AnimalhealthEurope welcomes the slew of positive messaging for a preventive approach to animal disease control shared this week by the European Commission in the final report on the evaluation of the Animal Health Law, the EU Livestock Strategy, and the Conference of the Animal Health Law – 10 years of achievement.

Having published a set of 14 recommendations to better protect EU livestock from animal disease outbreaks earlier this year, the animal health sector in Europe believes it is now time to turn this impetus for a preventive approach into concrete action.

In the Livestock Strategy we particularly welcome the mention of efforts to strengthen preparedness, prevention and response, including through vaccination where appropriate, alongside the review of current rules on animal vaccination, building on the scientific advice of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and in cooperation with global partners such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

In the Animal Health Law evaluation report we fully support the recommendation to establish a cooperation framework to promote the long-term benefits of preventive measures such as vaccination and biosecurity, as well as to address challenges, such as those encountered in the roll-out of vaccination campaigns or the need for vaccine banks.

Speaking at the conference celebrating the 10 years of achievement of the animal health law, Roxane Feller, AnimalhealthEurope Director General commented:
“We commend the Commission for its commitment to promoting vaccination as an essential disease prevention tool and applaud efforts to shift to a more preparedness and preventive approach. We welcome efforts to engage with WOAH and trading partners to address potential trade restrictions related to vaccination, as well as initiatives involving Member States and industry stakeholders to improve vaccine availability.

I can only repeat Commissioner Varhelyi’s statement that ‘Animal Health Matters everyday’. Our industry has long advocated for the establishment of an ‘animal health diplomacy’ framework and a ‘strategic veterinary dialogue’ to ensure Europe is prepared for the next outbreak and manages it in a harmonised and timely manner. We are encouraged to see these priorities reflected in the Commission’s commitments and look forward to engaging both in the dialogue and the actions as they develop.”