Animal health, welfare and breeding

According to an annual programme, animal herds are monitored against 40 diseases in Estonia and it can be confirmed that the epidemiologic situation of the animal population in Estonia is good. Since 1994, Estonia has preserved the status of a state, which is free from especially infectious animal diseases.

The Veterinary and Food Board has started a programme to eliminate rabies from Estonia. In 2005, the oral immunization (bait-based vaccination) of wild animals was started.

Monitoring of animal holdings is carried out in Estonia and in case of discovered breaching of animal protection requirements, a misdemeanor procedure is initiated. The main violations have been discovered in case of keeping bovine animals. Transport of animals is under great attention.

In the field of breeding, the majority of work is formed by controlling the fulfillment of the Farm Animals Breeding Act and the requirements of other legal acts based on the Farm Animals Breeding Act and EU legal acts by a recognized breeders´ association, organizer of animal recording, preserver of endangered species and animal owner, also, the supervision of the fulfillment of breeding and preservation programmes. The supervisory officials will carry out supervision in the extent of 10% in herds subject to animal recording. In recognized breeder’s associations, monitoring is carried out every year.