WAEMU objectives for veterinary legislation

摘要

The WAEMU, also known as UEMOA (I'Union Economique et Monetaire Ouest Africaine), is a sub-regional organisation the mission of which, as defined in its Treaty, is to achieve the economic integration of its Member Countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Coted'lvoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo) by improving their economic competitiveness within an open and competitive common market and a rationalised and harmonised legal environment.The WAEMU objectives for veterinary legislation stem from the relevant provisions of the Treaty, as well as from the objectives and concerns of the WAEMU agricultural policy. Within this context, the aim of veterinary legislation is to achieve the following objectives:1. To contribute to the smooth operation of the common market by encouraging trade in animals and animal products, harmonising production standards, placing animal products and inputs on the market and gradually removing non-tariff barriers (such as unjustified sanitary barriers to trade).2. To gradually establish a single animal health area, by decreeing common rules and measures for managing the safety of animals and animal products and introducing a community system of animal health control and surveillance.3. To contribute to food safety by improving the competitiveness of the animal production sectors.4. To improve access to international markets for animals and animal products.5. To harmonise veterinary practice in the WAEMU area.Major reforms have been introduced in connection with implementing the WAEMU agricultural policy, in the areas of: (i) harmonisation of legislation on veterinary medicinal products and the registration and quality control of veterinary medicinal products; (ii) the Veterinary Committee of WAEMU; (iii) animal production and food safety. Further community veterinary legislation is being drafted on: (i) the free movement and right of establishment of practitioners of veterinary medicine throughout the WAEMU area; (ii) theestablishment of a community system for the inspection of veterinary medicinal products; (iii) veterinary practice within WAEMU.