The European animal health situation continues to be characterised by the many threats facing our livestock farms, with numerous Category A diseases present within the European Union. We must recognise that the animal health context we have experienced – with a Europe free from these diseases – is now changing dangerously and, in all likelihood, permanently.

It is therefore vital that we adapt our strategy and management methods. The Commission has just adopted two key documents:

• The European Strategy for Livestock Farming,
• The report on the evaluation of the Animal Health Law.

FESASS welcomes these two documents, as well as the accompanying publications, with great interest. Indeed, these communications set out the priorities and provide guidance on work and actions for the coming years. We are delighted that animal health features prominently in both documents. There is no doubt that it is one of the key factors in the resilience of individual farms and the livestock sector as a whole.

However, the task ahead is a considerable one. Among the priorities listed, it will be necessary to establish a hierarchy. For FESASS, the first priority will be to undertake a comprehensive review of disease categorisation and to adapt disease management strategies in line with changes in their epidemiological status. The discussion initiated by WOAH on the use of vaccination will then form the next step, to be carried out in parallel with work on other preventive measures: surveillance and biosecurity.

However, whilst determination and goodwill are certainly present, it is imperative that these are accompanied by funding commensurate with the needs. Everyone must play their part, whether it be public authorities, livestock farmers or the sector as a whole. Taking action for animal health is not merely an expense; it is a genuine investment in securing the future.