Animal welfare

Humans rely on animal farming for major components of our food supply such as meat, fish and dairy. Healthy animals are critical to food safety as they reduce the risks of transmission of infectious animal diseases to humans. Production losses related to animal diseases can also have significant negative environmental and economic impacts. Ensuring the health and welfare of food-producing animals encompasses a wide range of livestock management practices ranging from humane handling, housing and slaughter conditions, to disease control through vaccination, responsible antibiotic use, and other technological innovations.