Animal diseases and welfare in Finland 2002
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry 2003
[suomeksi]Part I: Animal diseases in Finland in 2002
1. Prevention of animal diseases
The Department of Food and Health of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is the supreme authority responsible for the prevention and monitoring of animal diseases. Provincial veterinary officers carry out duties related to the implementation of legislation in the provinces, and municipal veterinarians and veterinary officers (meat inspection) carry out the duties locally. Border inspection veterinarians are responsible for the prevention of animal diseases through veterinary border inspections. The National Veterinary and Food Research Institute (EELA) carries out examinations related to the implementation of the legislation.
If the owner or keeper of an animal, or a veterinarian other than the municipal veterinarian, suspects an outbreak of an animal disease that is notifiable according to animal disease legislation on the farm, he or she must report this to the municipal veterinarian or, failing this, to the provincial veterinary officer, who reports the suspected outbreak to the Department of Food and Health at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Finland follows the Community legislation concerning the identification and registration of animals. All cattle, pig, sheep and goat farms and laying hen units are included in an official national register. Farms must keep a list of their animals, where bovines are identified individually and pigs, sheep and goats collectively (by groups) based on the changes in the number of animals in the location. Bovines must be identified individually by two eartags and all movement of animals must be notified to the register within seven days from the movement. Pigs are identified by either tattoos or eartags showing the farm. Animals must be identified before they are moved from the location where they were born. All movement of pigs must be notified to the register collectively within seven days from the movement. Sheep and goats are identified individually by eartags by the time they leave the location were they were born.
2. World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) List A diseases
There were no outbreaks of any of the List A diseases in Finland in 2002. The last outbreak of such a disease in Finland was in 1996, when Newcastle disease was isolated in farmed wild birds. There were no cases of Newcastle disease in poultry, and the outbreak did not affect the non-vaccinating status of Finland for Newcastle disease, granted to Finland by the European Union during accession negotiations (Commission Decision 94/963/EC of 28 December 1994). Non-vaccinating status can only be maintained if annual serological testing for Newcastle disease antibodies is carried out on all poultry breeding farms. Such testing has been carried out in Finland since 1993, and in 2002 a total of 5,185 individual blood samples were tested. All samples were negative.
The previous outbreak of a so-called List A disease in Finland was in 1971, and this, too, was Newcastle disease. Table 1 presents the outbreaks of diseases included in List A of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) in Finland.
Table 1. Outbreaks of OIE List A diseases in Finland. The year shows when the disease was last diagnosed in Finland.
3. OIE List B diseases and other diseases to be officially controlled
Most of the List B diseases do not occur in Finland and, with certain exceptions, those List B diseases which do occur are rare.
3.1. Multiple species diseases
Table 2. Outbreaks of OIE List B multiple species diseases in Finland. The year shows when the disease was last diagnosed in Finland.
Anthrax
One cattle herd in 1988.Aujeszky's disease (= pseudorabies)
As a result of its disease-free status, Finland has been granted additional guarantees relating to Aujeszky's disease under Commission Decision 94/961/EC of 28 December 1994. In 2002 testing covered a total of 12,609 pig blood samples collected from slaughterhouses at random. Samples collected at different times represented 6,598 farms, which means that, on average, the altogether 3,822 Finnish pig farms were tested 1.7 times. In addition to this, 5,675 blood samples from A.I. boars and farms included in the voluntary health control programme for pigs were tested. All samples were negative.Echinococcosis
In 2002 21 reindeer were found to be infected with Echinococcus granulosus (63,358 reindeer were tested). The screening of the lungs of moose was started in 2001 to detect changes caused by the Echinococcus parasite. Of the 240 moose lungs examined in 2002 samples from four animals shot in Sotkamo showed changes due to Echinococcus. All the 338,425 bovines, 39,166 sheep and goats, 2,175,438 pigs, 1,323 horses and 1,948 moose tested in meat inspections were free from the Echinococcus parasite. Infections due to Echinococcus granulosus seem to occur mainly in reindeer in Eastern Lapland, in addition to the four moose and a few wolves, which means that the situation can in this respect be considered good in Finland. No indications of E. multilocularis have been found in these examinations. Most of the imported cats and dogs must be accompanied by a certificate issued by a veterinarian showing that they have been medicated against the parasite.Leptospirosis
In 1998 and 1999 a total of 2,720 pig blood samples were collected and 12.9 % of these were seropositive. Of the 1,460 samples examined in 2000 13.6 % were positive, 4.2 % of the 780 samples examined in 2001 were positive, and 1.5 % of the 926 samples examined in 2002 were seropositive for leptospirosis. The results from 1999 and 2000 include the results from the monitoring of fattening pigs, which increased the number of positive samples compared to the situation in 2001 and 2002, when only the statutory testing of research stations and A.I. boars was carried out. In 2002 four imported pigs were examined, with negative results. In 2002 the most common serotype was L. hardjo (10 samples). The levels of antibodies were low (the highest levels were 1:400 in three samples) and there is no certainty of their significance. In 2002 five pigs were examined specifically for leptospirosis; all samples tested negative. 215 bovines were examined for leptospira antibodies, and these samples were also negative.Rabies
In 2002 there were no cases of rabies. During the year the brains of 524 animals were examined for rabies.The last case of rabies in Finland dates back to 16 February 1989. Finland was declared free of rabies at the end of February 1991, i.e. when two years had lapsed from the last confirmed case.
In order to prevent a new outbreak of rabies, the annual vaccination of wild animals continued in the autumn of 2002. A total of 80,000 baits containing rabies vaccine were dropped from the air along Finland's south-east border covering an area 20-30 kilometres wide and 250 kilometres long. The vaccination programme was started in 1988. In 2000 cooperation was started with the Russian veterinary authorities to extend the area treated with vaccines, including the collection of samples to the Russian territory. The vaccinations were carried out in May 2003. The vaccination of hunting dogs against rabies remains obligatory, and the vaccination of all other dogs and cats is also recommended. A valid rabies vaccination certificate is required when importing dogs and cats aged over three months into Finland, with the exception of animals imported from rabies-free countries (Ireland, Great Britain, Sweden, Norway (except for Spitzenbergen), Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan).
Paratuberculosis
Paratuberculosis was found in an imported beef animal in 1992. This was the first case of the disease in Finland since 1920. Since then paratuberculosis has been found on three farms rearing beef cattle, the last case in 1999. In Finland paratuberculosis has never been diagnosed in other ruminants.Towards the end of 1998 a pilot project to find out the occurrence of paratuberculosis in dairy herds was started. The project is coordinated by the National Veterinary and Food Research Institute EELA and the National Food Agency ETT, and altogether 83 breeding bull herds took part in the voluntary screening. No paratuberculosis was found in 1998-2002, and the project continues in 2003. In 2000 and 2001 a project was carried out where suckler cow herds were also screened for paratuberculosis. By the end of 2001 one symptomless infection had been diagnosed.
