In the run-up to World Animal Vaccination Day on 20 April, AnimalhealthEurope, FVE and FECAVA released a joint statement on 17 April titled “Time for a clearer EU policy on animal vaccination”.
The three organizations urge the European Union to adopt a more proactive stance on animal vaccination, especially in light of recent disease outbreaks and the risk of spillover to other species.
They noted that authorities often respond primarily after outbreaks occur, relying on reactive measures such as enhanced biosecurity controls, the establishment of protection zones, and animal culling—rather than prioritizing preventive approaches.
Roxane FELLER, Secretary General of Animalhealth Europe, stated: “Europe needs a fundamental shift from a ‘firefighting’ approach to a ‘fire prevention’ approach to avoid potential spillovers and disastrous consequences for European agriculture, public health, and the wider economy”.
Siegfried MODER, President of the FVE, added: “Animal diseases have a devastating ripple effect! Vaccines are an essential part of the veterinary toolbox. They are increasingly vital in veterinary medicine to prevent and manage diseases. We need equal access to available vaccines across the single market”.
FECAVA President Danny HOLMES also emphasized that vaccination is “one of the most important acts veterinarians perform” and underlined the need to “push the message of vaccination” amid rising fake news on the topic.