Over 18 million even-toed ungulates on Dutch farms

The most recent agriculture census, held in the spring of 2000 counted 18.7 million artiodactyls i.e. even-toed animals with hooves, on Dutch farms, 2.1 million fewer than in 1995. The number of pigs has fallen to its 1985 level, and the number of cattle is about the same as in 1962.

The even-toed ungulates include cattle, pigs, sheep and goats, the farm animals susceptible to foot and mouth disease.

Even-toed ungulates on Dutch farms

Animals outside farms also at risk

The exact number of even-toed ungulates in the Netherlands is not exactly known. Many non-farmers also keep sheep and goats, as do nearly all children’s farms. Some zoo animals fall in this category, as do a number of species living in the wild. These animals are not represented in the statistics.

Largest concentrations in the south and east of the country

About 80% of the animals concerned can be found on farms in the provinces North Brabant, Gelderland, Overijssel and Limburg. North Brabant has most, over 35% of the total. Gelderland is second with 20%, while Overijssel and Limburg have 13 and 11% respectively.

The latter provinces also have the highest density of susceptible livestock per square kilometre: North Brabant has 1,300, Limburg 900, and Gelderland and Overijssel each about 720 animals per square kilometre.

Even-toed ungulates per province

Cor Pierik