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PRESS STATEMENT

PRESS STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AGENDA

New EU law to prevent and control animal diseases


to enter into force in the New Year

Brussels, Monday 14 December 2015 New European legislation seeking to better prevent
and control animal diseases are set to enter into force in the new year. This was decided by the
Council of Agriculture Ministers in Brussels earlier today, after formally approving the new EU
Regulation on Transmissible Animal Diseases.
The animal health sector is particularly pleased to have one Regulation dealing solely with
transmissible animal diseases, that reflects our current knowledge of animal diseases, and
addresses urgent and societal concerns, such as antimicrobial resistance and animal welfare,
says Roxane Feller, IFAH-Europes Secretary General.
For the first time, the regulation will list the specific diseases that are subject to the disease
prevention and control measures across the Union, and puts forward particular measures on how
to tackle them. This common approach on critical tasks such as early detection, surveillance,
animal identification and information-sharing is crucial, as animal diseases dont respect borders,
Feller continues.
The emphasis on prevention is particularly important, as it is essential to maintaining the health
and welfare of animals as well as safeguarding food safety, and public health.
The new Regulation on Transmissible Animal Diseases (previously known as the Animal Health
Law) aims to put in place a single overarching legal framework of standards for animal and public
health in the EU, and is the result of roughly three years of negotiations between policy-makers. It
will also clearly outline the responsibilities of animal keepers, veterinarians, traders and national
authorities.
IFAH-Europe, the federation representing the manufacturers of veterinary medicines in Europe,
welcomes the EUs first framework legislation on animal diseases, and believes it will go a long
way to facilitate the eradication of animal diseases in Europe.
-

ENDS -

Notes to the editor


-

The EU Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on Transmissible Animal Diseases and amending
and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health (Animal Health Law) was formally adopted by the EUs
Agriculture and Fisheries Council on Monday 14 December. This follows a political agreement on the text, agreed by
the EU institutions on 1 June 2015, and confirmed by the General Affairs Council on 14 September 2015.
This new Regulation on Transmissible Animal Diseases implements one of the key commitments put forward in the
European Commissions Animal Health Strategy for the European Union 2007-2013.
The EU is currently also in the first reading of its revision of legislation on veterinary medicinal products and
medicated feed. To read IFAH-Europes position on veterinary medicinal products and the Medicated Feed proposals
click here.
IFAH-Europe is the representative body of manufacturers of veterinary medicines, vaccines and other animal health
products in Europe. It promotes a single market in veterinary medicines across the EU, ensuring availability of
medicines to protect the health and welfare of animals. For further information on IFAH-Europe, please visit
www.ifaheurope.org or follow us on twitter @IFAHEurope or Facebook: We Care

For further information, please contact

IFAH-Europe
International Federation for Animal Health-Europe
a non-profit international organisation established under Belgian law
(AISBL/IVZW)

Avenue Tervueren Tel.: +32 2 543 7560


168
Fax: +32 2 537 0049
B-1000 Brussels
Belgium

E-mail: info@ifaheurope.org
website: www.ifaheurope.org
VAT: BE 875 168 345

Liesbet Dendas
Public Affairs Manager
Tel: +32 2 543 75 67
or e-mail ldendas@ifahsec.org

IFAH-Europe
International Federation for Animal Health-Europe
a non-profit international organisation established under Belgian law
(AISBL/IVZW)

Kim Hardie
Communications Director
Tel: +32 2 543 75 75
or e-mail k.hardie@ifahsec.org

Avenue Tervueren Tel.: +32 2 543 7560


168
Fax: +32 2 537 0049
B-1000 Brussels
Belgium

E-mail: info@ifaheurope.org
website: www.ifaheurope.org
VAT:
BE 875 168 345

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