IFAH-Europe RSS

DISCONTOOLS Completes Diseases Analysis

Brussels, 15 November 2012 – All 52 diseases under consideration in the DISCONTOOLS project have now been successfully analysed and prioritised for research purposes. This completion of the gap analysis and prioritisation work was one topic for discussion at today’s conference titled ‘Fighting Animal Diseases – Identifying Research Priorities’ along with the burning question of ‘Where do we go from here?’.

IFAH-Europe Welcomes Second ESVAC Report

Brussels, 16 October 2012 - IFAH-Europe welcomes the second ESVAC report and supports the principle of collecting data as a means of informing decision making. The federation noted the limitations of the first ESVAC report came out in terms of species and dose-related issues between antibiotics. However, the ESVAC initiative shows trends within countries over time which may be of considerable value.

Better Regulation Efforts Welcomed but Industry Calls for More Harmonisation to Boost Innovation

Brussels, 7 September 2012 – Europe accounts for approximately one third of global sales for the animal health industry but EU regulatory processes are reported as leading European companies to invest less in innovation for new veterinary medicines, which could not only negatively impact the industry but also public and animal health.

IFAH-Europe believes EU innovation in animal health is key to averting future food and health crises

Brussels, 21 June 2023 – Europe benefits from the highest animal health standards in the world. Such was the consensus among stakeholders working in food safety, food supply and animal health at the annual conference of the International Federation of Animal Health in Europe (IFAHEurope). The event, which attracted a 150 strong audience to the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Brussels, explored the role and contribution of animal health to Europe’s food safety.

IFAH-Europe Statement: Rational thinking, science-based decision-making and Responsible Use of antibiotics by all is key to curb antimicrobial resistance

14 March 2012, Copenhagen, Denmark - The International Federation for Animal Health-Europe (IFAH-Europe) has asked the organisers of the “Combating Antimicrobial Resistance – Time for Joint Action” conference taking place in Copenhagen, Denmark, to engage in a science based debate concerning antimicrobial resistance.

European Pet Night 2012 - Press release

Brussels, 1 March 2023 – Pets not only bring pleasure to life in the form of companionship; they can also help save lives through disease detection and can assist people with potentially life-threatening health conditions.

IFAH-Europe promotes public-private partnerships at Davos One Health Summit to eliminate zoonotic threats to people by preventing or controlling diseases in animals

22 February 2012, Davos, Switzerland - The International Federation for Animal Health- Europe (IFAH-Europe) joined human and animal health as well as wildlife specialists, intergovernmental organisations, regulatory authorities and a host of national and international delegates at the International One Health Summit held in Davos, Switzerland.

IFAH-Europe says we must move forward against antimicrobial resistance

Brussels, 17 November 2023 – IFAH-Europe welcomes the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and Council titled “Action plan against the rising threats from Antimicrobial Resistance”. This 5 year strategy for antimicrobials takes a holistic view, including a focus on the “One Health” approach.

Innovation is key if society is to continue to ensure animal health and welfare as well as human health

Egmond-aan-Zee, 14 November 2023 – IFAH-Europe is very supportive of an appropriate strategy on antimicrobials, with innovation, science-based decision-making, surveillance/monitoring and Responsible Use at the core of it.

IFAH-Europe welcomes the Resolution on Antimicrobial Resistance

Brussels, 28 October 2023 - IFAH-Europe welcomes the Resolution on antimicrobial resistance (RE\881283EN) as voted through the Plenary session of the European Parliament on October 27th.

IFAH-Europe press release: IFAH-Europe appoints Alejandro Bernal of Pfizer as Chairman

Brussels, 22 June 2023 - The International Federation for Animal Health-Europe (IFAH-Europe) has elected Alejandro Bernal, Pfizer’s Area President for Europe, Africa and the Middle East as its Chairman. Mr. Bernal will oversee the federation representing the animal health industry in Europe for the next two years, promoting a greater understanding of the animal health industry and its important contributions to animal health and public health.

