Cut animal transport times to reduce rise of superbugs, says EU agency

Animal transportation times should be cut to reduce the risk of spreading antimicrobial resistance, according to a new scientific opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

The opinion, which was published on Tuesday (25 October), assesses the risk of the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among poultry, pigs and cattle during transport between farms or to slaughter-houses.

According to the report, the impact of the duration of transport is key as longer transport times allow for greater bacterial multiplication and transmission of bacteria between animals.

Download the report