2008

14 April 2008

FVE Conference on MRSA

"Raising awareness is key to control"

Brussels, April – Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a growing problem in both animals and humans and urgent action is required – and such action should be based on a shared responsibility between veterinary practitioners and medical doctors. That was the main conclusion of the recent European conference on MRSA, organised on 8 April by the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) and financially supported by TAIEX (DG Enlargement).

Although epidemiological data indicated a link between antibiotic pressure and the emergence of resistant bacteria, other factors, such as hygiene measures and husbandry systems also play a role.

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6 March 2008

FVE concerned about weak British bluetongue control programme

The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) has voiced its concern about the way the UK intends to protect its cattle and sheep against bluetongue. "The British plans fail to guarantee an optimal protection of the animals against the disease, while opportunities to limit further spread of the disease remain untapped", regretted Walter Winding, FVE president. Furthermore, "the use of a provisionally licensed vaccine without any form of pharmacovigilance clearly carries additional risks for animal health and welfare."
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Response from DEFRA to FVE's Press Release
Response from FVE to DEFRA's letter

23 January 2008

FVE Welcomes the Commission's position to keep the ban on battery cages

FVE has always been of the opinion that there is substantial evidence that banning the use of conventional battery cages for laying hens could considerably improve the health and welfare of these birds. The FVE is very happy to see that this is again confirmed and supported by the report published by the Commission on 8 January 2008. Already in 1999 the EU decided to ban conventional battery cages by 2012, in line with Directive 1999/74/EC on minimum standards for laying hens. The Commission report states that this 2012 deadline should be maintained. Read more

17 January 2008

Bluetongue vaccination: FVE urges EU members to take immediate action

Competent authorities in Europe should decide without further delay whether they plan to vaccinate against bluetongue, urges the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE).

“The main and probably only effective measure against bluetongue is vaccination”, stressed Jan Vaarten, FVE’s Executive Director, referring to conclusions of the EU Bluetongue conference, held in Brussels on 16 January. Read more

2007

• FVE 'One Health' Reception (3 october 2007)
• Classical swine fever conference in Romania (17 September 2007)
  

2006

• FVE / TAIEX Animal Welfare Conference (1-2 September 2006)
• FVE Conference on Education (29-30 March 2006)