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High-ranking officials from OIE Member Countries in Europe and from international, regional and national governmental and non-governmental organisations discussed several key issues in the field of animal health and animal welfare, including the animal welfare approach and the role of wildlife in animal disease control in the region at the 25th Conference of the OIE Regional Commission for Europe, held in Fleesensee (Germany) from 17 to 21 September 2012.
Common animal welfare approach in Europe
During the Conference, the participants discussed the need for western and eastern European countries to work together and share best practices to achieve the progressive and harmonious implementation of OIE animal welfare standards at regional level.
The role of wildlife in the control of domestic animal diseases
The Conference also addressed the persistence of pathogens transmissible from wildlife as it makes it very hard to control diseases in domestic animals. “The role played by wildlife in the world epidemiological situation is more and more demonstrated. We want to better manage risks in wildlife for the control of disease in domestic animals and for preservation of biodiversity but this brings many challenges,” OIE Director General, Dr Bernard Vallat said.
The Conference assessed the need for further studies on how to put efficient monitoring systems in place, taking into account that support to national Veterinary Services is pivotal especially when it applies to strengthening their surveillance and response capacities.
The need for implementing biosecurity measures to reduce contact between wild and domestic animals was also a concern.
September 18, 2012 - OIE
