Heat stress during transport kills hundreds of thousands of poultry and pigs annually, representing both a severe welfare failure and an economic loss the industry underestimates.
Heat stress during transport causes suffering that escalates from panting and distress to hyperthermia, organ failure, and death. Animals in the center of trailers experience the worst conditions as air circulation is limited. Early morning scheduling, sprinkler systems, and speed restrictions can reduce but not eliminate the problem.