Andorra prepares agreement with Spain to strengthen animal disease detection
The protocol would provide access to specialist testing at Spain’s reference laboratories, with signing planned before the end of the year
Andorra and Spain are working on a memorandum of understanding that would allow reference laboratories run by Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to provide specialist testing services to the Principality.
The initiative aims to strengthen the control and surveillance of transmissible animal diseases. The two countries intend to finalise the text over the coming months and sign it before the end of the year.
Andorra’s Minister of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock, Guillem Casal, discussed the collaboration with his Spanish counterpart, Luis Planas, during a bilateral meeting in Córdoba.
The talks took place on the sidelines of the 12th Ibero-American Conference of Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries, according to the Andorran government.
Casal said the future collaboration “will allow Andorra to continue strengthening its mechanisms for prevention, surveillance and response to potential health emergencies”, while reinforcing cooperation with Spain.
Specialist testing to strengthen health surveillance
The proposed protocol would enable Andorra to use Spanish laboratory services whenever necessary. This new area of cooperation focuses on transmissible animal diseases and builds on the two countries’ existing collaboration in agricultural and livestock production, animal health and plant health.
During the meeting, Casal and Planas also highlighted coordination through the trilateral animal health meetings that Andorra holds annually with Spain and France, and expressed their willingness to deepen bilateral cooperation.
The ministers also welcomed the effective operation of the technical protocol facilitating the return of pallets and other wooden packaging originating in the European Union, with safeguards for traceability and compliance with phytosanitary requirements.
Technology for mountain livestock farming
During the conference sessions, Casal outlined Andorra’s commitment to applying new technologies to extensive livestock farming in mountain areas. He advocated tools that can improve farm management, productivity, animal welfare and health monitoring.
He also shared Andorra’s experience with the “One Health” approach, including the creation of an interministerial commission and measures addressing zoonotic diseases, vector surveillance, antimicrobial resistance and the impact of climate change on health.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Córdoba Declaration, reaffirming Ibero-American countries’ commitment to sustainable food production, food security and the fight against hunger and malnutrition.
The conference forms part of preparations for the 30th Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government, scheduled to take place in Madrid this autumn.