Concerns over EU disease control move

THE European Union needs to ensure that its measures to control, monitor and eradicate animal diseases are consistent with trade policy, according to Ireland East Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness.

She said there is a real danger of an inconsistency of approach between how the EU seeks to control and monitor animal disease and its efforts to secure a deal at the WTO.

“Pushing through a deal at the WTO allowing for greater access to EU markets for food produced to lesser standards than those applying within the EU, could threaten our animal health, welfare and human health/food safety standards.