Farm Animals

Pig Welfare and Welfare and Veterinary Access 2026

Veterinary access is a critical determinant of pig welfare, with farm vet shortages in some regions limiting the welfare benefits of best practice guidance.

Key Facts

UK pig farm vet numbers have declined 15% in the past decade
Rural vet shortages in developing countries leave pig farmers without professional welfare advice
Telemedicine is increasingly used for pig health consultations, expanding vet access
Paravets trained in key pig welfare and health interventions are deployed in some countries
Vet-farmer relationships based on trust improve welfare outcomes more than compliance-based approaches

Welfare Considerations

Veterinary access is a prerequisite for many welfare improvements. Supporting vet workforce development and innovative access models is a welfare investment.

What You Can Do

Advocate for rural veterinary workforce development programs
Support telemedicine and paravet initiatives to expand access
Choose pork from farms with documented regular veterinary welfare partnership