Availability of veterinary care for livestock in the EU

Priority question for written answer P-001086/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Veronika Vrecionová (ECR)

There are reports of a shortfall in the number of veterinarians specialising in livestock in some Member States. This may have repercussions for animal health and welfare, food safety, veterinary supervision and the operation of agricultural businesses, particularly in rural areas.

• 1.From the perspective of EU law, can consideration be given to making changes to the training of veterinarians to allow for specialisation in livestock health during their studies?
• 2.Currently, veterinary education is mostly designed to provide a training in general veterinary medicine without undergraduate specialisation, which may lead to most graduates moving into pet medicine. Can consideration be given to offering dedicated study programmes or specialisations in livestock health, including, for instance, at universities with an agricultural focus?
• 3.To what extent would such changes fall within the competence of Member States, and are there instruments at EU level that could support such an educational approach?

Submitted: 17.3.2026