Brussels, UNDER EMBARGO until 21 September 2018; With the new EU regulations for veterinary medicines and medicated feed heading for final sign-off this autumn, AnimalhealthEurope hosted an evening celebration to remind decision-makers and stakeholders of the importance of animal health and to call for the health and welfare of Europe’s animals to remain a central focus of the next steps as the Commission commences work on a number of important implementing measures.
Arūnas Vinčiūnas, Head of Cabinet for Health and Food Safety Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis, opened the evening with a rousing speech on the enormous amount of work that had taken place over the past four years to ensure that the new EU rules would deliver on boosting innovation for a greater availability of animal health solutions but also deliver on addressing the global one health challenge of antibiotic resistance. Talking to the theme of the event Vinčiūnas said, “When we look at the important role animals play in our society today, we can all agree that animal health matters. Once the legislation is adopted later this year, the Commission will do its utmost with the implementing legislation.”
The event was also an opportunity for AnimalhealthEurope to share its #AnimalHealthMatters gallery. This awareness-raising project sees a wide range of interested parties sharing their views as to why animal health matters to them. Participants range from the Director General of the World Animal Health Organisation Monique Eloit and Commissioner Andriukaitis, to research scientists like Dr. Linda Dixon from The Pirbright Institute who is currently researching a vaccine to fight against African swine fever, to farmers rearing their animals to produce safe and sustainable food, to the vets who look after our animals, through to the people who rely on assistance animals for both companionship and support.
Check out our compilation video of quotes – Visit our online photo gallery
Ends
For further information please contact: Clare Carlisle, Public Relations Manager, c.carlisle@animalhealtheurope.eu – +32 474 388711
Notes for Editors:
- Legislative timeline:
o European Commission published draft in September 2014
o EU institutions reached agreement in trilogue in June 2018
o Adoption in plenary scheduled for October 2018
o Council of Ministers to formally approve final text in autumn 2018
o Publication in the EU Official Journal by end of 2018, meaning possible application of new Regulation and secondary acts in all EU Member States end of 2021.
- AnimalhealthEurope is the representative body of manufacturers of medicines, vaccines and other animal health products in Europe. It represents innovators and generics alike, as well as large, medium-sized and small companies. AnimalhealthEurope promotes a single market in veterinary medicines across the EU ensuring the availability of medicines to protect the health and welfare of animals.