Animal Welfare in the enlarged EU, the Institute in Turkey

On the 16^th and the 17^th July 2009, a delegation of experts from the Istituto G. Caporale participated to the training of the Official Veterinarians of 53 Member Countries, gathered to the first Meeting on Animal Welfare organised in Istanbul, Turkey, by the OIE Regional Europe.

The many international delegates, all coordinated by prof, Belev, presented the point of view on animal welfare of the OIE, the EU, the Council of Europe, the WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals), IFAP (International Federation of Agricultural Producers) and FVE (Federation of Veterinarians of Europe), in respect of the most urgent issues related to the enlarged Europe, more and more orientated towards the promotion of a new animal welfare friendly culture.

During the workshops, sponsored by the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture, was underlined the need of establishing a common strategy, essential to foster the fast implementation of OIE international standards on animal road transport, sea and air transport, slaughter and killing during emergency epidemics, and on free roaming dog population control, meanwhile waiting for the avian species and bovine farming standards.

Within the highlighted priorities for the future, it lies the constitution of a regional Coordinating Committee which will define a common plane of action, respectful of the different local realities and integrated in a process of State Veterinary Service strengthening, which could be achieved also through experience and professional exchanges which are essential for the development of international policies in favour of the animals.