3.2. Cattle diseases
OIE List B diseases
Table 3. Outbreaks of OIE List B cattle diseases in Finland. The year shows when the disease was last diagnosed in Finland.
Babesiosis (Red-water fever)
According to the monthly reports submitted by the municipal veterinarians, a total of 74 cases of babesiosis were diagnosed in 2002.Brucellosis (Brucella abortus)
Brucellosis prevention was started in Finland as early as the 1920s. Because Finland is free of this disease, it has been granted an officially bovine brucellosis-free status (Commission Decision 94/960/EC of 28 December 1994, last confirmed by Commission Decision 2000/69/EC). Maintaining the disease-free status calls for the testing of all suspected cases of brucellosis and implementation of regular national screening programmes.Dairy herds have been tested annually through screening programmes since 1990 (Table 4) and beef cattle by sampling since 1994 (Table 5). All A.I. bulls in the insemination centres and all new bulls coming to the insemination centres and their herds of origin are tested annually. Samples are also taken in connection with cases of abortion. In 2002 this led to the testing of 946 blood samples from cattle herds. All samples were negative. Organ samples of 45 animals and blood samples of 72 animals were tested due to suspected disease, and these were all negative as well.
Bovine tuberculosis
The last outbreak of bovine tuberculosis in Finland was limited to one cattle herd in 1982. Tuberculosis control started in Finland at the beginning of the century. Today it is mainly based on testing undertaken at meat inspection. No positive cases were diagnosed in 2002. All the four samples from suspected bovines, 47 from pigs and seven from zoo animals tested negative for the Mycobacterium bovis bacterium.Because it is free of the disease, Finland was granted officially bovine tuberculosis -free status in 1994 (Commission Decision 94/959/ EC of 28 December 1994, most recently confirmed by Commission Decision 2000/69/EC). A health control programme for the prevention of tuberculosis in deer was launched in 1997. All the 24 samples examined in 2002 tested negative for the M. bovis bacterium.
Cysticercosis
In 2002 one case of cysticercosis in bovines was diagnosed in Finland (Cysticercus bovis / Taenia saginata). This was the first case for a long time: the previous finding dates back to 1996.Table 4. Bulk milk survey at dairy farms in 1990-2002. One pooled milk sample per year was taken from each farm. In 1991-2002 the testing covered practically all Finnish dairy farms.
Table 5. Blood samples from beef cattle in 1993-2002. Since 1995 most samples have been taken at slaughterhouses.
Enzootic bovine leukosis
The prevention of bovine leukosis was started in the 1960s. At the end of 1996 Finland informed the European Commission that, with the exception of Åland, the country was free from leukosis in accordance with Council Directive 64/432/EEC. In 1997 Åland started to monitor its leukosis status, with the objective of reaching a leukosis-free status. No cases of leukosis occurred in Åland from 1997 to 2002, and from 13 July 1999 the leukosis-free status has covered Åland as well (Commission Decision 1999/465/EC).The national leukosis screening programme introduced in 1990 continued in 2002. Since 1991 all Finnish dairy herds have been screened annually for leukosis by means of pooled milk samples (Table 4). Individual blood samples from beef cattle have been tested since 1993 (Table 5).
In addition to the screening programme, 1,527 further blood and milk samples collected from cattle herds in suspected leukosis cases and relating to artificial insemination were tested in 2002. No leukosis positive samples were found.
IBR/IPV (Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis / infectious pustular vulvovaginitis)
As a result of its disease-free status, Finland has been granted additional guarantees relating to IBR/IPV (Commission Decision 94/962/EC of 28 December1994).The first case of the disease was diagnosed in 1990 in a sample survey of dairy herds. A total of six dairy herds were found to be infected. The last positive herd was slaughtered in the summer of 1994.
Dairy herds have been tested annually since 1990 (Table 4). Individual blood samples from beef cattle have been examined since 1993 (Table 5). In addition to the screening programme, 1,524 further milk and blood samples collected under the health control programme of A.I. bulls were tested in 2002. All results were negative.
Malignant catarrhal fever
Isolated cases of herpes virus induced malignant catarrhal fever have been diagnosed in Finland. In 1999 one case was diagnosed. Based on monthly reports of the municipal veterinarians, no cases were found in 2002.BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy)
In 2001 considerable amendments were made in the Community legislation concerning the TSEs. As a result of this, the testing for BSE of all bovines over 24 months of age subject to emergency slaughtering, testing of samples from dead bovines over 24 months of age and of bovines over 30 months of age subject to normal slaughter by the rapid tests was started in Finland as well. Finland, Sweden and Austria were granted an exemption, allowing them to derogate from the testing of dead animals in sparsely populated areas. A national centralised collection system for carcasses was started to increase the testing of dead animals in densely populated areas. In 2002 altogether 137,317 bovines were tested for BSE in Finland. Of these 7,549 were fallen stock, 9,241 were emergency slaughtered, 5,843 had shown clinical signs at ante mortem inspection, 114,678 were slaughtered normally and six were suspected due to clinical signs.No cases of BSE were found in Finland in 2002. The only case in Finland so far was found in December 2001. The cow in question was six years old. The mandatory testing was immediately extended to cover all cows over 30 months of age subject to normal slaughter, and the derogation concerning sparsely populated areas was removed.
The feeding of ruminants with imported meat-and-bone meal was banned in 1990. In 1994 the feeding of ruminants with meat-based waste was banned, and from 1995 the feeding of ruminants with mammalian meat-and-bone meal of Finnish origin has also been banned. From the beginning of 2001 the raw materials, transport and production processes of bovine feedingstuffs were strictly separated from all other production, and the use of meat-and-bone meal in the feeding of all animals intended for human consumption was banned.
