Animal feed addressed at OIE World Assembly

Held from 26 to 31 May 2019, the 87th General Session of the World Assembly of National Delegates of the OIE brought together representatives of 182 OIE Members and observers from international organisations that have signed an official agreement with the OIE, including IFIF, which has a formal cooperation agreement with the OIE since 2012.

Speaking to the delegates at the OIE World Assembly, Alexandra de Athayde, IFIF executive director, said that “cooperation between IFIF and OIE, in particular with the regards to the prevention and management of infectious diseases, including zoonotic diseases, is vital and our cooperation should strengthen linkages between feed safety and food safety.”

Biosecurity is a shared responsibility

Ms de Athayde highlighted that “animal nutrition is an important contributor to promote animal health and welfare. Through feed formulation, feed processing and access to nutritional innovation, the feed industry supports animals’ good health with high resilience capabilities to stressors.” “In addition, the feed industry is committed to strong biosecurity measures under our control to ensure feed safety and integrity. Biosecurity is a shared responsibility and we have to work together with all chain actors and stakeholders to ensure we can slow the spread of infectious diseases.” She added that “IFIF looks forward to continue to work with the OIE to contribute to improved animal health and productivity, which in the end leads to a positive contribution to public health, and to support the development, updating and implementation of OIE standards and guidelines.”