Companion Animals

Cattle Pre-Purchase Examination Welfare

Pre-purchase veterinary examination of horses and cattle helps prevent welfare problems arising from purchasing animals with undetected health conditions that cause future suffering.

Key Facts

Pre-purchase examinations identify musculoskeletal, cardiac, and respiratory abnormalities before sale
Five-stage horse vetting provides comprehensive assessment of fitness for intended use
Cattle pre-purchase examination for breeding and high-value stock is increasingly requested
Conditions including Bovine Leukosis and respiratory disease can be tested for before purchase
Buyers who skip pre-purchase exams may acquire animals with pre-existing painful conditions

Welfare Considerations

Undetected health problems in purchased animals lead to suffering that could have been anticipated. Pre-purchase examinations are welfare investments, not just commercial due diligence.

What You Can Do

Always obtain a veterinary pre-purchase examination for high-value animal purchases
Request specific disease testing relevant to the species and intended use
Discuss fitness for purpose with your vet at the time of examination
Avoid purchasing animals from situations where health information cannot be obtained