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Animals

Ilse Aigner

"Without healthy animals there can be no healthy foods."(Federal Minister Ilse Aigner)

Livestock breeding and animal husbandry are important pillars of the German agricultural sector. All livestock farmers, in the private sector too, must meet the requirements of animal welfare. Animal health ensures the well-being of animals and their performance ability. Safe feed, the responsible use of veterinary medicinal products and the effective prevention and control of animal diseases are all contributory factors.

As a consequence of the increase in international trade and the growing global demand for meat, animal husbandry constantly faces new challenges. By means of regulations, support measures and public veterinary services, the BMELV creates the preconditions for modern animal husbandry in Germany. The goal is to ensure the health and well-being of animals and to improve the performance of the agricultural sector.

Information on the "Schmallenberg Virus"

Schaf in Nahaufnahme

Both in Germany and in neighbouring EU states, there has recently been a rise in the cases of "Schmallenberg virus". The virus has so far mainly affected sheep and goats but is now also increasingly hitting herds of cattle.

read more: Information on the "Schmallenberg Virus" …

Husbandry of laying hens

Laying hens

Laying hens are kept in a number of different husbandry systems in Germany. All husbandry systems allow for pecking, scratching, resting and nesting.

read more: Husbandry of laying hens …

No patenting of animal breeds and plant varieties

Long-haired cattle with horns

In their coalition agreement of 2009, the governing parliamentary groups of CDU/CSU and FDP agreed to oppose patents on livestock and cultivated plants, irrespective of the protection of intellectual property.

read more: No patenting of animal breeds and plant varieties …

Improving cooperation between human and veterinary medicine

Flu virus

Ministers of Agriculture, Health and Economic Cooperation from 74 countries gathered in Hanoi in April. The International Ministerial Conference (20 to 21 April 2010) aimed at exchanging experiences among physicians and veterinarians on the control of and the connection between bird flu (avian influenza) and the influenza pandemic – H1N1, the so-called swine flu – in humans.

read more: Improving cooperation between human and veterinary medicine …

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