ANIMAL HEALTH
Our objective is to protect and raise the health status and condition of animals in the Community, in particular food-producing animals, whilst permitting intra-Community trade and imports of animals and animal products in accordance with the appropriate health standards and international obligations.
Preventive health measures on intra-community trade and imports of:
Community legislation on animal diseases:
- new Animal Health Strategy to improve the prevention and control of animal disease in the EU
- control measures, to be taken as soon as the the presence of a disease is suspected
- eradication and monitoring programmes, for the diseases that are already within the Community
- EU financial contribution
Other activities:
- Community Veterinary Emergency Team
- Identification measures, to guarantee the traceability of the animals
Expert group on Animal Health: Read
ANIMAL WELFARE: Read
The European Commission's activities in this area start with the recognition that animals are sentient beings. The general aim is to ensure that animals need not endure avoidable pain or suffering and obliges the owner/keeper of animals to respect minimum welfare requirements.
- International conference on the EU animal welfare strategy: "Implementing animal welfare through the new EU strategy: consumer empowerment and market opportunities" in Brussels on 29 Feb. - 1 March 2012.
Community Action Plan on the Protection and Welfare of Animals 2006-2010:
EU legislation on the protection of animals
- on the farm and in particular laying hens, calves and pigs
- during transport
- at time of slaughter or killing
Related international issues
Other activities: implementation control of legislation or scientific advice
Expert Group on Animal welfare: Read
ZOOTECHNICS
Satisfactory results in animal production depend to a large extent on the use of domestic animals of high genetic quality. The Community's zootechnical legislation aims at the promotion of free trade in breeding animals and their genetic material considering the sustainability of breeding programs and preservation of genetic resources.
Zootechnics issues