Strengthening Collaboration in Animal Health and Welfare Across Europe

On 15 October, the Animal Health & Welfare Collaborative Working Group (AH&W CWG), which serves as the European regional network of STAR IDAZ, held its plenary meeting in Krakow, Poland.

The meeting took place in the historic Radziwiłł Palace, which is part of the National Research Institute for Animal Production, and was attended by the Director of the Polish National Veterinary Institute (PIWet).

In total, 36 members from 10 countries, along with representatives from DG AGRI, EFSA, COPA-COGECA, and RefreSCAR, participated either in person or online.

Discussions during the meeting covered a wide range of topics, including:

• Updates on ongoing CWG activities
• Presentation of 2025–2026 country reports on animal health and welfare research priorities
• Deliberations on the sustainability of STAR IDAZ (www.star-idaz.net)
• An update on the European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare (www.eupahw.eu), including its expected extension until 2033

The group also explored possible collaboration between the Partnership and STAR IDAZ, proposed to begin in 2027. The AH&W CWG agreed that it should play a key role in shaping the Partnership’s exit strategy.

The meeting concluded with two scientific presentations: one on the epidemiological situation of animal health in Poland, and another highlighting the work of the animal welfare unit at the National Research Institute for Animal Production.