Law No. 41/2025 on Animal Health.

This Law sets out a structured system for the prevention, monitoring, and control of transmissible animal diseases, including the classification of pathogens according to their epidemiological characteristics, economic implications, and potential impact on public health. It introduces a preventive approach based on surveillance programs, systematic data collection, and early detection mechanisms aimed at identifying disease outbreaks at an initial stage.
The Law contains detailed provisions regulating animal establishments and the movement of animals and reproductive materials. Facilities involved in animal production, breeding, or holding are required to implement biosecurity measures and maintain traceability through standardized record-keeping systems, including electronic documentation. The regulation of germinal products, such as semen, embryos, and ova, is addressed alongside the movement of live animals, with provisions intended to ensure traceability, genetic monitoring, and the control of disease transmission through breeding activities.
The “One Health” principle is incorporated into the legal structure, establishing a connection between animal health, human health, and environmental conditions. The Law includes provisions on the handling and disposal of animal by-products and veterinary waste, with requirements designed to limit environmental contamination. It also regulates the use of veterinary medicinal products, including antimicrobial substances, within the context of animal treatment and disease prevention, and introduces measures related to animal welfare as part of herd and population health management.
Specific sections of the Law address wildlife health and its interaction with domestic animal populations. These provisions authorize monitoring activities, data collection, and, where necessary, intervention measures in wildlife populations for the purpose of controlling diseases that may affect animals or humans. The Law includes references to zoonotic diseases and establishes procedures for coordination between relevant authorities in cases involving cross-species transmission risks.
The implementation of the Law is supported by a system of official controls, including inspections, sampling, and verification procedures carried out by competent veterinary authorities. It defines administrative responsibilities across different levels of governance and establishes enforcement mechanisms, including corrective measures and penalties in cases of non-compliance. These controls extend to various stages of the animal production chain, including feed production and distribution, which are regulated in relation to animal health requirements.