Michael Greger MD, Sofia Parente, Michael C. Appleby and Jennifer L.
Lanierrom
September 2011
Introduction of measures to avoid long distance transport of animals for slaughter, and to replace the movement of live animals with a carcass trade, is not only necessary but urgent.
Over 60 billion animals are reared for food each year worldwide and most are transported for slaughter, often over long distances, both within and between countries. Transportation is one of the most stressful events in a farm animal‘s life and this massive movement of live animals takes place against a background of increasing public concern for animal welfare in many countries, and of growing evidence that long distance transport may be linked with the spread of animal and human diseases.
This article examines the animal and human health implications of transporting animals over long distances and explores measures to limit long distance transport of animals for slaughter, with positive effects for animal and public health and additional economic and social benefits.
It concludes that introduction of measures to avoid long distance transport of animals for slaughter, and to replace the movement of live animals with a carcass trade, is not only necessary but urgent.
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