Transporting livestock during high ambient temperatures poses serious welfare risks including heat stress, dehydration, and death; climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of these risks.
High ambient temperatures during transport combine with stress-induced metabolic heat production to overwhelm thermoregulatory capacity in livestock. The resulting heat stress causes cardiovascular strain, behavioural panic, and can progress to heat stroke and death. Welfare-protective responses include temperature-based transport bans, mandatory ventilation standards, journey time limits, and weather-appropriate scheduling.