04/03/2008 (Agence Europe) - On 29 February, the European Commission adopted a proposal to harmonise and simplify current procedures for updating and publishing information in the veterinary and zootechnical fields, such as lists of approved animal health establishments and breeding organisations in member states and third countries and lists of certain national reference laboratories and other approved laboratories. The proposal seeks to amend 20 directives and one decision, ensuring a simplified approach which will lead to benefits in terms of reduced workloads and administrative burdens to the competent authorities in the member states, the farming industry and trade operators, and the Commission. (L.C.)