The need for an EU vaccination strategy, recognised by third countries, has been around for a while. Veterinarians and the animal health industry have long been strongly supportive of this idea, and policymakers are aware of the need to protect animals and safeguard Europe’s agriculture sector.
Prevention is better than cure – and cheaper too.
Unfortunately, nature has a habit of reminding us that infectious diseases know no borders: an outbreak in one country can quickly spill over into another. In an era of global trade, animals – as well as viruses, bacteria and parasites – can move from one region to another in a matter of hours. We are also acutely aware that animal diseases can crossover into other species, including humans.
Despite all of this, vaccination strategies have been fragmented and disjointed. Efforts to align policies in this area have been slow to translate into action.
Science-based prevention
However, there is now a growing sense of political momentum. At the Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH) in May, several EU Member States called for an EU vaccination strategy. Hungary, backed by Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, and others, urged the European Commission to establish a legal framework enabling a pragmatic, science-based approach to animal disease prevention through vaccination. The aim is to align with advances in vaccine development and to better manage disease control.
This group of countries also called for increased efforts at international level to lift trade restrictions by advocating for broader acceptance of preventive vaccination in global forums. This would help prevent export bans on animals and animal products that can have serious economic consequences.
We are acutely aware that animal diseases can crossover into other species, including humans. Despite this, vaccination strategies have been fragmented and disjointed
I am heartened to hear the European Commissioner for Health, Olivér Várhelyi, emphasise the need to ensure that vaccination does not become a barrier to trade, and confirm that the Commission is actively working to integrate vaccine acceptance into international standards.
The EU also remains committed to developing and authorising new animal vaccines, including those for avian flu, bluetongue serotype 3, and episodic haemorrhagic disease, as well as maintaining EU-funded vaccine banks for several key diseases.
Global vaccine standards
The AGRIFISH meeting came as the World Animal Health Organization (WOAH) hosted a three-day forum on veterinary vaccines in Paris. WOAH, a key player in setting global standards in animal health, published the first ever report on the State of the World’s Animal Health – which emphasised ‘science-based vaccination strategies and emerging technologies’ in addressing animal health threats through a One Health approach.
During its General Session, which attracts ministers, officials and chief veterinary officers (CVOs) from around the world, WOAH also adopted new vaccine standards for African Swine Fever (ASF) and published a Resolution addressing barriers to the development and uptake of vaccination.
Taken together, these standards and commitments have the potential to catalyse genuine progress on preventative health in the agriculture sector. In this, Europe should take a leadership role.
The strongest signal the EU could send would be to adopt a Vaccination Strategy. The technicalities may take time, but stakeholders stand ready to contribute expertise required to deliver a comprehensive plan that embodies European priorities and has a global impact.
Let’s seize this moment to deliver a strategy that underpins animal health and a key pillar of European trade.
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