The evaluation of existing training courses for the assessment of the state of consciousness after electrical stunning in rabbits at slaughter

In this document, EURCAW-Poultry-SFA reviews and assess the existing training courses and materials for the assessment of the state of consciousness after electrical stunning in rabbits at slaughter in use at Member States. The Centre received only six courses to assess from five EU Memeber States.

There is a lack of detailed description of the animal-based indicators for the assessment of the state of consciousness and confirmation of death of the animals in most of the training courses. More depth information such as definition, validity, sensitivity and specificity of the indicators, methodology to carry out the assessment and audio-visual support would be of interest to official veterinarians. There is also a lack of training about how the operators should do checks for the assessment of the state of consciousness of rabbits (i.e. frequency, distribution and calculation of sample size).

EURCAW-Poultry-SFA has delivered or is planning to deliver some reports and a factsheet that could be used as a basis or support material for future training courses. Moreover, at the end of 2024 a webinar will be held to address some of the gaps of knowledge identified and will be later available as support material for other training courses.