FVE and UEVP have established a new Animal Health Working Group to strengthen veterinary input into animal health policy, disease prevention and preparedness across Europe. The group will support the implementation of the Animal Health Law (AHL) while promoting the veterinary profession’s central role in safeguarding animal health, public health and food systems.
Its remit covers a broad range of priorities, including biosecurity, surveillance, disease prevention and control, vaccination strategies and the development of Day One competences in animal health for future veterinarians. The group will also contribute to EU-funded projects and support engagement with European and international policy initiatives.
Supporting prevention, preparedness and policy
A key objective is to provide evidence-based veterinary expertise on animal disease prevention, detection and management, including the implications for animal movements and trade. The group will monitor emerging and re-emerging disease threats, help develop positions on legislative proposals and policy initiatives, and work closely with other FVE and UEVP working groups on cross-cutting issues.
Preparedness will be another major focus. This includes supporting crisis planning, promoting sustainable workforce strategies during animal health emergencies, and strengthening collaboration with EU institutions and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Webinars, technical exchanges and joint activities with stakeholders are also planned.
Bringing expertise together
'The UEVP is proud to contribute to this important collaboration, ensuring that veterinarians remain at the heart of protecting animal health, public health and Europe’s food systems,' commented Volker Moser, UEVP President.
The Working Group will be chaired by Giovanni Guadagnini (Italy/UEVP) and co-chaired by Claire White (UK/FVE) for the 2026–2029 term. Members represent a broad range of expertise from across Europe, including Katja Hautala (Finland/FVE), Paul McDermott (Ireland/FVE), Helena Radimerska Pribylova (CZ/UEVP), Matthias Link (Germany/UEVP) and Vittorio Sarchese (Italy/UEVP). Allied organisations are represented by Lennart Golbeck (EVERI), Franz Sommer (PVSGEU), Demetris Epaminondas (FECAVA) and Jane Clark (FVE). Veterinary students (IVSA) will also be represented.
As its first task, the group will develop a three-year action plan with measurable objectives to be approved by the FVE and UEVP Boards.
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