Farmed Pig Mortality: Causes and Prevention

High mortality rates in farmed pig production indicate systemic welfare problems. Understanding and addressing the leading causes of pig death can reduce suffering across the production chain.

Key Facts

Pre-weaning piglet mortality averages 12-18% in EU intensive systems, primarily from crushing, starvation, and chilling
Post-weaning mortality from PRRS, PCV2, and other respiratory diseases affects 3-5% of pigs in many systems
Tail-biting escalating to severe injury and secondary infection causes death in affected animals
Stillbirths constitute 5-8% of all piglets born in intensive farrowing systems
Accurate mortality recording is required in several countries but compliance and post-mortem examination rates are low

Welfare Considerations

Pig mortality data is welfare intelligence. Each death represents suffering — often protracted — and the causes of death reveal systemic welfare failures affecting survivors as well as those that die. Pre-weaning deaths from crushing reflect farrowing system design failures. Post-weaning respiratory disease deaths reflect the immunosuppressive effects of overcrowding and poor ventilation. Tail-biting deaths reflect inadequate enrichment and space. Addressing mortality causes improves welfare for the entire herd, not just those at highest mortality risk. Mandatory mortality recording with veterinary post-mortem examination provides the data needed to identify and address root causes systematically.

What You Can Do

Choose pork from producers with verified low mortality rates and documented post-mortem examination programs
Support regulatory requirements for pig mortality recording and veterinary investigation above threshold levels
Advocate for farrowing system standards that address crushing as a preventable cause of piglet death
Reduce pork consumption to lower demand on systems with persistently high mortality rates