Global Conference on Animal Welfare/OIE

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http://www.oie.int/eng/press/en_last.htm

 

Press release

 

- February 2004 -

 

Global Conference on Animal Welfare: the OIE confirms

its role as a coordinator of guidelines on animal

welfare world wide

 

Paris, 25 February 2004 - Over 450 participants from

more than 70 countries attended the three day " Global

Conference on Animal Welfare " , organised by the World

Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), in Paris.

 

The Conference confirmed the great interest in animal

welfare issues world wide and proved that it is

possible to have a constructive dialogue between

institutions, stakeholders, scientists and non

governmental organisations (NGOs) from all over the

world, including developing countries.

 

After two days of excellent motivating presentations,

all participants were given the opportunity to select

one of eight discussion groups about land transport,

sea transport, slaughter, killing for disease control,

communications challenges in animal welfare, the role

of veterinarians, animal welfare research and more

general issues raised during the conference. The

results of these discussions will contribute to the

future steps and strategies to be taken by the OIE in

animal welfare.

 

" We are encouraged in our role as a coordinator of

guidelines on animal welfare world wide " the Director

General of the OIE, Dr. Vallat said during his closing

remarks. " Transparency and openness are key elements

of the OIE policy. We are strongly committed to

continue to apply those principles also with regard to

animal welfare issues " , he added.

 

The Conference also confirmed the essential role of

the World Trade Organisation (WTO) with regard to

standards for international trade. It was strongly

reaffirmed that science should always be an essential

base for setting any international standard.

 

The role of developing countries has been of a

particular importance. A clear message to cooperate in

developing animal welfare concepts in their own

countries has been given by many of their

representatives during the conference, but it was also

made clear that those countries need time and an

understanding of their particular situation which

sometimes leads to some constraints.

 

" We have more than 120 developing countries which are

Members of the OIE. In order to allow them to endorse

the animal welfare standards that will be applied by

the international community, it is important to

provide them with technical and financial assistance " ,

Dr. Vallat said.

 

The key role to be played by all components of the

Veterinary Services of Member Countries was

highlighted in order to prepare and implement all

relevant actions linked to animal welfare.

 

Due to the recent outbreaks of Avian Influenza in

Asia, particular interest was given to the discussions

of the syndicate group dealing with killing for

disease control. The outcomes of this group will

certainly be submitted for discussion by Dr. Vallat at

the FAO/OIE Emergency Regional Meeting on Avian

Influenza Control in Animals in Asia which will start

tomorrow 26 February 2004 in Bangkok.

 

February 2004

 

Contact: m.zampaglione

 

 

 

 

 

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