The welfare of animals in disaster situations

In 2017, the welfare of animals in disasters was identified as a new priority topic for the 2nd Action Plan of the OIE Platform on Animal Welfare for Europe.

The OIE Platform on Animal Welfare for Europe for in collaboration with the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale” / OIE Collaborating Center (IZSAM) have consequently developed a 3-year stepwise pilot approach on natural disaster preparedness which main objective is to assist the European OIE Member Countries build a culture of preparedness among Veterinary Services and relevant stakeholders. This is to encourage the development of Veterinary Services Contingency Plans (VS-CP) for animal welfare during natural disaster situations and ensure appropriate livestock, wildlife, and companion animal welfare assistance during and after natural disasters with flooding scenario used as an example.

• The first OIE regional workshop on the role of Veterinary Services on animal welfare in natural disasters for Balkan countries (26 - 28 November 2018 - Teramo, Italy)

• The second OIE regional workshop on the role of Veterinary Services on animal welfare in natural disasters for Balkan countries (28-30 October 2019 - Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina)

• The third OIE regional workshop on the role of Veterinary Services on animal welfare in natural disasters for Balkan countries (9 - 11 November 2021 - online workshop)