Reform of animal health laws needed, say EU officials

EU commissioner Androulla Vassiliou has highlighted the importance of keeping animal health legislation up to date with the evolution of relevant technology.

Speaking in Brussels on Thursday, the health commissioner said, "The availability and innovative development of veterinary medicines, including vaccines and diagnostic tools is clearly of major importance to EU animal health policy."

The official was addressing the annual conference of IFAH-Europe, the body that represents the European animal health industry.

Her comments were echoed by Irish MEP Avril Doyle who told the one-day conference a reform of veterinary medicines legislation is "much needed".

She said, "The EU has a responsibility to ensure that its legislation is not a disincentive to bringing to the market high quality veterinary medicines which are critical to protect both animal health and welfare and the public health through the food chain."

She said an efficient regulatory process is needed to support this "common goal".

The centre-right deputy said that current outbreaks, such as Bluetongue reminded the industry of the crucial role of animal health and disease prevention.

Another keynote speaker was Rolf Eriksson, Swedish state secretary for agriculture, whose country is about to assume the presidency of the EU.

He underlined the importance of preventive healthcare and improving biosecurity, while acknowledging that pharmaceuticals can be of great value to prevent diseases from spreading and a "tool" for eradication.

The conference comes at a time of heightened concern about animal health welfare.

The last major update of EU veterinary medicines law took place in 2004. The legislation was designed to ensure that decisions on whether a product is safe for use in either food producing or companion animals are based on "robust" science.

The conference was devoted to preparation of the veterinary medicines legislative review in 2010.

Reform proposals have been put forward by industry and regulators in preparation of the review to improve EU-wide access to new and existing animal health products and help respond to current and emerging health threats.
 
Participants included representatives from the EU institutions, national regulators, farmers and veterinarians.

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