National Regulations
In Germany, the Animal Health Act (TierGesG) (Federal Gazette 2013, Part I, No. 25, Page 1324) represents the legal basis for public animal disease control.
The Animal Health Act comprises regulations with regard to import, transit, and export of animals, animal products and raw materials and provides the basis for preventing the introduction of animal diseases from other countries. Furthermore, it contains regulations for national animal disease control. The measures for preventing the introduction of animal diseases from other countries and those for preventing and eradicating animal diseases within the country mutually complement one another.
Animal Health Act (in German language only) (Weblink Gesetze-im-Internet.de)
Notifiable Animal Diseases
The Regulation on Notifiable Animal Diseases (TierSeuchAnzV) as amended by the notification of 19 July 2011 (Federal Gazette I p. 1404), modified by Article 1 of the Regulation of 12 June 2013 (Federal Gazette I p. 1576), specifies the animal diseases notifiable in Germany.
Notifiable Animal Diseases (in German language only) (Weblink BMEL)
Reportable Animal Diseases
In addition to the notifiable animal diseases there also are “reportable” animal diseases. Reportable animal diseases are diseases which can be transmitted to domestic animals and fresh water fish. Although these animal diseases are not included into public disease control, they require continuous surveillance. Mandatory reporting has been introduced for animal diseases which have the potential to gain practical relevance and are uncomplicated to diagnose. Knowledge of the type, extent and development of these diseases is indispensable to take adequate control measures at an early stage. The Regulation on Reportable Animal Diseases as amended by the notification of 11 February 2011 (Federal Gazette I page 252), last modified by Article 5 of the Regulation of 17 April 2014 (Federal Gazette I p. 388) governs mandatory reporting.
Reportable Animal Diseases (in German language only) (Weblink BMEL)
European Regulations
The EU legislation on animal health governs the control measures for the most important animal diseases and the corresponding eradication and surveillance programs. The member states are responsible for application of the measures as prescribed by EU law. The EU supports the member states with regard to the expenses associated with the applied measures – this includes for example compensation payments for farmers suffering financial losses due to animal diseases.
general directives:
- Directive 2003/99/EC on the monitoring of zoonoses and zoonotic agents, amending Council Decision 90/424/EEC and repealing Council Directive 92/117/EEC last modified by directive 2006/104/EC
- Directive 2006/88/EC on animal health requirements for aquaculture animals and products thereof, and on the prevention and control of certain diseases in aquatic animals
- Directive 82/894/EEC on the notification of animal diseases within the Community, last modified by decision 2008/650/EC
- Directive 92/119/EEC introducing general Community measures for the control of certain animal disease and specific measures relating to swine vesicular disease, last modified by directive RL 2008/73/EC