Other cattle diseases
Bovine salmonellosis
In 2002 restrictive measures were imposed on a total of 10 cattle herds as a result of salmonellosis. Salmonellosis was diagnosed on six new farms. The serotypes found where S. Typhimurium, S. Infantis, S. Kentucky, S. Konstanz and S. Tennessee. At the end of the year only one cattle herds was subject to restrictive measures because of salmonellosis. In these statistics only herds were salmonella has been isolated in the excrement of an animal is considered a salmonella positive herd.Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD)
The voluntary BVD control programme launched in Finland in 1994 continued in 2002. Through national bulk milk sampling, 58 herds were found to have antibodies against the BVD virus in 2002, and five of these were positive for the first time. In the BVD testing of beef cattle, seven antibody-positive samples were found among the total of 2,816 individual blood samples tested. The positive samples came from seven different herds. Bovines excreting the virus were found in three herds of beef animals. Two of them were dairy farms where BVD cleanup was being carried out and the third was a beef cattle unit where the animals excreting the virus came from a dairy farm.BRSV
The incidence of bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and corona virus in dairy herds in spring 2001 was investigated by testing the antibodies in tank milk in the same dairy herds selected by random sampling as in spring 2000. No such investigation was carried out in 2002. In 2001 BRSV antibodies were found in 41 % of the samples (about 23 % in 2000). BSRV antibodies occur in all parts of the country, but larger quantities were found in the south-western parts of the Province of Oulu and the Vaasa region, where in some places as many as 75 % of the herds carried the antibodies. This is not the first time this virus infection has been diagnosed in Finland: antibodies were found already in the 1980s and in 1990-1991 there were epidemics in Uusimaa and Häme, with very strong respiratory tract symptoms. In spring 2000 there was a very serious epidemic in Ostrobothnia. In 2001 corona virus antibodies were found in 52 % of the dairy herds (about 41 % in 2000).3.3. Sheep and goat diseases
OIE List B diseases
Table 6. Outbreaks of OIE List B sheep and goat diseases in Finland. The year shows when the disease was last diagnosed in Finland.
Brucella melitensis
Brucella melitensis has never been diagnosed in Finland. Because Finland is free of the disease, it has been granted an officially Brucella melitensis-free status (Commission Decision 94/965/EC of 28 December 1994). A disease-free status can only be maintained if annual antibody testing is carried out. In 2002 a total of 4,255 blood samples originating from 317 sheep flocks and 1,143 blood samples originating from 45 goat flocks were tested serologically. In addition to these, three aborted sheep and four aborted goats were examined. All results were negative.Lentivirus infections in small ruminants, i.e. ovine Maedi-Visna and CAE
Maedi-Visna was diagnosed in Finland for the first time in 1981 in imported sheep that were under quarantine. So far, samples originating from 14 different Finnish farms have tested positive, and the animals concerned have been slaughtered. The first comprehensive serological Maedi-Visna and CAE screening programme was carried out in 1994 (Table 7). A Maedi-Visna control programme, based on voluntary participation, was launched in connection with the screening. In 2001 the Maedi-Visna health control programme for sheep and CAE programme for goats became mandatory to all flocks with more than 20 ewes or she-goats. In 2002 a total of 16,783 sheep blood samples from 320 farms were tested for Maedi-Visna. Antibodies were found in one sample.In 2002 1,143 goat blood samples from 45 farms were tested; all with negative results.
Table 7. Blood samples from sheep and goat flocks in 1994-2002. Samples were taken from animals over one year of age.
Scrapie
The first case of scrapie in Finland was found 2002 in connection with the national scrapie control programme. The goat was five years old and it was born in Finland. On the farm concerned there were 44 goats and 6 sheep. The goat showed no other clinical signs except for lowered milk yield. Two other animals from the farm and one from a contact farm tested positive for scrapie when the infected and contact flocks and cohorts were destroyed. Since 1995 slaughter material has been screened for sheep scrapie. Under a Decision on the control of scrapie issued by the Department of Food and Health of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, which entered into force in 1997, all flocks with more than 40 ewes or she-goats must participate in scrapie control programme for farms. The participating farms are inspected at least once a year by the municipal veterinarian. At regular intervals the farms must also send the heads of some over two-year-old sheep or goats for examination. All Finnish farms must report over two-year-old sheep or goats with CNS symptoms. If the animal does not recover, the head of the animal is also sent for examination. A monitoring programme for scrapie based on the EU legislation was started in 2002. Under this programme at least 1,900 sheep or goats of over 18 months which are slaughtered for food must be examined, together with 250 dead animals.Table 8. The number of sheep and goats examined for scrapie in 1995-2002. In 1995-2001 histopathological method and in 2002 the rapid test approved by the Commission was used.
Other sheep diseases
Sheep salmonellosis
In 2002 there were no cases of salmonellosis on sheep farms.3.4. Equine diseases
OIE List B diseases
Table 9. Outbreaks of OIE List B equine diseases in Finland. The year shows when the disease was last diagnosed in Finland.
Contagious equine metritis (CEM)
All stallions kept for breeding must be tested annually for Taylorella equigenitalis causing CEM before the start of the breeding season, except for Finnish horse stallions as they are tested when accepted for breeding. In 2002 a total of 253 samples from horses belonging to 181 different owners were tested. T. equigenitalis was isolated in two horses.Horse influenza
In 2002 81 samples were sent to be tested for horse influenza antibodies, and 52 of these were positive for serum antibodies against Type H3N8(A2). In national and international races all participating horses must be vaccinated. Vaccination is not compulsory for trotting-horses.Equine rhinopneumonitis/viral abortion
Herpes virus infections (EHV1 and EHV4 as the causative agents) are quite common in Finland. Abortions, respiratory tract and CNS symptoms have been observed in isolated clinical cases. In 2002 the herpes virus was not isolated from any of the aborted foetuses or other samples (27) subjected to virological examination at the National Veterinary and Food Research Institute. Antibodies were detected in 56 % (55/98) of the diagnostic serum samples from the same year. Antibodies of EHV-1, which unlike EHV-4 causes both viral abortion and CNS symptoms, where diagnosed in three serum samples.Equine viral arteritis
In the 1990s antibodies against equine viral arteritis were detected in about 20 % of the horses tested. There have been no outbreaks of mass abortion in Finland. In 2002 the National Veterinary and Food Research Institute tested 141 samples serologically for viral arteritis, 45 of which were positive. 40 samples were tested virologically, part of them from the same horses. The virus was isolated in five samples.Piroplasmosis
Clinical piroplasmosis has never been diagnosed in Finland. Isolated cases of antibodies have been detected from serum samples of imported horses. In 2002 no samples were tested for piroplasmosis antibodies.Other equine diseases
Of bacterial infections, there were 46 cases of strangles in 2002. 34 serum samples were examined for Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies, and two of these were positive. 34 serum samples were tested for Granulocytic ehrlichiosis (E. equi), eight of them positive. Most of the positive samples came from Åland.
3.5. Pig diseases
OIE List B diseases
Table 10. Outbreaks of OIE List B swine diseases in Finland. The year shows when the disease was last diagnosed in Finland.
