Chinese veterinarians draft farm animal welfare standard
Xinhua, November 13, 2015 Adjust font size:
Chinese veterinarians have started drafting the country's first welfare standard for the farming and slaughter of livestock and poultry, according to the Chinese Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA).
The CVMA will partner with about 30 leading businesses in farming, slaughtering, food processing and food services. The standard will involve living conditions, disease control and procedures before slaughtering.
While not compulsory, it will be the first industry welfare standard for livestock in China and will cover pigs, chicken, sheep and cattle.
The standard will be published by the association in June 2016. Within about two years, it is expected to be revised and receive the government's recommendation, Sun Zhongchao, head of the animal welfare project under the CVMA, told Xinhua on Friday.
For example, the standard will recommend rendering chickens unconscious before slaughtering to relieve their pain, Sun said.
The standard will list specifics for farm conditions, including livestock density, temperature, humidity and food and water hygiene to improve their health, Sun said.
Europe and the United States pay close attention to animal welfare, but standards in China are still in an initial stage, Sun added. Endi