A word from the President
For more than twenty years, European institutions, breeders, their veterinarians and animal health services have been aware that health threats to European livestock farming are, and will continue to be, on the increase. More than ever, it is exposed to multiple health risks, despite everyone’s efforts and mobilization. The two major epizootics that Europe is currently facing – Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and African Swine Fever (ASF) – attest to the scale of the problem. The management of these diseases is becoming increasingly difficult as they become established in local wildlife.
At the same time, the control methods used for over 50 years, based in particular on massive preventive culling, are increasingly being challenged. While their effectiveness was amply demonstrated in the fight against Foot and Mouth Disease and Tuberculosis in the last century, these methods alone are no longer sufficient to rapidly eradicate epizootics. What’s more, they don’t meet today’s societal expectations.
Against this backdrop, our federation has just organized a workshop devoted to the necessary adaptations to the management of ASF and HPAI, and a seminar for Chief Veterinary Officers on the protection of livestock from wild animals. These two events confirmed the importance of eradicating epizootic diseases. But they also demonstrated the importance of prevention, with the development of biosecurity and surveillance measures. Finally, they also underlined the importance of European and national public authorities in the face of threats far beyond the means of individual farmers.
Didier DELMOTTE
PRESIDENT
In the light of this work, it is essential that, in each country, the government :
- Set up and coordinate surveillance of animal diseases in wildlife,
- Effectively control hunting activities and oversee the management of wild animal populations,
- Carry out actions with all the necessary rigor to ensure the eradication of category A and B diseases (European Union classification) in susceptible wild species.
Today, these missions are more vital than ever to protect the health of animals, people and the environment. Unfortunately, they have been compromised by the European Commission’s budgetary difficulties. The budget earmarked for co-financing surveillance and control measures, which is essential to guarantee uniform management of health crises throughout the Union, is no longer sufficient. Instead of seeking to increase it, the Commission is proposing to reduce co-financing rates for the coming years in order to meet budget targets for the period 2021 – 2027. Such a choice has been denounced by all member states, as it would threaten the capacities of each of them in the field of animal health. FESASS is extremely concerned by this situation and supports the demands of the Member States. It is crucial for the future that veterinary services have the resources they need to meet the scale of the challenges. Europe and its institutions have an imperative duty here.
We look forward to hearing from you! Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or requests for information.