Press Release: Veterinary medicines regulatory review 2012: “one-one-one is a win-win-win for all”

Brussels, 16 June 2023 – A significantly revised legislation governing the authorisation of veterinary medicinal products is expected in 2012. IFAH-Europe, the federation representing the European animal health industry, organised the first public “big debate” about the future legislation for all parties involved. All agreed that a simplification of the legislation is needed and had a lively exchange about the consequences this review will have for the future of animal health in Europe.

Press release: Invasive species: the health of European animals is affected by new viruses, bacteria and parasites

Brussels, 24 May 2023 - Viruses, bacteria and parasites affecting animal health should also be taken into account when tackling invasive species in the European Union. Declan O’Brien, Managing Director of the European Federation for Animal Health-Europe spoke today at a European Parliament hearing on “the challenge of invasive species and destructive insects”. The event was organised by the European Parliament Intergroup on Climate change, Biodiversity and sustainable development, and French MEP Gaston Di Franco.

“’Vaccination to live’ concept would improve animal welfare, food security and help combat food crises”, says IFAH-Europe at 4th EU Vet Week Conference on crisis management in the food chain

Brussels, 20 May 2023 - The European Commission Directorate-General for Health & Consumer Policy (DG SANCO) organised its 4th EU Vet Week conference. This year was dedicated to crisis management in the food chain and aimed at raising awareness on EU preparedness to manage a food safety crisis and the role of veterinarians. IFAH-Europe Managing Director Declan O’Brien was one of the speakers and called for the concept of “vaccination to live” to be applied by all.

IFAH-Europe statement: European Parliament and antibiotic resistance

IFAH-Europe statement on the European Parliament motion for resolution calling for more research and better monitoring of the effects of antimicrobials on foodproducing and companion animals.

IFAH-Europe press release: VICH adopts Strategy 2011 – 2015

Washington/Brussels, 2 March 2023 - The VICH Steering Committee held its 25^th meeting in Washington DC on 23 and 24 February 2011.The Steering Committee adopted a Strategy covering the next 5 years, covering 3 main objectives: the existing objectives to develop new VICH guidelines on the technical requirements for the registration of veterinary medicinal products, and to maintain and revise the existing guidelines; and a third new objective to provide a basis for the wider international harmonisation, beyond the existing VICH regions, of the registration requirements. The VICH strategy will be available on the VICH website (www.vichsec.org).

Press release: European Pet Night 2011

Brussels, 3 February 2023 – EU decisionmakers, animal welfare NGOs, animal health industry representatives, veterinarians, pet owners and 11 dogs gathered in Brussels’ Bibliothèque Solvay last night to highlight the importance of pets during the sixth edition of European Pet Night. The reception, with speakers MEP Horst Schnellhardt and MEP Iratxe García Pérez, paid tribute to the many ways in which animals assist humans, and showcased the work of dogs trained to rescue survivors after natural disasters such as the Haiti earthquake.

Press Release: Animal Health Industry calls for a true EU single market for veterinary medicines

Brussels, 11 January 2023 – Today, the International Federation for Animal Health-Europe (IFAH-Europe) presented an impact assessment looking at the consequences of the current EU legislation on innovation and the availability of veterinary medicine in Europe. With 80% of European animal health companies perceiving the European regulatory framework as the major obstacle hampering the development of new products, IFAH-Europe is urgently calling for an overhaul of the current EU regulatory framework governing veterinary medicinal products under the upcoming review.

IEAnConf10 release - Final -.doc

Today, the International Federation for Animal Health-Europe (IFAH-Europe) used its annual conference in Brussels to call on Europe’s decision-makers to address the global food crisis. As the world’s population continues to grow, and more and more households in emerging economies join the world’s middle class, the demand for animal protein is expected to double by 2050.

EPN10 Press release

Brussels, 24 February 2023 - You love your cat, dog, hamster or any other pet you may have, but did you know that keeping animals also contributes to making you healthier and live longer? Have you ever considered that apart from companionship, pets can be working partners or a vital support to a person with disabilities? At the fifth European Pet Night held in Brussels at the European Parliament, a coalition of animal-related organisations want to highlight the importance and value of pets to society. The event will be hosted by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), Caroline Lucas and Horst Schnellhardt.

