FVE General Assembly

1. FVE General Assembly Agenda point 10: EU Community Animal Health Strategy Brussels, 16 November 2007 7

2. The EU Commission developed • A new Animal Health Strategy for the EU • (2007 – 2013) • Where • “Prevention is better than cure” 7

3. 4 OverarchingGoals • High level of public health and food safety • Prevent/reduce key animal diseases  support farming and rural economy • Improve econ growth /cohesion / competitiveness • Promote farming practices and animal welfare • which prevent animal health related threats • and minimise environmental impact. 7

4. 4 pillars Action Plan • Prioritisation of EU intervention • Legislative framework • Prevention, surveillance and preparedness • Science, Innovation, Research 7

5. FVE’s opinion • recognizes the role the Commission has played sofar in respect of the Animal Health and Welfare and Public Health • welcomes the initiative to shift from a series of policy actions to identifyinglong term goalsand defining a strategy. • is pleased to see that the Strategy recognises the strongrelations betweenAnimal Health, Public Health and Animal Welfare. 7

6. emphasis the role veterinarians play in the prevention and control of zoonosis and food borne infections • sees the need for a strong co-operation between veterinarians and medical doctors • welcome the development of one general, horizontal «  Animal Health Law » • Establishing general principles • Defining the role and responsibilities • (incl clear mandate of the veterinary profession) • promoting efficient organisational arrangements • without duplicating or contradictory provisions 7

7. Fully support «  prevention is better than cure » • adequately staffed and funded Veterinary Services and border controls • on farm bio-security must be improved • long term farm health manangement programmes including regular consultations with a vet practitioner who knows the farm • efficient early reporting systems • need for adequate identification and registration of animals, food producing animals as well as companion animals 7

8. Concerned about the structure of large parts of the EU animal production, • Too much focus on un-sustainable « large-volume-low-cost » production methods • In order to remain competible Europe should invest more in the development of other qualities such as Animal Welfare 7

9. Use of vaccines as a valuable tool in a disease prevention and control strategies must be re-evaluated • Development of reliable vaccines and diagnostics is necessary 7

10. Concerned about (long-distance) transport of live animals and markets and gathering places in the spread of infections • Fattening near the place of birth • Slaughter near the place of production 7

11. FVE wishes to be actively involved in the further development and implementation of the Animal Health Strategy. • FVE will use the expertise and knowledge of its membership to participate in a critical but constructive way in the work of the Advisory Group 7

12. Thank you for your attention ! • http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/diseases/strategy/index_en.htm • Further comments and suggestions • are welcome! 7