Annual report of the EFSA Networks on Animal Welfare 2023

Establishing a system of Networks of organisations operating in the fields within EFSA's mission is among the tasks of EFSA, according to Regulation (EC) No 178/2002, in order to facilitate a scientific cooperation framework by the coordination of activities, the exchange of information, the development and implementation of joint projects, the exchange of expertise and best practices. The Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) Network includes two sub‐groups: the sub‐group specialised on Animal Welfare (AW) and the sub‐group of the scientific National Contact Points (NCPs) for scientific support established under Art 20 of Council Regulation (EC) 1099/2009. In 2023, both Network subgroups met on 30 and 31 May 2023 at EFSA premises and online. The meetings were organised with a first joint section of the two subgroups on 30 May 2023 (day 1). On 31 May 2023 (day 2) the two sub‐groups met in independent sections focused on their main topics. This report summarises the Network sub‐group activities related to AW risk assessment that were presented during the annual meeting of 2023. These included several mandates of EFSA in the context of the Farm‐to‐Fork strategy as well as initiatives from Member States related to the protection of animals on farm, during transport and at the time of killing. Additionally, exercises were carried out to elicit knowledge on animal‐based measures at slaughter to monitor the welfare of beef cattle and turkeys on farm.