This proposal on the prevention, monitoring and control of animal diseases which are transmissible to animals or humans is extremely important for public health, as approximately 70% of our infectious diseases are common to both groups.

Many compromise amendments have been reached between the different political groups, including: a clear link between animal health and welfare (acknowledging that animals are sentient beings); empowering the Commission to adopt urgent measures to tackle diseases with a major impact on public health (with appropriate scrutiny); highlighting the growing problem of antibiotic resistance; the introduction of effective biosecurity measures along borders with third countries; mandatory registration for stray animals which can spread disease; and no repeal of recently adopted EU regulations (such as the beef labelling regulation) in order to keep these regulations under the ordinary legislative procedure.