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EFSA calls for views on the welfare of animals during transport in the EU
"We decided to hold an early consultation to ensure that our work is based on the widest evidence base possible." Nikolaus Kriz.

Consultation will support updating of policies aimed at safeguarding transported animals.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has launched a consultation to gather the views of stakeholders in order to inform the organisation's scientific assessment on the welfare of animals during transport in the EU.

According to EFSA, the purpose of the consultation is to:

  • gather data and information related to the environment that animals experience during transport, such as temperature, humidity and ammonia levels
  • obtain stakeholders’ views on whether the mandate sent to EFSA and the Authority's interpretation of its terms of reference cover relevant transport practices and areas of concern
  • collect feedback on what practical obstacles stand in the way of compliance with current animal welfare legislation when transporting animals.

Nikolaus Kriz, head of EFSA’s Animal and Plant Health Unit, said: “We decided to hold an early consultation to ensure that our work is based on the widest evidence base possible. The scientific literature on animal transport is scarce, which is why we are looking for input from all relevant bodies, such as animal transport organisations, national authorities, NGOs, and veterinary associations.

“A successful public consultation is important not just for EFSA but for all those who want to strengthen the standards of animal welfare in the EU using the most up to date scientific knowledge.”

EFSA's assessment, called the scientific opinion, is expected to be finalised in the second half of 2022. It will identify the hazards and welfare consequences of common transport practices for six groups of animals: equids, bovines, small ruminants, pigs, domestic birds, and rabbits.

This assessment will support the European Commission’s current review of animal welfare legislation.

The consultation will close on 10 June 2021. To take part, please click here.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.