Farm Animals

Farmed Pig Transport Death Investigation

Pigs that die during transport represent a welfare and economic failure, and analysis of transport mortality drives preventive improvement.

Key Facts

Transport mortality in pigs is estimated at 150,000 deaths annually in the US
Stress, heat, and injury during transport are primary causes
Pre-loading fasting period and loading density significantly affect mortality
Electronic monitoring of transport conditions enables mortality prediction

Welfare Considerations

Pigs that die during transport experienced severe suffering before death. The 150,000 annual deaths in the US alone represent the endpoint of welfare failures including heat stress, exhaustion, and injury. Each preventable death represents significant individual suffering that is tractable through improved practice.

What You Can Do

Support mandatory transport mortality reporting and investigation
Advocate for maximum temperature and journey time regulations
Back electronic transport condition monitoring requirements
Choose supply chains with documented transport mortality reduction programs