Industry groups in the EU, including AnimalhealthEurope, call for clearer and more proactive policies on animal vaccination amid increasing disease outbreaks. Vaccination is seen as a crucial preventive measure to manage and reduce the spread of animal diseases, which can have devastating impacts on public health and the economy.
Veterinary and animal health industry groups across Europe are urging the European Union to implement clearer and more proactive policies regarding animal vaccination. In light of recent disease outbreaks and the increasing threat of cross-species spillovers, these groups emphasize the need for a shift from reactive measures to preventive approaches, particularly vaccination.
AnimalhealthEurope, a key industry group, alongside the Federation of Veterinarians in Europe (FVE) and the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA), are united in their call for a comprehensive and coordinated vaccination strategy. These organizations argue that vaccines are crucial tools in preventing and controlling animal diseases that pose risks to agriculture, public health, and the economy.
Animal diseases have a devastating ripple effect! Vaccines are an essential part of the veterinary toolbox.”
Siegfried Moder, FVE president
Despite the recognition of vaccines’ effectiveness, many EU countries have relied on other measures such as stricter biosecurity controls, setting protection zones, and animal culling, especially in the case of notifiable diseases. However, these groups argue that a focus solely on these methods may not be sufficient, especially with increasing transboundary and emerging animal diseases.
Transboundary and emerging animal diseases have been increasing in occurrence over the past decades. Diseases that were once only reported outside Europe’s borders are now occurring more frequently on European soil, Europe needs a fundamental shift from a ‘firefighting’ approach to a ‘fire prevention’ approach to avoid potential spillovers and disastrous consequences.”
Roxane Feller, Secretary General of AnimalhealthEurope
The growing concern is not only about animal diseases affecting agriculture but also the potential for these diseases to impact human health. As highlighted by FECAVA president Danny Holmes, the message of vaccination has never been more critical, particularly in light of misinformation and fake news surrounding vaccination.
Pet parents need us to push the message of vaccination as a method of disease control to keep both their pets and families healthy.”
Danny Holmes, FECAVA president
With today’s globalized trade, travel, and shifting climate patterns, the frequency of animal disease outbreaks in Europe is expected to rise. Industry groups are calling on EU authorities to increase their efforts to ensure that vaccines are more readily available and accessible across member states to better control and prevent disease spread.
As the situation continues to evolve, the demand for a more proactive vaccination policy grows stronger, underscoring the urgent need for long-term, sustainable solutions to safeguard both public health and the agricultural economy.
