Every year, billions of bovines, pigs, poultry, and other animals are transported across countries and continents for breeding, fattening, or slaughter. The journeys they endure often last for several hours—or even days—and expose animals to immense physical and psychological stress. Overcrowding, heat or cold stress, inadequate access to water and feed, prolonged fatigue, and mixing with unfamiliar animals all contribute to compromised immune function. 

Stress has well-documented immunosuppressive effects, making animals far more susceptible to infectious agents. This compromised immunity, coupled with close proximity to other potentially infected animals and poor hygiene, creates a perfect storm for the rapid transmission of pathogens.  

One well-known example is the bovine respiratory disease complex, or "shipping fever," which frequently arises during or shortly after the transport of calves. Left untreated, the infection can lead to severe pneumonia, permanent lung damage, or death. 

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)’s 2022 scientific opinion underscores the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) transmission during animal transport. Resistant bacteria—those that survive antibiotic treatment—can be transmitted between animals via faeces, urine, or respiratory droplets during transit. Vehicles, crates, and loading areas, if not thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, can act as vectors for these bacteria, which can then spread to other farms or to slaughterhouses. 

According to EFSA, factors that significantly contribute to the spread of AMR include: 

• The presence of resistant bacteria in animals before transport 
• Poor hygiene of vehicles and equipment 
• Direct contact between animals from different farms 
• Increased faecal shedding of resistant bacteria due to stress 
• Extended journey durations and stopovers at assembly centers and control posts 

The broader public health implications cannot be ignored. Many resistant bacteria can be transferred from animals to humans. This makes the increased risk of transmission of AMR during transport not just an animal health issue but a public health threat.  

Beyond AMR, live animal transport is a ticking biosecurity time bomb. Control posts and assembly centers are hotspots for disease transmission, particularly when sick or carrier animals are subjected to long-distance transport and loaded and unloaded multiple times.  Pathogens can contaminate surfaces, clothing of handlers, equipment, and even be carried by insects or rodents that travel with the animals. 

If a transported animal carries a disease, it can easily infect others during the journey. Once introduced into a new environment, especially in areas with dense animal populations, pathogens can spread rapidly, sparking an outbreak.  

The 2001 outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the Netherlands—caused by infected calves transported from Ireland via France—is a stark illustration. That outbreak resulted in the culling of 1.55% of the total Dutch farm animal population and economic losses estimated at €1.27 billion1. 

Reducing disease transmission during live animal transport is not only about improving animal health and welfare. As emphasised by EFSA, it is also central to the "One Health" approach— which recognises the interconnection between animals, humans, and the environment. Preventing the emergence and spread of animal diseases is one of the most effective strategies for protecting global public health.

Outbreaks of infectious diseases such as African Swine Fever, Classical Swine Fever, and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) don’t only devastate animal populations—they also disrupt trade and local economies. Countries affected by certain animal diseases can lose their disease-free status under the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines, and this effectively causes the closing of international markets to their animals and animal products. 

Moreover, when zoonotic diseases such as Q-fever or HPAI spill over into the human population, the economic impact on public health systems shall also be considered. Preventing the spread of such diseases must therefore be seen as an economic, social, and ethical imperative. 

While effective monitoring, early detection, smooth transmission of information between competent authorities and swift response mechanisms are essential to prevent and control the spread of animal diseases, a reduction in long-distance and cross-border transports would greatly help reduce animal disease outbreaks and the interconnected economic, social and human health damages.  

Therefore, as part of the ongoing revision of the EU regulation on the protection of animals during transport and related operations, FOUR PAWS calls for the introduction of science-based maximum journey times for all species. Specifically: 

• 8 hours maximum for cattle, pigs, and sheep (including those transported for breeding or fattening) 
• 4 hours for poultry, rabbits, and animals at the end of their production lives (spent animals) 
• 6 hours for animals transported in containers, regardless of the transport mode 

Transport time should be calculated from the moment the first animal is loaded until the last animal is unloaded—for all means of transport (including sea transport). 

In addition, a transition from transporting live animals for slaughter to transporting meat and carcasses could lower the risk for transmission of pathogens impacting animal and/or public health. 

The transport of live animals poses significant risks that extend far beyond animal welfare and include serious implications for public health, biosecurity, and the global economy. Stressful and prolonged journeys compromise animal immunity and facilitate pathogen transmission. Inadequate hygiene standards and failure to comply with the rules regulating live animal transport exacerbate these dangers. To mitigate these risks, stricter and species-specific limits on journey times must be introduced. Ultimately, adopting a One Health approach and shifting towards transporting meat and carcasses rather than live animals will better protect animals, humans, and the environment alike. Prioritising these measures is essential for building safer, more sustainable food systems and safeguarding global health.