations Rendering Pigs and Cattle Unfit for Transportation in Denmark

TL;DR

This study examines the reasons pigs and cattle in Denmark are deemed unfit for transport, focusing on wounds and lameness.

Contribution

The study provides a detailed analysis of pathological conditions in Danish pigs and cattle that render them unfit for transportation.

Findings

Most wounds rendering pigs and cattle unfit for transportation measured at least 3 cm in diameter.

Joint lesions were the main cause of lameness in pigs, while fractures caused lameness in cattle.

The study analyzed 428 animals over a 10-year period to identify common unfit conditions.

Abstract

Legislation concerning the transportation of animals is overly vague with a potential negative impact on animal welfare. Most wounds rendering pigs and cattle unfit for transportation measured at least 3 cm in diameter unless located in sensitive areas. Pathological manifestations rendering pigs unfit for transportation due to lameness were primarily joint lesions. Pathological manifestations rendering cattle unfit for transportation due to lameness were primarily fractures.

EU regulations concerning the evaluation of animals’ fitness for transportation are in several ways rather vague, which leaves room for individual interpretation of the legislation with a potential negative impact on animal welfare. In order to guide interpretation of the unclear statements within the legislation, all forensic case files handled during a 10-year period (2014–2023) on Danish pigs and cattle that had been declared unfit for transportation and subsequently reported to the police, were evaluated. A total of 327 case files addressing 428 animals were examined. Most pigs were declared unfit for transportation due to the presence of severe open wounds, whereas lameness was the main reason for cattle being deemed unfit. In conclusion, most wounds rendering both pigs and cattle unfit for transportation measured at least 3 cm in diameter, apart from those located in sensitive areas, e.g., tails. Manifestations rendering pigs unfit for transportation due to lameness were primarily joint lesions, whereas fractures were the dominant cause of lameness in cattle. Therefore, the focus should be on these manifestations when assessing animals for transport fitness.

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