Farm Animals

Pig Welfare in Global Southern Systems

Welfare challenges specific to pig production in lower and middle income countries, including access to veterinary care.

Key Facts

Over half of global pig production occurs in China and Southeast Asia
Access to veterinary expertise is limited in many smallholder pig farming communities
African Swine Fever has devastated pig populations in Asia and Europe with welfare consequences
Smallholder pigs often have higher welfare in some respects but face disease challenges
Global pig welfare improvement requires context-appropriate approaches for diverse systems

Welfare Considerations

Pig welfare globally cannot be addressed solely through standards in high-income countries. The majority of the world's pigs live in systems where welfare science and practice has limited reach. Building capacity in low and middle income countries is a critical welfare priority.

What You Can Do

Support organizations building veterinary capacity in pig-farming communities globally
Advocate for international pig welfare standards that are applicable to smallholder systems
Engage with global welfare organizations that work across diverse production contexts