Last 8th November the EASVO General Assembly took place in Rome at Roma Eventi Piazza di Spagna.
Here we heard updates on the progress in the implementation of the Official Controls Regulation and Animal Health Regulation with EASVO members effectively engaged in that new WG.
Animal Welfare was also covered and the work of the FVE AWWG with EASVO agreeing to vote in favour of the 2 papers (AW professional owner’s education and animal-based indicators) with some feedback to be provided during the recommendations to the FVE GA. We also updated our recommendation that Aquatic Animal welfare is considered in their future work programme to include insects and other invertebrates.
The UK gave a pre-publication presentation of AGV's survey on Government Veterinarian’s wellbeing which was very well received and we propose to hold a joint meeting with UEVH at the June GA.
Norway gave an interesting presentation on how they have approached the monitoring and plans for eradication of CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) in Reindeer (and other cervids).
Italy then led a discussion on the challenges and opportunities of using data to provide an evidence base for risk analysis and the paradox that, in preventative medicine, success can result in a reduction of the perceived need for the intervention. We concluded that, as veterinarians, we should embrace advances in technology and deploy evidence based interventions when providing advice to politicians and the public.
