A European declaration to end surgical castration of pigs by 2018 is 'far from being met' according to research published in the Porcine Health Management journal.
With the 2012 deadline already gone and only a short time left until the 2018 deadline, the vast majority of EU countries are still surgically castrating animals, many without effective pain relief.
The researchers say that effective guidance on the use of medicines to reduce discomfort needs to be established by the EU if they are to meet the terms of the declaration.
Survey data and interviews with specialists from EU countries revealed that in 18 out of 24 surveyed countries more than 80% of pigs are surgically castrated.
Germany, Norway and Sweden are the only three countries to ensure that all of their castrated pigs are given either anaesthesia or analgesia.
The UK fared poorly in comparison with 91% of its castrations taking place with no pain management at all. However, the UK only castrates 2% of its male pigs, bettered only by Ireland which does not carry out any castrations.
Across the EU countries surveyed just over 40% of castrations involved anaesthesia or analgesia.
The main reasons cited by respondents to the survey why the declaration was not being met were that use of analgesia and anaesthesia was not practical for reasons including extra costs and work to the farmer and a lack of workable protocols.
For example, in some countries a vet or specialist is only allowed to administer the medication.
The study was conducted by researchers from Sweden, Germany and Spain, and was commissioned by the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe and the European Commission.
