AnimalhealthEurope, FECAVA, FVE press release

Ten years of World Animal Vaccination Day marks urgent need to reframe EU animal disease management around prevention

Brussels, 20 April 2026; The veterinary sector is unanimous in its belief that an urgent mindset shift is needed to make animal disease prevention a strategic focus of its animal health policies. Prevention must replace reaction in animal disease management so that the EU can live up to its former ‘prevention is better than cure’[1] principle. As animal disease outbreaks grow in both frequency and severity, this principle must become a reality in EU animal health policy as the current reactive model – too often centred on mass culling – has proven economically, socially and ethically unsustainable.

There is sustained consensus that prevention must be the first line of defence for all animals, not an afterthought. When it comes to farm animals, biosecurity, veterinary oversight, and vaccination must be systematically prioritised, and mass culling should be used only as a last resort. Vaccination is equally important for our companion animal populations, as it has safely protected families and their animals for generations, and continues to safeguard a long-lived bond between people and pets.

Moving from reactive, crisis management to a preventive, One Health approach is no longer optional, it is essential. Let’s not wait another decade to make animal vaccination and disease prevention the cornerstone of Europe’s health, economy, and sustainability.

FVE President, Siegfried Moder, speaking on behalf of the Federation of Veterinarians in Europe commented:
“A decade after the launch of World Animal Vaccination Day, the message is clear: prevention must lead. With three-quarters of emerging diseases originating in animals, veterinarians play a central role in safeguarding animal, public and environmental health through early action, advising on biosecurity, husbandry conditions and vaccination. Europe has the knowledge and tools to move from crisis-driven responses to a true ‘vaccinate-to-live’ strategy—now we need the political will to make this happen.”

Speaking for the companion animal veterinary federation in Europe, FECAVA President Ann Criel added:
“Prevent. Protect. Vaccinate.
We often forget how dangerous infectious diseases once were, simply because vaccination works. Yet we are fighting deadly diseases every day, because sometimes vaccines are not available or not used. This World Animal Vaccination Day, we celebrate prevention, protection, and the power of veterinary care within our expertise.”

Also commenting on the awareness day, Roxane Feller, AnimalhealthEurope Director General, said:
“The EU must prioritise investment in preventive measures, and ensure harmonised and adequately funded national disease surveillance, control and vaccination strategies. On the regulatory side, policies such as the Biotech Act can help foster vaccine innovation and availability, particularly DIVA-compatible vaccines, and acceptance of the status ‘disease-free with vaccination’ can help to encourage vaccination campaigns – where needed – by reducing trade barriers.”

– ENDS –

NOTES TO EDITORS:

• World Animal Vaccination Day – 20 April – is an initiative of HealthforAnimals and the World Veterinary Association, occurring annually around European Immunisation Week which this year runs from 19 – 25 April 2026. This year marks the 10^th annual World Animal Vaccination Day, and it also marks the 20th annual European Immunisation Week with the theme “For every generation, vaccines work”.
• AnimalhealthEurope represents 14 of Europe’s leading manufacturers of animal health products and 16 national associations, representing large, medium-sized and small companies.
• FECAVA – Federation of Companion Animal Veterinary Associations represents more than 25,000 companion animal veterinarians in 40 European countries.
• FVE – Federation of Veterinarians of Europe is an umbrella organisation of veterinary organisations from 38 European countries. FVE represents through its members 330 000 veterinarians.

---

[1] https://food.ec.europa.eu/animals/animal-health/eu-animal-health-strategy-2007-2013_en