Media release

EU Chief Veterinary Officers discuss animal health issues

Informal Meeting of Chief Veterinary Officers. Photo: Ministry of Agriculture of Latvia
27 March 2015

On 25-27 March, an informal meeting of the EU Chief Veterinary Officers took place in Riga under the Latvian Presidency of the EU Council. The officers addressed several strategic issues in relation to animal health and solutions for controlling animal infectious diseases, including African swine fever.

The prevention and control of African swine fever is a topical issue for several European Union Member States, so experts from the Latvian Food and Veterinary Service reported on the current situation, on disease control and eradication measures carried out in Latvia and on possible challenges this year.

"The meeting of the Chief Veterinary Officers in Riga provided an excellent opportunity to address issues that are topical for all Member States, and to encourage the sharing of opinions and cooperation. Only mutual cooperation, the exchange of information, a uniform disease eradication strategy and the implementation of biosecurity measures will prevent the disease from spreading," said the Director-General of the Food and Veterinary Service, Māris Balodis.

At the meeting, information was provided on the progress of two significant documents – the draft Animal Health Law and the revision of regulations on veterinary medicinal products.

Research carried out by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) plays a significant role in the work of European national services, helping them to make justified decisions on food-related risks. The participants were informed about the research projects planned for 2015 and the areas covered, along with proposals for further cooperation.

The agenda of the meeting also included international trade issues related to the conformity of animals and animal products to animal health requirements and international agreements, including exports of products to third countries.

The 97 participants included invited representatives from Norway and Switzerland.

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