EU: At least 20,000 cattle that are not fit for transport are fit for consumption

Published 2024년 12월 13일

Tridge summary

A research symposium at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Utrecht has highlighted the challenge of managing cattle that are not fit for transport, with as many as 20,000 animals each year deemed unsuitable for transport but still suitable for consumption. The situation is complicated by a lack of disposal options, leading to many animals being euthanized and causing tension among farmers, veterinarians, and officials. The symposium underscored the need for improved decision-making and disposal options to prevent welfare issues and reduce food waste. It was noted that European Transport Regulation interpretations vary across countries, emphasizing the need for more diverse approaches to address these issues. Stakeholders including the NVWA, Ministry of Agriculture, and industry associations have committed to collaborate on finding solutions, advocating for a range of options that consider animal welfare, economic efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

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Original content

At least 20,000 cattle that are not fit for transport are fit for consumption each year. Due to a lack of disposal options, a large proportion of these animals are euthanized. Alternatives to dispose of these cattle are lacking or are not permitted. This has an impact on the job satisfaction of livestock farmers and regularly causes tension among veterinarians. This emerged at the symposium on cattle that are not fit for transport at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Utrecht. Tension in decision-making Determining whether an animal is fit for transport is often a grey area. If the official veterinarian at the slaughterhouse is of the opinion that the cow is not fit for transport, high fines often follow for the farmer and the transporter. In addition, veterinarians regularly experience tension when they inspect cattle for emergency slaughter, because legislation and regulations, animal welfare and economic interests conflict with each other. If an animal is brought to the ...

Source: Veeteelt