Atrophic rhinitis
No cases of atrophic rhinitis were diagnosed in 2002. In 2001 the agent causing atrophic rhinitis, toxin-producing Pasteurella multocida, was isolated in the snout of one pig at a test station. Toxin-producing Pasteurella sp. was isolated in the snout of another test station pig, but the more detailed definition of the species did not succeed. No symptoms of atrophic rhinitis occurred and the source of the infection could not be traced.Brucellosis (brucella suis)
Brucella suis has never been diagnosed in Finland. In 1999 Finland applied to the European Commission for additional guarantees for brucellosis in pigs, and the application is still pending. Blood samples collected annually from slaughterhouses are also tested for brucella suis. The numbers of animals tested are given in Table 11. Blood samples sent to the strain test stations and centres for rearing A.I. boars from farms included in the voluntary health control programme for pigs are examined for brucellosis. In 2002 100 organ samples and 17 serum samples were tested due to suspected disease, but all results were negative.TGE (transmissible gastroenteritis) and PRCV (porcine respiratory corona virus)
TGE has not been isolated in Finland since 1981, when there were two confirmed cases, both of foreign origin. As a result of its disease-free status, Finland has been granted additional guarantees relating to TGE under the EEA Treaty (Decision 68/94/COL of 27 June 1994 by the Supervisory Authority of EFTA), which have remained effective after the accession to the European Union.In 1992 an annual screening programme was launched, where random blood samples from breeding sows, breeding boars and fattening pigs are collected from slaughterhouses. The number of samples collected is proportional to the number of animals slaughtered at each slaughterhouse (Table 11). In 2002 all samples tested for TGE were also negative for PRCV, which has never occurred in Finland.
Trichinosis
The meat inspection of pigs, horses and carnivorous game (bear, wild boar, etc.) always includes a laboratory test for trichinae. If trichinae are found, the entire carcass is destroyed. In the 1980s and 1990s, trichinae were annually found in meat inspections from pigs coming from 0-20 farms. In 2002 trichinae were found in two pigs originating from the same farm. Altogether 2,175,438 pigs were examined. Trichinosis was also diagnosed in two farmed wild boars which came from the same farm. Altogether 1,221 farmed wild boars were examined. No trichinae were found in horses (total of 1,323 animals examined). In 2002 trichinae were found in 32 lynxes, 11 raccoon dogs, 10 foxes, one bear, five wolves and two rats.PRRS (porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome)
PRRS testing is part of both the compulsory (statutory) health monitoring programme of boar centres and the voluntary health control programme for pig farms. As a result of a suspected case of PRRS, 31 samples were tested serologically. All the tested samples were negative.Table 11. Screening blood samples from sows, boars and fattening pigs in 1991-2002. All the results were negative, except for leptospirosis. In 1991-1997 all samples were taken at slaughterhouses. In 1998-2002 blood samples from slaughterhouses were tested for brucellosis, Aujeszky's disease and TGE. Other results are from samples relating to health control programmes.
Other pig diseases
Pig salmonellosis
In 2002 no salmonellosis was diagnosed on farms included in the health control programme for pigs.Voluntary health control programme for pigs
The programme must be implemented on farms which provide trial groups for test stations. The infectious diseases covered by the voluntary health control programme for pig farms are: enzootic pneumonia, atrophic rhinitis, dysentery, Actinobacillus pleuroneumoniae infection, Clostridium perfringens type C infection, salmonellosis, brucellosis and scab. Pig farms are also tested for Aujeszky's disease, SVD, PRRS, swine influenza, TGE/PRCV and classical swine fever. The reports by the provincial veterinary officers showed that in 2002 a total of 110 farms participated in the voluntary health control programme.Relating to the health control programmes, in 2002 5,675 blood samples from boar centres, breeding pig farms and wild boar farms (28 samples from 8 farms) were tested for Aujeszky's disease, 5,665 for classical swine fever, 5,475 for TGE, 5,342 for SVD, 5,615 for PRRS, 5,302 for swine influenza and 5,681 for porcine brucellosis. The figures are also presented in Table 11.
3.6. Poultry diseases
OIE List B diseases
Table 12. Outbreaks of OIE List B poultry diseases in Finland. The year shows when the disease was last diagnosed in Finland.
Avian tuberculosis
In 2002 no avian tuberculosis was diagnosed in poultry, but M. avium was isolated in three peacocks in a zoo.Infectious bursal disease (Gumboro disease)
The clinical Gumboro disease has not been found in Finland since 1993. The majority of breeding poultry and some of productive poultry are vaccinated against Gumboro disease.Marek's disease
Even if the number of cases of Marek's disease diagnosed at the National Veterinary and Food Research Institute is very small, this is still the most significant infectious disease of laying hens in Finland. All laying hens and the majority of breeding poultry are vaccinated against the disease.Other poultry diseases
TRT/SHS (Turkey rhinotracheitis / swollen head syndrome)
The incidence of ART (Avian Rhinotracheitis = TRT/SHS) has been monitored with serological testing since 1993, and the results were negative until May 1999, when ART was diagnosed in a breeding broiler house based on symptoms and positive antibody findings. Restrictive orders were imposed on the farm and later on all the birds from the farm were destroyed. No ART antibodies were detected prior to May 1999 or after the summer of 1999. In 2002 5,204 blood samples were tested, and all the results were negative.Based on its disease-free status, Finland has been granted additional guarantees relating to ART under the EEA Treaty (Decision 195/94/COL of 30 November 1994 by the Supervisory Authority of EFTA), which have remained effective after the accession to the European Union.
Poultry salmonellosis
In 2002 there were no cases of salmonellosis in laying or breeding flocks.Salmonellosis was found in two broiler breeding flocks. In both cases the serotype was S. Infantis. Salmonellosis was also diagnosed in 11 of the 3,157 broiler flocks examined. The distribution of the serotypes is shown in Table 13.
In the case of mother turkeys salmonella was diagnosed in one flock in 2002. The serotype was S. Agona. Of the 555 turkey flocks examined salmonella was found in three. The serotypes were S. Enteritidis and S. Agona.
Table 13. Salmonella-positive broiler flocks by serotype in 2002.
The general health status of Finnish poultry
In Finland the general health status of poultry was very good in 2002. The health monitoring for poultry, i.e. laying hens and broilers, introduced in 1989 was designed mainly for farms engaged in chick production. The objective of the programme is to monitor the effectiveness of vaccinations and the health status of participating farms. Today the health monitoring programme comprises the antibody testing for Gumboro disease, avian encephalomyelitis (AE), Mycoplasma gallisepticum and M. synoviae infection, avian infectious bronchitis (IB), avian infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) and blue wing disease (CAV). There have been no cases of avian infectious bronchitis (IB) or avian infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) in Finland. M. synoviae antibodies are occasionally found in mother hens.Under the health monitoring programme for turkeys, antibody testing is carried out for Mycoplasma gallisepticum, M. synoviae, M. meleagridis and ART (=TRT/SHS).
