Animal Health

Our objective is to protect and raise the health status and condition of animals in the Community, in particular food-producing animals, whilst permitting intra-Community trade and imports of animals and animal products in accordance with the appropriate health standards and international obligations.

• Preventive health measures on intra-community trade and imports of:
  • live animals
  • semen, ova and embryos
  • animal products (meat, milk…)
• Community legislation on animal diseases i.e.
  • control measures, to be taken as soon as the the presence of a disease is suspected
  • eradication and monitoring programmes, for the diseases that are already within the Community
  • EU financial contribution
• Identification measures, to guarantee the traceability of the animals

Animal Welfare

The European Commission's activities in this area start with the recognition that animals are sentient beings. The general aim is to ensure that animals need not endure avoidable pain or suffering and obliges the owner/keeper of animals to respect minimum welfare requirements.

• EU legislation on the protection of animals
  
  • on the farm and in particular laying hens, calves and pigs
  • during transport,
  • at time of slaughter or killing
• Related international issues (Council of Europe, OIE, etc)
• Other activities such as control of the implementation of legislation or scientific advice.

Zootechnics

Breeding programmes of approved organisations on the basis of harmonised rules.