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For example, there are EU rules on transporting farm animals, to safeguard their welfare and prevent the spread of disease. These rules cover both when and for how long they may be transported, but also the requirements for moving animals within and into the EU including proper health certification. As regards biosecurity at borders, there are strict EU rules on what products of animal origin travellers can bring into the EU and how they can bring in their pets.

Member States are ultimately responsible for biosecurity, both at farm level and at borders. They have a duty to protect citizens from potential animal and public health risks. They implement and enforce measures adopted at EU level. Thus, they decide on issues such as how to train the relevant authorities on the rules and how they should be implemented in practice, for example when to check baggage in airports; how to provide information to stakeholders (farmers, veterinarians and travellers, for example) within their borders; and what penalties should be applied if the rules are broken.

What, therefore, is the benefit of EU action?

Since animal diseases do not respect borders, a coordinated strategy at EU level based on cooperation between all Member States is more efficient and effective than individual national approaches. In addition, harmonised legislation, enforced in each Member State, guarantees a high degree of preparedness for disease outbreaks and ensures equal standards of protection for EU citizens. It also allows for effective cooperation between Member States on disease prevention and control measures. In addition, it allows the free circulation of products of animal origin and of live animals within the EU.

Working closely together with non-EU countries and international organisations, the EU aims to reduce the global threat of animal diseases. Regular contact and information exchange occurs between the European Commission, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The European Commission is assisted by Committees to facilitate rapid communication and the adoption of legal acts. The Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health is the main committee for areas relating to food law, including animal health and welfare. Thanks to regular meetings, this committee generates confidence between Member States and helps to ensure that all necessary measures can be taken quickly and allow a prompt and efficient reaction to new outbreaks of disease in the EU. Furthermore, the EU provides financial assistance to affected countries, and shares its expertise with partners across the globe.

In addition, the Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) works to promote effective control systems in the food safety and quality, veterinary and plant health sectors; check on compliance with the requirements of EU food safety and quality, veterinary and plant health legislation within the EU and in third countries exporting to the EU; and helps develop EU policy in these sectors.

Also within the area of food safety, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is the keystone of EU risk assessment regarding food and feed safety. In close collaboration with national authorities and in open consultation with its stakeholders, EFSA provides independent scientific advice and clear communication on existing and emerging risks. Furthermore, the European Commission's Better Training for Safer Food is a training initiative covering food and feed law, animal health and welfare and plant health rules. It trains Member State and candidate country national authority staff involved in official controls in these areas.

The EU is also carrying out research to develop new methods to counter the effects of animal diseases. With up-to-date reports and detailed information on precautionary measures, the EU aims to keep the public well informed about the potential risks of such diseases.