Veterinarians' Perceptions of Farm Animal Pain and Views on Pain Management: Two Cross-Sectional Scenario-Based Surveys of Cattle and Pig Practitioners in Poland

Two anonymous web-based surveys were administered to veterinarians working with cattle or pigs in Poland between March 2025 and February 2026 (101 responses per survey). Questionnaires assessed demographics, seven pain-related statements (5-point Likert scale), and pain ratings for clinical scenarios (0-10). Analyses used nonparametric tests with Benjamini-Hochberg multiplicity control and exploratory multivariable logistic regression. Agreement that pain mitigation improves recovery was nearly universal (cattle, 100/101; pigs, 95/101). In cattle, difficult calving, thermal disbudding, and castration were most often rated as severely painful (≥8/10; 88/101, 69/101, and 60/101, respectively). In pigs, limb fracture had a median rating of 10 and was rated ≥8/10 by 85/101 respondents, whereas tail-docking ratings varied widely. After multiplicity control, female cattle respondents more strongly endorsed insufficient analgesic options, whereas male pig respondents more strongly endorsed lower pain sensitivity in pigs than in humans. The latter belief correlated with lower mean pain ratings (ρ = -0.298). Among pig veterinarians, routine pain discussion was associated with self-reported knowledge (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.13-3.93) and perceived limitations in analgesic availability (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.15-4.37). These findings highlight veterinarians' support for pain relief and identify areas for continuing education, communication with producers, and practical guidance on pain management.