Azernews.Az

The Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan with the support of experts from the European Union have prepared a concept of the national system of identification of animals and registration of farms.

It was announced at an event in connection with the termination of the twinning project 'Support of the state veterinary service of Azerbaijan in preparation of the national system of identification of animals and registration of farms'.

According to Agriculture Minister Ismet Abbasov, the lack of such a system obstructs the struggle against animal illnesses and impedes bringing thoroughbred horses to European markets.

The project has been implemented since 2011 with the financial support of the European Union.

According to the minister, as many as 53 veterinary surgeons from 12 regions of Azerbaijan have participated in the training for the preparation of the system. Visits of working groups of veterinary service experts have taken place to member states of the EU.

"Most of the recommendations prepared by the experts after all this training and seminars have been included into the concept of identification of animals and registration of farms. The concept has been prepared with the participation of experts from Spain and Poland, and reflects all the necessary recommendations and proposals compatible with EU legislation," Abbasov said.

According to him, adoption of this system will require modification of the current system in this field, including amendments to the laws 'on veterinary medicine' and 'on horse breeding', changes into the structure of the State veterinary system. It will require new registration of livestock farms and introduction of a new system of identification of animals according to their breeds and the start-up of the system in both traditional and electronic forms.

"Implementation of these measures requires a new administration system. It will improve the food security of the country and its position on international market of products of animal origin," the minister said.

According to the head of the EU delegation in Azerbaijan Roland Kobia and the vice ambassador of Poland in Azerbaijan Andrzej Kneifel, the sides are satisfied with the implementation of the project and are ready to continue cooperation with the government of Azerbaijan in the field of agriculture.