IE Press Release 32 IEC Election

Jochen Wieda re-elected as IFAH-Europe Chairman for the next 2 years
Officers also elected
Brussels, 1 July 2023 - The IFAH-Europe Council has reappointed Jochen Wieda (Intervet/Schering Plough) as its Chairman for the period 2009-2011 on 24 June, following the federation’s 5th General Assembly held in Brussels last week. He will be supported by Albert Bourla (Pfizer) and Martin Schneidereit (BfT, Germany, who was also re-elected) as Vice-Chairmen. Folkert Kamphuis (Novartis) was also reconfirmed as treasurer.

IE Press Release 31 AnConf09

At the opening of the IFAH-Europe annual conference, “2010 review: one vision, one final step to one market?”, the European Health Commissioner, Androulla Vassiliou’s speech addressed the need for prevention of the occurrence of animal diseases and the reduction of their impact, as well as the ongoing work towards replacing the current complex legal structure by a simpler framework. In light of this, IFAH-Europe presented its 1-1-1 concept, offering a single European market to ensure product availability.

IE Press Release 30 EMEA

Latest developments in scientific review, legislation and marketing authorisation procedures
London 13 March 2009: Representatives of European and national regulators as well as the Animal Health Industry met on the 12th and 13th March for the 2009 Infoday with the central theme “Latest developments in scientific review, legislation and marketing authorisation procedures” focussing on the core areas where regulatory professionals want to be kept up to date.

IE Press Release 29 EPN09

European Pet Night 2009: “We care” about companion animals
Brussels, 13 February 2023 – The European Parliament opened its doors to three assistance dogs on the occasion of the 2009 European Pet Night, an event highlighting the benefits of companion animals to European Society. A vibrant reception was hosted by MEPs Neil Parish and Paulo Casaca, alongside a broad group of organisations supporting pet welfare and health, under the heading “We care”.

IE Press Release 28 EMEA ID

EMEA/IFAH-Europe Infoday: Latest regulatory developments on the veterinary medicines agenda
Brussels, Belgium, 9 January 2009: The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) and IFAH-Europe are organising a joint info day on the topic “The latest developments in scientific review, legislation and marketing authorisation procedures”, which will be held at the EMEA in London on 12-13 March 2009. This event will provide the latest information on a range of scientific, procedural and legislative developments.

IE Press Release 27 Wieda

Jochen Wieda elected IFAH-Europe Chairman
Brussels, 8 December 2008: The IFAH-Europe Council members elected Jochen Wieda (Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health) as their new Chairman at their meeting in Brussels on 3 December 2008; he will lead the Federation until scheduled elections in June 2009. The Council also elected Jean-Louis Crosia (Merial) as Vice-Chair, a position that Jochen Wieda held previously, and welcomed Wolfgang Trebels (Bayer HealthCare) as a new member.

IE Press Release 26 AnConf08

IFAH-Europe annual conference 2008:Stakeholders outline way forward to joint animal health policy
Brussels, Belgium, 20 June 2008: With more than 140 participants, the 2008 IFAH-Europe annual conference has become the main annual event on Animal Health Policy in Europe. High level representatives of FAO, OIE, industry, academia and the European institutions were present as speakers and participants. The participants highlighted the necessity of a joint approach of all animal health stakeholders in developing new policy concepts in food safety, the area of companion animals, fostering more European research and enhancing international cooperation.

IE Press Release 25 FAO

IFAH at FAO summit on world food security:
“International platform necessary to tackle threat of emerging animal diseases”
Brussels, Belgium, 5 June 2008: Declan O’Brien, IFAH-Europe Managing Director, addressed the FAO Summit on World Food Security, where he stressed the importance of creating an International Animal Health Technology Platform modelled on the European Technology Platform to tackle trans-boundary animal diseases. The positive echo of conference attendees to create such a platform highlights the genuine need to establish an efficient tool at global level to unite key animal health stakeholders, coordinate research efforts worldwide and pool resources to tackle animal health in developed and developing countries.

