On 30 June, the Council announced that a meeting of the heads of veterinary services from the 28 member states of the EU had reached an agreement on 23 June in Malta. This agreement focuses on a common way forward to prepare for emergency outbreaks of infectious animal diseases.
Measures are therefore planned to step up common action in areas such as early warning and risk assessment. The aim is to improve the EU’s capacity for forecasting and preventing cross-border animal diseases. Preparation for emergency animal or plant health situations was one of the priorities of the Maltese Presidency of the Council.
Over recent years, outbreaks of highly contagious cross-border animal diseases, such as African swine fever, lumpy skin disease, ovine catarrh fever and bird flu, have had a significant impact on the European cattle rearing sector, as well as on the flow and trade in animals and animal products from affected zones.
The appearance and spread of these devastating diseases have highlighted the importance of effective coordination between EU member states and neighbouring countries, in an effort to limit the damages.
Drawing on this awareness and the experience acquired by the member states, the Maltese Presidency implemented a programme with the heads of the veterinary services. Based on investigations and structured discussions, this programme helps to identify ways of further improving the level of the EU’s preparedness. The common way ahead reflects the priority areas that are likely to be improved, in an effort to improve crisis prevention and tackle these crises more effectively.
The domains listed in order of importance are: early warning system; risk assessment; raising awareness among the different actors; emergency plans and practical guide; training; networking among member states; antigenic/vaccine banks; animal disease spread modelling; self assessment and simulation exercises and mutual assistance between the member states. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)