The vision of the EUP AH&W is to strengthen the European Research Area (ERA) in order to provide society with a sustainable livestock production sector where infectious animal diseases are prevented and controlled with appropriate means, antimicrobials are used prudently, and AW is respected in every phase of the production process, until death. The Partnership will bring together scientists, funders and authorities active in the sectors of AH, AW, public health, food safety, economic sustainability, and the environment to strengthen the cooperation between public research and innovation entities. It will also reinforce the collaboration with the animal health industry and with other stakeholders such as Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). It will cover a large area of activities, such as farm management; animal-based (welfare) measures; livestock resilience; zoonoses; vector-borne, food-borne pathogens, and emerging diseases at primary production.
The objectives of the EUP AH&W fit in with important initiatives and policies of the European Commission (EC), first and foremost with the European Green Deal and its associated Farm to Fork strategy for a fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly food system. As a part of the Farm to Fork strategy, the Commission plans to take action to reduce overall EU sales of antimicrobials for farmed animals and in aquaculture by 50% by 2030. The Commission also committed to revising the AW legislation, including the legislation on animal transport and the slaughter of animals, to align it with the latest scientific evidence, broaden its scope, make it easier to enforce, and ultimately ensure a higher level of AW. The Farm to Fork Strategy recognizes the role of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which supports farmers and ensures Europe’s food security, in supporting the transition to sustainable food systems, thereby mitigating climate change and protecting the environment. In the context of and subject to the ongoing legislative procedure regarding the CAP, a new system is envisaged from 2023 whereby EU Member States (MS) will be able to use ‘eco- schemes’ to support a transition to better AW. Through its activities, the EUP AH&W will also consider the recent open and sustainable EU trade policy, which specifically focuses on strengthening the capacity of trade to support climate transitions. More particularly, it will also contribute to international trade standards for avoiding the spread of animal and human pathogens.
Based on an intervention logic, four general objectives (GO) will contribute to the long-term vision of the Partnership: GO1: To support the AH&W Strategic Research and Innovation Agendas from the MS and Associated Countries and add to their complementarity; GO2: To contribute to a robust R&I system for AH&W in Europe, including an improved and comprehensive framework, access to innovative methodologies and products for animal infectious diseases, animal welfare monitoring and control, as well as an increased evidence base for policymakers; GO3: To contribute to better prevention, detection and control of animal health and welfare and to reinforce the preparedness of all actors against upcoming and emerging threats to animal health including zoonoses and vector borne diseases; GO4: To place animal welfare at the foreground of animal production.