3.7. Lagomorph diseases
Table 14. Outbreaks of OIE List B lagomorph diseases in Finland. The year shows when the disease was last diagnosed in Finland.
Tularaemia
In recent years there have been 10-20 cases of tularaemia annually. In 2002 tularaemia was found in only four rabbits.3.8. Fish diseases
OIE List B diseases
Table 15. Outbreaks of OIE List B fish diseases in Finland. The year shows when the disease was last diagnosed in Finland.
Infectious haematopoietic necrosis (IHN)
IHN has never been diagnosed in FinlandViral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS)
The first VHS cases in Finland were diagnosed in spring 2000 in Åland and Pyhtää, and all three establishments were emptied and disinfected. The next case occurred towards the end of 2000 in Pyhtää. In 2001 four other cases were found in Åland and one in Pyhtää. In 2002 there were 12 new cases in Åland, almost all of them in units owned by the same entrepreneur. The Ministry or Agriculture and Forestry no longer ordered the establishments emptied and disinfected, but production stoppages are organised case by case, taking account of the production cycle of each unit. By Decision 2002/879/EC the Commission has approved a specific programme for the restricted areas in Pyhtää and Åland aimed at controlling and eradicating VHS and obtaining the disease-free status with regard to VHS and IHN for the whole country. To reach this objective the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry set up a work group to devise a VHS control programme, including concrete measures to combat the disease. The practices of the industry itself should also be revised to reduce the risk of spreading the disease. So far no VHS has been found in wild fish.Spring viraemia of carp (SVC)
In 2002 two cyprinid farms were tested for SVC. All the results were negative. Based on its disease-free status, Finland has applied to the European Union for additional guarantees concerning SVC.Table 16. Screening of fish farming establishments for VHS, IHN, IPN and SVC in 2000 and 2002.
* each pool contains samples from 10 fish
Epizootic haematopoietic necrosis (EHN)
In spring 2002 ESV was found in European sheatfish imported to Finland from Germany. ESV is one of the iridoviruses and it causes EHN. The virus was isolated in one-year old European sheatfish which had died soon after coming to Finland. The typing of the virus was confirmed at the end of October in examinations by both the National Veterinary and Food Research Institute and the EU reference laboratory for fish viruses in Denmark. According to a Decision by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, live fish may be moved from the establishment in Imatra only to be slaughtered and used for food. Sturgeons and eels from the establishment concerned may be moved to be raised in another plant approved by the provincial veterinary officer, provided that all water which has been in contact with the fish or their equipment is led to a waste water treatment plant or treated in a similar way. Roe may be used only for food. The restrictive orders are lifted when all the present fish material and roe has been removed and the plant has been disinfected. The purpose of the restrictions on the movement of fish is to prevent the spread of the EHN virus to natural waters.Other fish diseases
Gyrodactylus salaris
In Northern Lapland measures have been taken against Gyrodactylus salaris infection in the Rivers Tana and Neiden as well as Paatsjoki, Luttojoki and Uutuanjoki watercourses to prevent the spread of the parasite into the wild salmon stock of the Arctic Ocean. This protected area in Northern Finland was added to the Commission Decision on protective measures in 1997 (Commission Decision 96/490/EC, as amended 98/24/EC). No parasite has been found in this region since 1996, when the fish farming establishment located in the Paatsjoki region was emptied and closed down. The screening programme in the Rivers Tana and Neiden is carried out in cooperation between the Finnish and Norwegian authorities.Table 17. Examination of wild and farmed fish for Gyrodactylus salaris in Finnish watercourses discharging into the Arctic Ocean.
The parasite is relatively common in rainbow trout and salmon establishments in other parts of Finland and in the juvenile wild salmon in Torniojoki. No live fish may be taken from these areas to the protected area. In 2002 parasites of the Gyrodactylus genus were found at four fish farming establishments in Finland.
Infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN)
The monitoring of IPN is conducted using the same samples as in the examinations for IHN/VHS (Table 16). In 2002 IPN virus was detected in four fish farming establishments producing fish for human consumption located in the brackish water area and one freshwater establishment on the coast. Based on the control programme Finland has applied to the European Union for additional guarantees relating to IPN.Bacterial kidney disease (BKD)
The screening for BKD continued in 2002 (Table 18). In connection with the virus examinations a record high number of BKD was found in a total of 15 establishments raising rainbow trout in the sea area. Several inland establishments were traced where the latent bacterium is present. In 2002 the disease was found or confirmed in a total of five inland establishments and one establishment in the area where migratory species rise to spawn. Two of these establishments carried out a voluntary cleanup. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry prepared a Decree on preventing BKD, which enters into force in 2003. Based on the control programme Finland has applied to the European Union for additional guarantees relating to BKD.Table 18. Examinations for BKD in 1998-2002.
Furunculosis of salmonids
According to the statistics of the National Veterinary and Food Research Institute, in 2002 furunculosis was diagnosed in nine fish farming establishments, in some of them several times during the summer. Resistance to the bacterium has been monitored since 1986, when the disease was first diagnosed in Finland. The strains isolated so far are resistant at least to one of the three antimicrobial medicines used for fish (oxitetracycline, sulpha-trimethoprim and oxalic acid). Finland has applied to the European Union for additional guarantees for areas that are free from the disease.Piscirickettsia salmonis infection
Piscirickettsia salmonis infection has never been diagnosed in Finland.Infectious salmon anaemia (ISA)
Infectious salmon anaemia has never been diagnosed in Finland.Vibriosis
In 2002 the National Veterinary and Food Research Institute found no cases of vibriosis. Today almost all juvenile rainbow trout are vaccinated against furunculosis and vibriosis, which has reduced the incidence of these diseases.3.9 Fur animal diseases
In 2002 most of the fur animals examined at the National Veterinary and Food Research Institute were blue foxes or minks. As in the previous years, infectious diseases have been kept well under control on fur farms. No haemorrhaging pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium was detected in 2002. In 2000 this was found on two Finnish mink farms.
Like in the previous years, parvovirus was isolated as a secondary finding in some samples from minks. Clinical viral enteritis was found on one farm. More than 90 % of the mink kits are vaccinated against parvovirus. Some minks showed high levels of antibodies against parvovirus, which indicates that this still occurs on mink farms.
Intestinal adenomatosis was diagnosed on one farm rearing blue fox and HCC (fox encephalitis) was found on two farms.
