Statement draft Animal Health Law

FVE welcomes the Commission’s initiative to bring the large body of EU animal health legislation in one single and clearer regulatory framework. FVE expressly welcome the aims of the EU Animal Health Strategy namely placing greater emphasis on preventative measures and on the “One Health” aspect.

FVE recognizes that the texts for a legislative proposals circulating at the moment are not final ones. It is not easy to evaluate this comprehensive work, since its content and structure have been changed so many times and many important details will be covered by delegated legislation. Nevertheless, and bearing in mind the importance of this legislation for the veterinary profession, FVE wishes to raise a number important concerns.

As recognised in Pillar 2 of the Animal Health Strategy, Veterinary Services are generally recognised as a public good. FVE would like to have greater emphasis placed on this in the community Animal Health Law.

FVE is pleased to see that the Animal Health Law recognises the relations between Animal Health, Animal Welfare and Public Health. Only in combination these can be effectively promoted.