Disease control movement restrictions confine livestock to farms for extended periods, with welfare implications from both the restrictions themselves and the disease events that trigger them.
Movement restriction welfare involves the welfare of animals unable to be moved for grazing, market, or veterinary care during disease control periods. Animals that cannot be transported to slaughter when ready face welfare deterioration from over-fattening or extended holding. Animals restricted from pasture face welfare impacts from indoor confinement. Emergency planning that anticipates movement restrictions — including overstocking contingencies, additional feed storage, and veterinary care protocols — can significantly reduce welfare impact during disease control events.