In October 2002 about 50,000 fur animals, mainly blue foxes (Alopex lagopus) and some minks (Mustela vison), died of botulism caused by botulin of type C and D produced by Clostridium botulinum bacterium. Botulism spread in contaminated feed to altogether 95 farms within 12 municipalities in Ostrobothnia. The feedingstuff concerned came from a single feed mill. In Finland only minks are regularly vaccinated against botulism.
3.10. Bee diseases
OIE List B diseases
Table 19. Studies for OIE List B bee diseases carried out in Finland in 2002.
(*The examinations for acariosis of bees were carried out at the Agrifood Research Finland MTT)
American foulbrood
American foulbrood caused by the Paenibacillus larvae, which is a notifiable animal disease, is quite common in Finland. In 2002 29 restricted areas were set up in different parts of Finland.Acariosis
Acariosis of bees is a disease caused by an internal parasite, Acarapis woodi mite, which lives in the tracheae of adult bees. It was first encountered in Finland in 1991.Varroosis
The Varroa jacobsoni mite, an external parasite, was found for the first time in Finland in 1980. Since then it has gradually spread from South-East Finland to South-West Finland and to the southern parts of the Province of Lapland in the north.Other bee diseases
Other fairly common bee diseases in Finland are European foulbrood caused by Melissococcus pluton, chalk brood caused by Ascosphaera apis fungus and enteritis in adult bees caused by the Nosema apis microsporidian. Chalk brood was found in four of the 72 samples examined. The incidence of viral diseases has not been studied very much in Finland, but so far there have been no observations of serious viral diseases.
Part II: Animal welfare
Welfare of an animal consists of its psychological, physical and social welfare. It is difficult to clearly define the concept of welfare or to measure the state or degree of welfare. Therefore, we assess an animal's welfare according to its behaviour, the state of its health, various parameters that can be calculated for the animal, its productive capacity, and the quality and amount of the products it yields.
Considerable progress has been made in animal protection throughout Europe. Scientific research on animal health and welfare has produced a great deal of new information on the prerequisites of animal welfare and the basic needs of animals. There has also been a change in our views on the well-being of animals, their value, and the proper treatment and handling of animals. The rise in the standard of living and increase in human well-being have led to growing demands to improve the quality of life of animals as well. Even if man uses animals for food, clothing and other purposes, he has a moral obligation to respect all animals and satisfy the basic needs of the animals in his keeping.
Table 20. Number of domestic animals in Finland on 1 May 2002.
4. Animal welfare legislation
Legislation on animal protection sets out the minimum requirements for the places where animals are kept, for the breeding and rearing conditions, and for the care and treatment of animals. The law sets out the general principles for the humane treatment of animals and minimum requirements for all activities involving animals. Today's animal welfare legislation no longer aims solely at preventing unnecessary suffering and cruel treatment, but also at promoting animal health, happiness and general welfare.
Requirements concerning animal welfare are laid down in the Act on Animal Welfare (247/1996, as amended 1994/1996, 594/1998, 662/1999 and 891/2001), Decree on Animal Welfare (396/1996, as amended 402/1998, 425/2000 and 910/2002), Decree on the Transport of Animals (491/1996, as amended 1398/1997 and 955/1998) and Decree on Animal Experimentation (1076/1985, as amended 395/1996). More exact and detailed provisions on requirements for the keeping, care, treatment and handling of animals have been laid down in several Decisions issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The Decisions concern the keeping of different animal species and activities and measures involving animals.
Finland is party to all five conventions on animal protection of the Council of Europe. Finland signed the European Convention for the Protection of Animals during International Transport as early as 1975 and the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals Used for Experimental and Other Scientific Purposes in 1990. In 1992 Finland became party to the European Conventions on the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes, on the Protection of Pet Animals and on the Protection of Animals for Slaughter.
The objective of the Finnish Act on Animal Welfare is to protect animals from suffering, pain and distress in the best manner possible and to promote the welfare and good treatment of animals. The Act concerns all animals, both wild animals and animals kept by humans, such as pets, domestic animals and farmed animals. Acts, Decrees and Decisions of the Ministry lay down the conditions necessary to protect animals from suffering that can be avoided or prevented. An important principle in animal care is good treatment and the prevention of unnecessary suffering. When keeping animals, their health must be promoted and their physiological and behavioural needs must be taken into account.
The principles for keeping animals are laid down by legislation, but the persons caring for the animals are responsible for their well-being in practice. They become the animal's "next of kin", and the animal's welfare depends directly on their expertise, professional skills and work motivation.
4.1 Housing
The place where an animal is kept is its home: a familiar and safe haven. It must be large enough, sheltered, well-lit, clean, safe and appropriate in every respect. The housing system may not cause harm to an animal or endanger its health. It must be roomy enough to permit the animal to move about, stand and lie down in its natural position. It must be designed so as to permit the appropriate care and inspection of the animal. The animal must be adequately protected against inclement weather, excessive cold, heat and dampness. Conditions must be such that they allow the animal to remain healthy and in a good state of well-being, and it must be sufficiently ventilated to prevent dust, draft, noxious gases and excessive dampness from undermining the animal's health or welfare. The animal's immediate surroundings must permit it to satisfy its most important behavioural and physiological needs.
Efforts are made to design new ways of keeping animals that permit greater freedom of movement, such as free-stall barns and exercise yards. Both scientific studies and extensive practical experience testify to the importance of exercise in an animal's health and welfare.
4.2 Care and treatment of animals
An animal that depends on the care of humans must not be abandoned. Animals must never be treated or handled roughly or violently, but always in a calm and rational manner. They must not be unnecessarily frightened or excited. Their natural patterns of behaviour, for example, their herd instinct, must be taken advantage of when handling them. A relationship of mutual trust should exist between the animal and the person caring for it. Animals, too, need peace and sufficient rest. Their welfare and living conditions should be inspected regularly. Sick and weak animals and animals about to give birth need frequent checking and special care from their keeper. A sick or injured animal must receive adequate care without delay and if necessary it must be isolated from the other animals to ensure sufficient rest and peace.
An adequate supply of nourishment and drink suitable for the animal is essential to its welfare and health. The feed must be of good quality and composed so that it can be easily consumed by the animal. The feed must contain all the necessary nutrients in the correct proportions. It must not contain poisonous or hazardous substances or other impurities that may have a detrimental effect on the animal's welfare and health. Each animal's needs must be taken into account, and it must be ensured that each animal receives enough nourishment. If an animal is weaker or more timid than the others in a large herd, it may not get its portion of feed unless the stronger animals are prevented from dominating the feeding area.
