Source: MEATINGPLACE, 3/9/16

The European parliament this week approved new rules aimed at containing transmissible animal diseases such as avian flu and food-and-mouth disease and has pledged to monitor the use of animal antibiotics in member states.

The law requires all farmers, animal owners and traders to apply the principles of good animal husbandry and prudent use of veterinary medicines.

Veterinarians will be required to raise awareness of the interaction between animal health and welfare, human health and antimicrobial resistance.

The EU Commission said it would monitor the use of animal antibiotics in member states and regularly publish comparable data.

The law also empowers the EU Commission to take urgent measures to tackle emerging diseases that could have a “highly significant impact” on public health and agricultural production.

In addition, all disease control measures will have to take animal welfare into account and spare targeted animals – including stray animals – any avoidable pain, distress or suffering.

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