IE Press Release 24 European Pet Night 2007

European Pet Night 2007: Companion animals take over the European quarter
BRUSSELS, 22 November 2023 – Horses, assistance dogs and a teacher dog came to Brussels yesterday evening to demonstrate to MEPs and policy-makers the importance of healthy, happy animals in the European Union.

IE Press Release 23 ETPGAH action plan

EU Commissioner Potočnik welcomes Action Plan for future animal health research.
Brussels, Belgium, 14 November 2007: European Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potočnik welcomed the launch of the Action Plan as the third phase of the European Technology Platform for Global Animal Health (ETPGAH) on 14 November 2007. With the Action Plan, the ETPGAH enters into its implementation phase to develop medicines for current and emerging animal diseases.

IE Press Release 22 New Council

Brussels, Belgium, 14 June 2007: IFAH-Europe members elected a new Council at the General Assembly held in Brussels on 5 June 2007. With Brian Clark as Chairman, the Council will guide the federation’s work for the next two years.

IE Press Release 21 AnConf07

Annual conference stresses the importance of efficient regulation to sustain innovation and growth in the animal health sector
Brussels, 7 June 2023 - At its 2007 annual conference, the European Federation for Animal Health gathered some 100 experts from European and national public authorities, industry and key stakeholders in Animal Health to present its new benchmarking study on veterinary medicines regulation in the EU. The study underlines the need for further regulatory reforms in Europe to maintain current levels of innovation in Europe.

IE Press Release 20 AnConf 06

European conference stresses the benefits of animal health and innovation to society
IFAH-Europe’s innovation conference highlighted the need for a common strategy and structural dialogue between partners to prevent and treat animal diseases at global level
Brussels, Belgium, 30 June 2006: The IFAH-Europe conference ‘The Animal Health Industry – An essential partner for Global Health’, held in Brussels on 28 June 2006, gathered high level representatives from European and international organisations as well as more than 130 representatives from a wide range of stakeholders including industry, regulators, non-governmental organizations, academia and media. The participants discussed the importance of innovation in animal health and its impact on global health. They stressed the benefits that animal health products bring to society – in both developed and developing countries - and the need for a common strategy and effective cooperation between institutions and stakeholders to allow quick exchange of information and coordination in crisis situations.

IE Press Release 19 ETPGAH strategic agenda

Broad stakeholder coalition launches Strategic Research Agenda to combat animal diseases
Brussels, Belgium, 19 May 2006: A coalition of stakeholders represented in the European Technology Platform for Global Animal Health (ETPGAH) launched today a Strategic Research Agenda to combat animal diseases in the presence of European Commissioner for Science and Research Janez Potočnik. The Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) lays out a systematic plan to ensure a close cooperation between both private and public sectors to accelerate the rate of innovation in Animal Health and achieve a better coordination of the fragmented research activities in Europe.

IE Press Release 18 Danish Antiobiotics

IFAH-Europe Opposes Danish Antibiotic List
Brussels, Belgium, 21 December 2005: Representing the European Animal Health industry, IFAH-Europe strongly opposes the restrictive list of antibiotics for use in pig production as published today by a working group of the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration.

IE Press Release 17 ETPGAH SRA

Broad stakeholder coalition launches Strategic Research Agenda to combat avian influenza and other animal diseases
Brussels, 19 May 2006: A coalition of stakeholders represented in the European Technology Platform for Global Animal Health (ETPGAH) health has today launched a Strategic Research Agenda to combat animal diseases in the presence of European Commissioner Jan Potočnik

IE Press Release 16 EPN05

'Animals are good for you – be good to them'
Heard from IFAH-Europe horse's mouth
Brussels, Belgium, 21 June 2005: 'Animals are good for you – be good to them' this is the message that Healthy Happy Horse carries, IFAH-Europe's colourful horse model, an artwork by Belgian artist Veronique Sabban, representing the animal health industry's commitment to improving the quality of life for both animals and people. IFAH-Europe's horse model is part of the 'Horse Parade Belgium', which opens today in Brussels.