In addition to food and drink, animals need other care, such as washing and grooming. It is important that animals have enough to do, and they should be offered opportunities to be active. Animals often obtain their food without much effort and in a compact form, and so they have plenty of spare time. Recently a great deal of attention has been directed at developing methods which would add interest into animals' lives.
4.3. Animal breeding and gene technology
According to the legislation, animal breeding must have regard to the animals' welfare and health. Animal breeding and breeding methods that may cause suffering or seriously impair an animal's health or welfare are prohibited.
The Act on Animal Welfare prohibits the use of gene technology to alter the quantity or quality of animal production if it detrimentally affects the animals' health or welfare. An animal's genotype can be altered with gene technology, but there is little experience or research data on the effect of this on the welfare of production animals.
4.4. Influencing performance or production
The Act on Animal Welfare prohibits animal doping, i.e. the use of drugs or similar substances or preparations to artificially improve, lower or maintain an animal's performance. Artificial improvement of the productivity of an animal with drugs or similar substances or preparations is likewise prohibited by the Act, unless it can be proved that these products do not harm the health or welfare of the animal. Special substances cannot be used to increase the productivity of an animal, unless it has been proven in scientific studies or through extensive experience that these substances are harmless to animals. An animal may neither be fattened nor may its productivity be increased by force-feeding.
If there is any reason to suspect that special substances or preparations have been used to boost an animal's performance, the animal welfare authority has a right to inspect the place where the animal is kept and take necessary samples. It is a routine procedure for associations arranging animal competitions to take samples from animals to ensure that an animal's performance is not being enhanced by dishonest means. The practice of taking random samples to control doping is particularly common in trotting-races.
4.5. Stray animals
The Act on Animal Welfare obligates municipalities to arrange temporary care for stray cats, dogs and other small pets found within municipal boundaries until the animal's owner or keeper claims the impounded pet. Already prior to the new Act on Animal Welfare, which entered into force in 1996, many municipalities had established animal shelters for the stray local pets on their own initiative. Shelters may also be established jointly by several municipalities.
An impounded animal is kept for a minimum of 15 days, after which the municipality has a right to sell, give away or put down an unclaimed animal. Most stray animals are returned to their owner, while some of them find a new home and owner through the municipal pound.
A municipality has a right to charge the owner for the impounding of the animal, the care it was given at the shelter or the cost of putting it down, should this be necessary.
4.6. Animal competitions, zoos and circuses
If an animal risks being exposed to pain, distress or excessive strain in a competition, the organiser must summon a veterinarian who will supervise the compliance with the animal welfare legislation. The organiser is liable for the related costs. The veterinarian must forbid the participation of an animal in the competition, if he or she suspects that the animal will be used in a manner that violates the statutes on animal welfare. If the owner of the animal refuses to comply with the prohibition issued by the veterinarian, it is the responsibility of the organiser of the competition to prevent the participation of the animal.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry may prohibit animal competitions and similar events where pain, distress or excessive strain may be caused to animals. Zoos, permanent and travelling animal shows, and circuses must obtain a permit from the State Provincial Office, and a permit may be revoked if the conditions laid down in the permit or animal welfare legislation are not complied with.
There are about 70 zoos and animal parks in Finland, most of which are rather small animal sanctuaries or farm enterprises. The biggest zoos are located in Helsinki (Korkeasaari Zoo), Ranua (Ranua Zoo), Ähtäri (Ähtäri Zoo), and Lieto (Zoolandia).
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has issued a Decision listing the animals that may be used in circuses and similar exhibitions where animals are taught to perform tricks. In Finland it is illegal, for example, to use predatory animals, primates, elephants, ostriches or seals in circuses, while domestic animals such as cats, dogs and horses, are allowed to perform to the public.
4.7. Animal nurseries, pet shops, trotting and riding stables and farmed game
The Act on Animal Welfare lists a number of activities that must be notified to the State Provincial Office before they are started. This applies to the professional or large-scale keeping of pets and hobby animals as well as any setting aside of fenced areas for game management and keeping game or other wild animals for production purposes. Accordingly, pet shops, animal nurseries, large trotting and riding stables and large kennels must notify the State Provincial Office of their activities. After receiving the notification, the State Provincial Office may prohibit the activities if they do not comply with the requirements laid down by the relevant legislation.
In Finland there are over 600 large kennels, pet nurseries and pet shops, about 660 trotting and riding stables, 140 farms raising e.g. ostriches, emus, wild boars or bison and 70 farms keeping animals for game management purposes.
4.8. Transport of animals
Transport causes animals considerable stress, which in many cases is unavoidable. Production animals need to be moved from the farm where they were born to the farm where they will be reared and, finally, to the slaughterhouse. Many animals travel around Europe to competitions, shows and for training. Family pets often go on holidays and other trips with their family.
In Finland transporting animals for financial gain is subject to a licence, which must be applied for from the State Provincial Office. A licence has been granted to 420 animal transport operators. The majority, over 70 %, of the operators consist of only one man and vehicle. The standard of vehicles used in animal transport is good in Finland, where the climate alone sets strict requirements for the vehicles.
The welfare of animals during transport and in all related operations is guaranteed under the Act on Animal Welfare and the Decree on the Transport of Animals. The animals must not be caused any unnecessary pain or distress at any stage during transport, loading or unloading. During transport they must be protected from injury and illness. An animal may not be transported if it is not fit for the intended journey and if no arrangements have been made to care for the animal during the journey and at the destination. A sick or injured animal may only be transported in exceptional cases. For example, transporting an animal to a veterinarian is allowed under specific conditions only.
As the standard of the vehicles in Finland is good and the drivers are skilled in their job, animals are guaranteed appropriate conditions during transport. Animals for slaughter travel in vehicles that are well equipped and maintained, and they have an opportunity to rest during transport. Before granting a licence for the transport of animals, the State Provincial Office checks that the drivers are well-trained professionals who will treat the animals properly and in compliance with the relevant rules.
4.9. Killing and slaughter of animals
An animal has to be killed as quickly and painlessly as possible, and this may only be done by a person who has sufficient expertise in this. Permissible killing methods for different animal species are prescribed in the Decree on Animal Welfare and in more detail in the related Decision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Slaughter is an essential part of the production chain for food of animal origin. Slaughter and related measures are subject to the same general principles that apply to any other treatment and handling of animals. An animal must not be caused unnecessary suffering, pain or distress while it is handled or kept in a slaughterhouse. The rule of thumb is that before bleeding the animal must be stunned quickly, efficiently and for a sufficiently long period of time. Bleeding must be started immediately after stunning. No other measures are to be performed on the animal before it is dead. In addition to meat inspection duties, the veterinary officer ensures that the slaughterhouse complies with the relevant legislation.
