Animaux + humains = une seule santé

EU Veterinary Week

Stop 2: Karlsruhe, Germany
12 November 2008

The roadshow set-up on the Market Square in Karlsruhe

The second stop for the EU Veterinary Week Roadshow was Karlsruhe, Germany. The day started with a press conference with Peter Haulk, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Areas of Baden-Württemberg. He was introduced by Dr Rudolf Kühner, President of the County of Karlsruhe, who warmly welcomed the EU Veterinary Week Roadshow to Karlsruhe. Dr Kühner emphasised the role of veterinarians in ensuring food safety and praised the event for bringing public attention to this fact.

Baden-Württemberg: taking charge of animal health

Minister Haulk addresses the crowd at the roadshow

Animal health and welfare are very important topics for the region given the high number of farms and food production and processing firms. As such, Baden-Württemberg has stepped up efforts to train veterinarians and highlighted the important role that they play in ensuring the safety of the food chain.

Minister Haulk spoke about the efforts being made to change the image of veterinarians. They are no longer only examining animals out in the countryside. Now, they have an important role to play in consumer protection given that animal health has such a strong impact on human health.

Animal health and welfare are key issues in Baden-Württemberg and the region has taken more action in this field than any other region in Germany. The EU Veterinary Week Roadshow coincides with other events taking place across the region to promote animal health and welfare and educate the public. The slogan One health: healthy animals = healthy people perfectly frames the efforts being taken by the region to raise public awareness.

And the roadshow goes on

Cutting the ribbon with Mr Jager, mayor of Karlsruhe, Minister Hauk and Dr Kuhner

After the press conference, Minister Haulk and Dr Kühner officially opened the Roadshow in Karlsruhe. Held in the market square in the city centre, the Roadshow van allowed passers-by to watch videos, access information and talk to the experts directly involved with animal health and welfare in the city and region. Minister Haulk, in his opening speech, again highlighted the importance of veterinarians in not just animal health but also human health, praising the efforts taken by the region in the field of animal welfare.

There were numerous representatives from the local ministry and veterinary organisation along with the EU’s Roadshow van at the outdoor event. Many people, from school children to grandparents, stopped by the tents, all curious about EU Veterinary Week. People enjoyed trying to make the origami pig and were excited about the calendar.

Next stop: Hanover, Germany.