Final report of a fact-finding mission of Italy in order to collect information on the national system for the protection of turkey welfare on farm – European Commission

Document type: Activity report published on the website of the European Commission

Authors: DG Health - European Commission

1. The Italian authorities have effectively integrated EU legislation and introduced additional requirements concerning, for example, the limitation of mutilation and farmers' skills.
4. There are welfare indicators monitored at the time of slaughter, but more work and analysis is needed to increase their overall value and impact.

Link to the report (Link to report)

Preview: This report describes the outcome of a fact-finding study mission of the turkey sector in Italy, carried out from 28 February to 13 March 2024 as part of Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety work programme. The objective of this fact-finding study was to gather information on national legislation, and systems developed and implemented by Italy for the protection of turkey(Meleagris gallopavo) welfare at the time of production. Its scope covers commercial production and includes parental breeder flocks, hatcheries, and fattening flocks. Italy has transposed, implemented, and for certain parameters further developed, the EU legal framework governing turkey welfare at time of production. Current industry practices show a high level of standardization, regular monitoring and they take corrective action for factors related both to turkey welfare and good husbandry practices. However, there is potential for enhancing certain aspects impacting welfare such as stocking densities, mutilations, and environmental enrichment.

1. The Italian authorities have effectively incorporated EU legislation and introduced additional requirements such as limitations on mutilations and farmers' competency.
2. The turkey industry shows a high level of integration and operates with a high level of professionalism. It conducts regular monitoring and takes corrective actions when deviations occur, for parameters related to production and welfare such as air quality, temperature, relative humidity, and mortality. However, there is opportunity for further improvement in reviewing current high stocking densities applied at turkey fattening farms, decreasing mutilations performed, and providing enrichment material.
3. There is a well-structured and implemented programme for the delivery of official controls at farm level. The newly introduced guidance and checklist for the performance of official controls on turkey welfare should provide further support and advice to officials.
4. There are welfare indicators monitored at slaughter level, however there is a need for further work and analysis to increase their overall value and impact.
5. The impact and penetration of private certification schemes with additional welfare standards is low in the turkey industry.

Link to the report