RDA calls for a national health agenda for the production animals in the Netherlands

The RDA has drawn up the opinion 'Health of production animals on the agenda' on its own initiative. According to the council, the subject is topical and relevant, because the context of Dutch livestock farming is changing rapidly. Animal welfare is receiving increasing attention from society and the agricultural sector is facing major challenges, including in the areas of climate change, nature and the environment. All of this has an impact on health care for production animals. The RDA notes that good results are achieved in health care for production animals with regulated programmes for the prevention and control of certain infectious diseases and the reduction of antibiotic use in livestock farming. There is broad support and clear government direction in this regard. However, for many other diseases and conditions, an organised, cross-company approach is lacking. Company-related conditions As a result, the approach to these is fragmented and often ineffective, according to ...