4.10. Animal welfare authorities and inspections
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry steers, guides and supervises the compliance with the animal welfare legislation. In the provinces, the compliance is supervised by provincial veterinary officers working for the State Provincial Officers. Municipal veterinarians, health inspectors and the police act as the local animal welfare authorities. Veterinary officers for meat inspection supervise the slaughterhouses and places of slaughter, and border inspection veterinarians are responsible for border crossings, exit points and veterinary border control points. The police are mainly responsible for controlling animal transport on roads.
There is a number of animal welfare inspectors authorised by the State Provincial Offices to make animal welfare inspections as provided by law. These inspectors cannot perform official duties but have to contact the competent authority who will take the measures necessary to improve animal welfare. At present there are over 30 animal welfare inspectors.
Various societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals have inspectors working as volunteers, but they do not have a statutory right to make inspections.
If there is any reason to suspect that an animal is being cared for, treated, used or transported in violation of the animal welfare legislation, the animal welfare authority has a right to perform an inspection. Inspections may be carried out without a suspected violation in places where operations are subject to a licence from or a notification to the State Provincial Office as referred to in the Act on Animal Welfare, such as zoos and animal shows, pet shops, nurseries for small animals, large kennels, circuses, game preserves, and trotting and riding stables. Similarly, inspections may be conducted at animal competitions and other such events, and the policy may inspect animal transport even in the absence of a suspected violation. Veterinary officers may inspect slaughterhouses and their surroundings even if there is no reason to suspect a violation. In 2002 veterinarians performed over 4,100 animal welfare inspections.
The person carrying out the inspection must have access to all the places where animals are kept and the right to take any necessary samples. The inspection covers the animals, the housing system and its condition, as well as the food, drink and equipment intended for the animals. The authority inspecting animal transport is naturally also entitled to check the means of transport.
4.11. Official measures
If an animal welfare inspection reveals a violation of the animal welfare legislation, the authority forbids the owner or keeper of the animal to continue the illegal activities or order him or her to comply with the minimum legal requirements regarding an animal's housing, conditions, care and treatment, and set a time limit for compliance with the order. After the time limit has expired, a new inspection is carried out at units concerned to ensure that the order given by the authority has been followed. If necessary, the State Provincial Office may reinforce the order by imposing a fine or stating that the matter may be dealt with at the defaulter's expense. In 2002 about 22% of the inspections led to orders or bans under the Act on Animal Welfare.
Advice and guidance given by the authorities on how to improve animal welfare constitute a highly significant part of the inspections. Advice is given in cases where the Act on Animal Welfare has not been violated, but where the environment, conditions and care of an animal can be improved by showing to the person caring for the animals on how to remove some of the minor defects observed.
If necessary, the inspector may take immediate measures to secure the welfare of an animal. The animal may be sent to be cared for elsewhere, or someone may be hired to safeguard the welfare of the animal. Feed or any other substance essential to the animal's welfare may be provided. The authority also has a right to sell the animal, have it slaughtered or killed. In the case of production animals it is usually best to hire someone to care for the animals or send the animals to the slaughterhouse. Small animals are usually taken to a nursery or kennel for care. Animals that are in an extremely poor condition are usually killed. In 2002 about 5 % of the inspections led to urgent measures.
4.12. Animal experiments
In Finland the use of vertebrate animals for experimental purposes is subject to a licence from the State Provincial Office. The Decree on Animal Experimentation lays down detailed conditions for experimentation, including provisions on the supervision of animal experiments, the use, purchase and keeping of animals, the qualifications of the persons performing the experiments and persons caring for the animals, and the supervision authority's right to stop an individual experiment or all animal experiments at the establishment.
In addition to the licence required for the establishments, each animal experiment requires a permit. If the experiment will cause the animal only slight pain or distress, or pain or distress of short duration, the committee set up at the institute may grant the permit. If the experiment may cause the animal a serious illness or substantial pain or distress, the permit is granted by the State Provincial Office.
Experiments on animals may be performed by a doctor, a veterinarian or another person who holds a university degree and has attended a course on animal experiments and the use of animals for scientific purposes. The institute must keep a list of all animal experiments performed and of the animals used classified by species. The list must be sent each year to the State Provincial Office to be forwarded to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, which compiles annual statistics of the animal experiments carried out in Finland and the animals used. These statistics are sent annually to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and to the European Commission.
The State Provincial Office is responsible for supervising animal experiments. Its representative has a right to be present at animal experiments and conduct necessary inspections and investigations concerning test animals, their keeping and care, and documents relating to the experiments. The State Provincial Office may interfere if an establishment or an individual animal experiment violates the statutes on animal welfare.
Figure 1. Share of different animals in the total use for animal experiments in 2002
Figure 2. Use of test animals for different types of experiments in 2001.
Table 20. Test animals used in Finland in 2000-2002
4.13. EU inspections
EU inspections are carried out at animal units to control the compliance with animal welfare directives. Animal transports are also inspected by conducting checks at loading and unloading places and on the road. The objective is to inspect 2% of all pig and calf units. In 2000 EU inspections were extended to laying hens and fur animals. In 2002 the EU inspections covered 10 % of the laying hen units and fur farms.
Inspections must be carried out by a veterinarian. The farms to be inspected are chosen by random sampling from the farm register, and inspections are carried out by municipal veterinarians. Provincial veterinary officers inspect animal transport vehicles on the road, while veterinary officers for meat inspection conduct inspections at the unloading bays of slaughterhouses. A special NCR form has been designed to help the veterinarian to make the inspection run as smoothly as possible and to ensure that all elements are covered during the inspection. The person responsible for the animals or establishment inspected receives one copy of the completed inspection form. The State Provincial Office compiles information on the inspections and any relevant issues arising in these. The results are sent to the Ministry, which in turn reports the outcome to the European Commission.
In 2002, inspections were carried out at a total of 89 pig units, 508 calf units, 82 hen units and 132 fur farms, and 317 animal transports were inspected. In calf units problems concerned the tethering of calves or housing calves in groups in too small pens. On fur farms shortcomings were found relating to records on treatment of illnesses and number of dead animals and measures to prevent animals from escaping. In some of the pig units e.g. straw and other stimuli were lacking. In five poultry units shortcomings were found in the records and cages.
In autumn 2002 the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry began the auditing of municipal veterinarians who carry out the EU animal welfare inspections. The objective is to harmonise the inspections and find out the needs for further training. During the autumn the auditing covered EU inspections carried out by five different municipal veterinarians.
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