IE Press Release 15 Lisbon agenda

IFAH-Europe expresses support to the Lisbon Agenda objectives and gives recommendations to achieve them
Brussels, Belgium, 17 June 2005: IFAH-Europe organised a conference in Brussels on 16 June 2023 on the contribution of the Animal Health industry to the Lisbon Agenda. An efficient transfer of research results and a predictable, science-based and harmonised regulatory framework were identified as key elements to ensure competitiveness, innovation and sustainability in Europe in the animal health sector.

IE Press Release 14 New Managing Director

Declan O’Brien appointed Managing Director of IFAH-Europe,
Susanne Zänker to take on Senior Position in another industry association
Brussels, Belgium, 19 April 2005: After more than 12 years of involvement with the European animal health industry association, IFAH-Europe, previously FEDESA, Susanne Zänker will leave her current post in July to become General Director of A.I.S.E., the international association for soaps, detergents and maintenance products in Europe.

IE Press Release 13 New Council

IFAH-Europe appoints new Directors to its Council
Brussels, Belgium, 10 February 2005: IFAH-Europe elected the new members of its decision-making body, the Council, and its Chair on 10 February 2005. The Council of IFAH-Europe is comprised of five representatives from Member Companies and five representatives from National Associations.

IE Press Release 12 ETPGAH

Industry leads a European Technology Platform for Global Animal Health
An initiative to develop and deliver tools to control animal disease
Brussels, Belgium, 20 December 2004: A high level group of stakeholders in the animal health sector lead by industry has decided to establish a European Technology Platform for Global Animal Health. The group comprises representatives from the animal health industry, small biotechnology enterprises, research institutions, regulatory authorities at the European level and the financial world.

IE Press release 11 TOPRA conference

IFAH-Europe at TOPRA Conference:
supporting new veterinary medicines legislation and addressing some concerns
Brussels, Belgium, 10 November 2004: IFAH-Europe reiterated its support for the new EU veterinary legislation while expressing some concerns during the TOPRA Conference of 26 to 28 October on the new human and veterinary medicines legislation entitled ‘Impact 2005: ‘Getting started with the New Legislation’. IFAH-Europe also used the event to launch its revised brochure: ‘The Marketing Authorisation Process for Veterinary Medicinal Products in Europe’.

IE Press Release 10 Managing Director

Managing Director Appointed at IFAH-Europe
European animal health industry representation enhanced
Brussels, Belgium, 27 October 2004: IFAH-Europe is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Susanne Zänker as its Managing Director. She will take up her new position on 1 November 2004.

IE Press Release 9 conference

IFAH-Europe continues to contribute towards improving the quality of life for animals and people
Brussels, Belgium, 4 June 2004: IFAH-Europe demonstrated its continued contribution towards improving the quality of life for animals and people at an event organised in Paris, France, on 26 May. Over fifty representatives from the animal health industry and other stakeholders, including the OIE, the WHO, EU regulatory authorities and journalists attended.

IE Press Release 8 GVP Guide

IFAH-Europe launches its Good Veterinary Pharmacovigilance Practice Guide
Brussels, Belgium, 21 April 2004: IFAH-Europe launches its Good Veterinary Pharmacovigilance Practice Guide at theits Info Day on Good Veterinary Pharmacovigilance Practice. This Info Day has been organised to underline the animal health industry’s responsible attitude towards its obligations concerning pharmacovigilance.

IFAH-Europe press release 7 New VetMed legislation

Council adopts the new legislation for veterinary medicinal products
Brussels, Belgium, 18 March 2004: The Council formally adopted the proposed new legislation covering human and veterinary medicinal products on 11 March 2004. The Council’s decision marked the end of its second reading of the legislative package review and more than two years of debate within the co-decision procedure.