How climate change will hit animal health
"Climate change... may increase the presence of vectors such as ticks, mosquitoes and fleas".
Climate change may lead to Europe seeing more new diseases in animals and humans, IFAH-Europe is warning as it calls for more innovation in veterinary medicines.
"We are seeing incidences of animal disease in Europe that were not previously reported," said Roxanne Feller, the organisation's secretary general.
Examples include the introduction of Schmallenberg virus from Africa in 2011 and the threat of rift valley fever moving into Europe.
"Climate change and activity such as the creation of wetlands to offset impacts may increase the presence of vectors such as ticks, mosquitoes and fleas, increasing the threat of transmissible diseases," Feller continued.
Effective medicines for the prevention and treatment of many vector-borne diseases are currently lacking. While vaccination is one of the most effective methods of tackling these diseases, investment in this area often falls short due to the huge costs and resources needed for research.
The process of bringing new veterinary medicines to market can cost up to €129 million, taking between five and 11 years to complete.
IFAH-Europe, which represents the animal health industry, is calling for incentives for companies to develop new medicines.
With Europe potentially set to see more diseases of animals and humans, innovative medicines and vaccine banks must be available for our armoury, IFAH has warned.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
