Press release n° 38 - 27 March 2002

Speaking with One Voice

Animal Health Industry moves to Harmonise Global Representation    

Brussels, March 27, 2002  

At the meeting of its 2002 General Assembly, the animal health industry voted in support of IFAH (the International Federation for Animal Health) progressing with its plans to harmonise representation of the industry at all levels worldwide and for it to strengthen its contribution as observer, in the working sessions of the main International Institutions such as the Codex Alimentarius, WHO, FAO and OIE.  

IFAH confirmed the election of Alan Reade (Merial) and Friedrich Berschauer (Bayer) as respectively IFAH’s new President and Vice-President.  

IFAH believes that harmonisation is vital for effective industry representation. To date, the industry’s representation has been through national, regional and global associations each of which has been separately funded by its members. IFAH now is convinced that the increasing globalisation of the market place, means that the industry must be able to respond to, and pursue a global agenda.  

The vote for harmonisation will allow IFAH to define global objectives and projects that will be effectively managed in an integrated way. National and regional associations will continue to play an integral role within the worldwide organisation helping to define priorities and implement projects. 

Priorities identified to date cover the food chain, safety and risk management, the continued availability of anti-microbials and the antibiotic resistance issue, the regulatory harmonisation worldwide and the interest for and acceptance by the authorities and consumers of innovative products.   

Commenting on the outcome of the General Assembly’s vote Alan Reade said: “The decision today allows the entire animal health industry to develop an effective framework through which it can contribute to debates and decisions being taken by governments and by other organisations which may affect it profoundly. The animal health industry is of huge significance to all of us. We depend on the health of the domestic and wild animal population for our human well-being. The health improvement of all animals and their welfare should also be accomplished with a profound respect of the environment.  

I am therefore delighted that following today’s agreement to proceed with our plans we will be able to move closer to providing our industry with the image and support that it rightfully deserves.”  

The 2002 General Assembly also reinforced its continuing support to the role IFAH plays as the secretariat to the Veterinary International Cooperation on Harmonization (VICH) and to IFAH seeking coalitions with allied global industry associations.  

Ends.  

For further information please contact Dr. Jean-Louis Delforge, Executive Director of IFAH (phone: +32-2-541-0111)