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Majority of European pigs tail-docked - study
The study found that
77 per cent of pigs in Europe are routinely tail-docked
Researchers assess practice across 24 countries

The majority of pigs in Europe are routinely tail-docked, despite it being against European legislation, a new study has found.

The research, carried out by the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, found that on average 77 per cent of pigs in Europe are routinely tail-docked. Researchers say that to stop the practice, it is necessary for vets to raise awareness and provide more  education about the risk factors.

‘The growing knowledge about the reasons for failing voluntary national initiatives as well as about successful measures taken by some countries to make pig production with intact tails feasible should be distributed throughout the EU pig producing community,’ the study concludes.

‘The veterinary profession has a significant role to play in raising awareness, facilitate knowledge transfer and to identify risk factors and solutions on farm level for the benefit of pig health and welfare.’

In the study, researchers assessed pig tail docking and the provision of enrichment across 24 European countries. They found that most pigs in Europe are being routinely tail docked, with the exception of Finland, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland, where less than five per cent of pigs are tail docked.

Researchers also found that 67 per cent of pigs across the 24 countries surveyed are given suitable enrichment materials.  

'Training of veterinary practitioners, their role in advising the producer and undertaking a risk assessment of tail biting were more positively valued in countries that stopped routine tail docking than in countries that had not stopped routine tail docking,' the study said.

The researchers identified two initiatives that could promote the raising of pigs with entire tails, including training from national authorities and recording of tail biting at the slaughterhouse.

The study, ‘Phasing out pig tail docking in the EU - present state, challenges and possibilities’, is published in Porcine Health Management.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.