EU Commission Reviews 10 Years of Animal Health Law, Calls for Stronger Preparedness Against Animal Diseases

European Commission has published a comprehensive evaluation of the EU Animal Health Law (Regulation (EU) 2016/429) ahead of a high-level conference marking the legislation’s tenth anniversary, concluding that the regulation has significantly strengthened animal disease prevention across the European Union while identifying several areas requiring further improvement.

The review acknowledges that the legislation has become a cornerstone of the EU’s animal health framework, contributing to harmonised biosecurity standards, improved disease surveillance and safer movement of animals and animal products across Member States. At the same time, the Commission has recommended targeted reforms to ensure the regulatory framework remains effective against evolving transboundary animal disease threats.

Landmark Legislation for European Animal Health

Adopted in 2016 and progressively implemented across the European Union, the Animal Health Law established a single, harmonised legal framework governing the prevention, surveillance, control and eradication of animal diseases.

The legislation consolidated numerous existing directives into a unified system covering disease preparedness, biosecurity, animal identification, traceability, official controls and emergency response measures. It also clarified the responsibilities of livestock producers, veterinarians, competent authorities and other stakeholders involved in safeguarding animal health.

According to the Commission’s evaluation, the regulation has improved consistency in disease management while facilitating safer trade within the single market.

Strong Contribution to Trade and Biosecurity

The Commission’s report concludes that the Animal Health Law has played an important role in maintaining the European Union’s reputation as one of the world’s leading exporters of agricultural and livestock products.

By harmonising disease control measures and strengthening cross-border cooperation, the legislation has helped reduce regulatory fragmentation among Member States while improving confidence in the safety of European livestock production.

The evaluation also credits the law with promoting a stronger culture of preventive biosecurity, encouraging earlier disease detection and supporting more coordinated responses to outbreaks of transboundary animal diseases.

Emerging Diseases Highlight Need for Greater Flexibility

While recognising the regulation’s overall success, the Commission identified several areas where the framework should be further strengthened.

One of the principal recommendations is the development of a more adaptable disease categorisation system capable of responding more rapidly to newly emerging pathogens and changing epidemiological situations.

Recent outbreaks of diseases affecting livestock and wildlife have demonstrated that animal health risks continue to evolve, requiring regulatory systems that can respond efficiently to new scientific evidence and emerging disease threats.

The evaluation notes that increased flexibility will be essential as climate change, international trade and wildlife interactions continue to influence the distribution and emergence of infectious diseases.

Consistent Enforcement Across Member States

Another key finding concerns the implementation of the legislation across the European Union.

Although the legal framework is common to all Member States, the Commission observed differences in enforcement practices, operational capacity and implementation approaches among national veterinary authorities.

The report recommends strengthening coordination and promoting more consistent application of animal health measures throughout the Union to ensure that disease prevention standards remain uniformly high across all Member States.

Improved cooperation between national competent authorities, veterinary services and European institutions is expected to remain a priority as the legislation continues to evolve.

Conference to Shape Future Policy

The Commission’s evaluation has been released ahead of a high-level conference in Brussels commemorating a decade of the Animal Health Law.

The event will bring together policymakers, veterinary authorities, researchers, industry representatives and international organisations to review progress achieved under the legislation and discuss future priorities for European animal health policy.

Discussions are expected to cover emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, digital surveillance technologies, wildlife health, One Health collaboration and preparedness for future animal disease emergencies.

Implications for the Veterinary Sector

For veterinarians, livestock producers and animal health companies, the Commission’s evaluation signals continued emphasis on preventive medicine, biosecurity and risk-based disease management.

The review reinforces the importance of early detection, effective surveillance, rapid reporting and coordinated emergency response as central components of modern veterinary practice. It also highlights the growing role of veterinary professionals in supporting both animal health and broader public health objectives under the One Health framework.

Industry Outlook

The European Commission’s ten-year assessment confirms that the EU Animal Health Law has become one of the most comprehensive animal health regulatory frameworks globally, providing a strong foundation for disease prevention and safe livestock trade.

However, the evaluation also recognises that the rapidly changing landscape of transboundary animal diseases requires continuous regulatory adaptation. By recommending greater flexibility for emerging pathogens and more harmonised implementation across Member States, the Commission has outlined a roadmap for strengthening Europe’s preparedness against future animal health threats while preserving the competitiveness of its livestock sector.