Animal health and welfare: cornerstones of sustainable animal farming

Terrestrial livestock farming is an age-old practice – social and
cultural heritage, and even a way of life for many communities. It
contributes many economic benefits and environmental services
and helps feed the growing world population. Aquaculture is a
more recent, burgeoning sector that now provides more than half
of the world’s animal sourced protein. Today, the benefits of both
terrestrial and aquatic animal farming face a number of concerns
and criticisms about their impact on greenhouse gas emissions,
environmental degradation, wildlife populations and biodiversity
more broadly, as well as on animal welfare and global health.

Farming practices must evolve to address these concerns and to
maintain the value of the sector: in this context, animal health and
welfare must be seen as key contributors to its sustainability.