Review of the Effectiveness of Axis II Animal Welfare Measures – First Evidence from the Animal Health and Welfare Management (AHWM) Programme in Scotland

Publication Type:
 Conference Paper
Year of Publication:
 2009
Authors:
 Gerald Schwarz, Ron Wilson, Pete Goddard, Luz Maria Lozada-Ellison
Publication/Journal:
 Rural Development
Publisher:
 Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference: Rural Development
Keywords:
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Abstract:

The main objective of this study is to review first experiences of the AHWM Programme in Scotland. The review of the AHWM Programme is largely based on information collated through targeted surveys of participating and non-participating farmers and veterinary practices in five different Scottish regions. The questionnaires were divided in four main sections including introductory questions, questions in relation to benchmarking indicators, economic aspects and the overall impact on farmers’ perceptions on animal welfare and the support programme itself. In addition, available information and data from a literature review and offi cial data sets and statistics such as data from the SIACS database, Farm Account Survey data sets, Farm Management Handbook and the AHWM benchmarking database have been incorporated. The review shows that the scheme has encouraged a closer link between farmer and veterinarian and both farmers and veterinarians indicate reductions in animal health and welfare problems particularly in areas such as abortions and lameness in sheep. It underlines that measures to improve animal welfare in the CAP play an important role in improving the health and welfare of Europe’s farm animals and can provide an important contribution to rural development programmes in the EU.

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