Managing Transboundary and Emerging Animal Diseases: Biosecurity, Vaccination and Culling Practices

Benoît CASSART

Belgium MEP

Co-chair of the Sustainable Livestock Intergroup

Renew Europe

Mouvement Réformateur

Maria GRAPINI

Romania MEP

Co-chair of the Sustainable Livestock Intergroup

S&D

PSD

Alexander BERNHUBER

Austria MEP

Co-chair of the Sustainable Livestock Intergroup

EPP

ÖVP

Transboundary and emerging animal diseases have been increasing in occurrence over the past decades. Diseases which were once only reported outside of Europe's borders are now more frequently occurring on European soil, and not solely in the continent's southern climes. BTV, FMD, HPAI, ASF, PPR... If you recognise one or more of these acronyms, you're likely also aware of the serious consequences such diseases can have on a farm and its animals. But can the impact of these diseases be limited? And is it always necessary to cull all animals on an affected farm?

The EU already has legislation on transmissible animal diseases, which is currently under evaluation. These rules are largely based on international standards, particularly the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), first adopted over 50 years ago. But over the past decades, the techniques and technologies available to prevent, diagnose, and contain these diseases have evolved significantly in the EU – so what can be done to future-proof these rules?

This event offers an opportunity to discuss whether the main practices governing the management of animal disease outbreaks (biosecurity, vaccination, culling) are still aligned with the latest scientific knowledge and practical capabilities. Additionally, this event aims to address the key question of who should pay for animal disease prevention and management.

Ilias CHANTZIARAS

Chair of Biosecurity of Animal Production

Ghent University

Eric CARDINALE

Scientific Director for Animal Health and Welfare

French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES)

Jean-Luc GUÉRIN

Professor in Poultry Medicine and Director of Host-Pathogens Interactions Unit

National Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment Research (INRAe)

Francisco REVIRIEGO GORDEJO

Head of Unit for Animal Health

Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTÉ), European Commission

Montserrat ARROYO KURIBREÑA

Deputy Director General for International Standards and Science

World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)

Anne-Catherine DALCQ

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Wallonia, Belgium

⭐ European Commissioner

Olivér VÁRHELYI

European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare

European Commission