AnimalhealthEurope welcomed the vote today in the European Parliament Agriculture Committee on the Resolution on ‘How to secure a sustainable future for the EU livestock sector in light of the need to ensure food security, farmers’ resilience and the challenges posed by animal diseases?’

“It is reassuring to see the multiple references to the importance of animal health, and to have an entire section of the Resolution dedicated to recommendations for addressing animal diseases in Europe. In particular, we strongly support the calls for a coordinated approach to animal health, recognition of modern vaccine technologies (DIVA*), and the creation of a new health status category: ‘disease-free with vaccination’,” commented Roxane Feller, AnimalhealthEurope Director General.

The Resolution recognises the important role that vaccines, diagnostics, and other prevention measures can play in addressing the recurring animal disease outbreaks across the continent, as well as avoiding the culling of animals where possible. It also recognises the need for increased funding for crises, including for farmers impacted by disease outbreaks, and to improve the effectiveness and speed of EU and Member State support measures.

* DIVA: Differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals

-ENDS –