Emergency veterinary team to be set up

THE European Commission is to establish an emergency veterinary team to respond rapidly, if needed, in member states and third countries.

Animal health experts, who will be available at short notice to assist with major outbreaks of certain diseases such as avian influenza, bluetongue and foot-and-mouth disease, will comprise the emergency team.

Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou said serious animal epidemics in Europe and elsewhere have highlighted the importance of having well-prepared, well-trained personnel available to provide their expertise in dealing with the problem.