Brescia, Italy – Dr. Heleen van de Weerd, representing Cerebrus Associates, delivered a keynote presentation at the International Symposium "Animal Welfare and Health Indicators: Potential to Further Reduce Antimicrobial Usage in Farming". The event, held at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER) in Brescia, was organised under the Italian Presidency’s G7 programme, attracting high-level experts from the European Commission, the Ministry of Health, and leading international organisations.

In her address, Heleen emphasised the transformative role of science-based animal welfare indicators in reshaping practices, policies, and industry standards worldwide.

Understanding animal welfare indicators

Animal welfare indicators are critical tools for assessing the well-being of animals and can be divided into two main categories:

• Input-based indicators, which evaluate resources provided to animals, including housing, nutrition, and veterinary care.

• Outcome-based indicators, which measure the physical and mental states of animals, focusing on the real-world impact of management practices.

When carefully combined, these indicators can provide a comprehensive framework for robust welfare assessments.

Science driving practical change

Recent scientific developments have shifted the focus from resource inputs to welfare outcomes, highlighting the true effects of farming practices on animal health and well-being. Heleen discussed the use of “iceberg indicators”—a concept pioneered by the UK Farm Animal Welfare Council—which streamline welfare assessments by focusing on key measures that reflect broader animal conditions.

Embedding welfare into the supply chain

Animal welfare considerations are becoming increasingly embedded within global food supply chains. Certification schemes such as Spain’s Welfair™ programme emphasise independent auditing and standardised welfare assessments, enhancing transparency and accountability. Meanwhile, initiatives like the UK's Real Welfare Project demonstrate how outcome-based measures can drive tangible improvements in sectors such as pig farming.

Policy progress and global benchmarks

Policy frameworks within the European Union are evolving to embrace welfare outcome measures, supported by initiatives like the EU Platform on Animal Welfare. Globally, tools such as the Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare (BBFAW) are encouraging companies to invest in higher welfare standards and ethical practices across their supply chains.

A vision for positive animal welfare

Looking ahead, the field of animal welfare is increasingly focused on promoting positive experiences for animals, beyond the prevention of suffering. Heleen highlighted the need for innovative approaches to measure and enhance positive welfare outcomes, aligning with evolving standards and rising consumer expectations.

Conclusion

Dr. van de Weerd’s presentation underscored the essential role of science in driving better animal welfare practices, policies, and perceptions. Through continued collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders, the future of farming can be more ethical, transparent, and sustainable—for the benefit of animals, consumers, and the planet.

For more information on advancing animal welfare through science and practice, visit Cerebrus Associates.