Welfare of sheep, cattle, and pigs at control posts during long distance transportation across Europe

Long journey is an animal welfare concern. For this reason, in Europe, (EC) No 1/2005 regulates journey conditions. According to the law, if the maximum journey time is exceeded, animals must be unloaded for resting, watering, and feeding at control posts (CPs) for at least 24 h. At CPs, animals are checked by Official Veterinarians (OVs) to ensure their welfare and fitness for transport. This study documented the activity of a CP in Southern Italy (2019–2024) analysing journey logs and OVs’ inspection reports. Different transport-related issues—i.e. welfare (e.g. dead on arrival, DOA), documentation, and general transport problems (e.g. non-compliance with space requirements or mandatory rest periods)—recorded for stopover journeys were analysed in relation to various factors, such as the species of animals transported, the origin and destination of the journeys, their duration, and the identity and behaviour of the drivers. A total of 97 vehicles stopped at the CP, transporting 24,135 animals. Vehicles came mainly from France (71.1%) and went mainly to Greece (73.2%), with sheep as the main cargo (78.4%). DOA cases were recorded in 4 vehicles and pigs were confirmed as the species at higher risk of poor welfare during transport (Fisher’s Exact Test p-value < 0.001). Longer journeys—especially those from Northern Europe or involving multiple CPs—were more frequently associated with general transport problems (Wald test p-value = 0.002). This study documented recurring patterns of higher-risk journeys and provides evidence to support potential policy changes aimed at protecting animal welfare during long journeys. Long distance livestock journeys stopping at a Southern Italian control post (2019-2024) were analysed using journey logs and OVs’ inspection reportsPigs were prone to poor welfare, and longer journeys were more frequently linked to transport-related issuesRecurring patterns of higher-risk journeys were identified, highlighting the key role of well-trained staff in safeguarding animal welfare Long distance livestock journeys stopping at a Southern Italian control post (2019-2024) were analysed using journey logs and OVs’ inspection reports Pigs were prone to poor welfare, and longer journeys were more frequently linked to transport-related issues Recurring patterns of higher-risk journeys were identified, highlighting the key role of well-trained staff in safeguarding animal welfare