|
Brussels, |
|
Animal Diseases
Animal diseases are a central pillar of EU veterinary health policy because they directly affect animal health, food safety, trade, and, in some cases, human health. The European framework is based primarily on Regulation (EU) 2016/429, the “Animal Health Law”, which establishes a harmonised system for the prevention, surveillance, control and eradication of transmissible animal diseases.
The EU approach gives priority to prevention. Biosecurity on farms, the traceability of animals and animal products, epidemiological surveillance, and rapid notification obligations help detect outbreaks at an early stage and limit their spread. In this context, national authorities and the European Commission cooperate through common tools such as the Animal Disease Information System (ADIS), which records and tracks the development of the main infectious animal diseases and supports notification and reporting across the EU.
Another key element is the system of surveillance, eradication programmes and health status recognition, which allows Member States or specific zones to obtain and maintain disease-free status or to operate under approved eradication programmes. This mechanism is essential both for containing major diseases and for ensuring consistent conditions within the internal market.
At operational level, the EU distinguishes between different categories of diseases and applies specific measures according to the level of risk. Particularly important diseases include African swine fever, avian influenza, foot-and-mouth disease, classical swine fever, Newcastle disease, lumpy skin disease, and other diseases listed under EU legislation. For some of them, enhanced containment measures apply, including movement restrictions, stamping-out, zoning, and exceptional control actions.
Overall, EU policy on animal diseases aims to reduce the risk of veterinary epidemics, limit the economic impact on livestock production, protect the food chain, and ensure a coordinated response across the Union. The underlying principle remains the one long associated with EU animal health policy: prevention is better than cure.
The EU approach gives priority to prevention. Biosecurity on farms, the traceability of animals and animal products, epidemiological surveillance, and rapid notification obligations help detect outbreaks at an early stage and limit their spread. In this context, national authorities and the European Commission cooperate through common tools such as the Animal Disease Information System (ADIS), which records and tracks the development of the main infectious animal diseases and supports notification and reporting across the EU.
Another key element is the system of surveillance, eradication programmes and health status recognition, which allows Member States or specific zones to obtain and maintain disease-free status or to operate under approved eradication programmes. This mechanism is essential both for containing major diseases and for ensuring consistent conditions within the internal market.
At operational level, the EU distinguishes between different categories of diseases and applies specific measures according to the level of risk. Particularly important diseases include African swine fever, avian influenza, foot-and-mouth disease, classical swine fever, Newcastle disease, lumpy skin disease, and other diseases listed under EU legislation. For some of them, enhanced containment measures apply, including movement restrictions, stamping-out, zoning, and exceptional control actions.
Overall, EU policy on animal diseases aims to reduce the risk of veterinary epidemics, limit the economic impact on livestock production, protect the food chain, and ensure a coordinated response across the Union. The underlying principle remains the one long associated with EU animal health policy: prevention is better than cure.
Request More details on the subject of this page
eEuropa clients can request additional details, background information or tailored clarification on the subject covered on this page.
This is a free service reserved for eEuropa clients.
