Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has made several regulatory changes governing veterinary medical practices in Abu Dhabi.
The changes have been made to ensure animal health and reinforce biosecurity across the emirate by organising licensing procedures for veterinary establishments and their employees.
The new regulations also introduce administrative fines for violators, thereby guaranteeing adherence to legislation and enhancing public confidence in the safety of veterinary activities and the quality of services provided in the capital.
Under the new rules, establishments will have to obtain a licence before engaging in any veterinary activity in Abu Dhabi. These establishments will have to get prior authorisation from ADAFSA before appointing veterinarians or allied veterinary medical professionals. Fines will be imposed on violators, with penalties doubled in cases of repeated offences within one year of the initial violation.
The resolution reinforces oversight of veterinary activities in the emirate, ensuring animal health and food safety, while supporting the implementation of the One Health concept, which links human, animal, and environmental health.
ADAFSA said that the resolution represents a strategic step towards enhancing confidence in veterinary services provided in the emirate and highlights Abu Dhabi’s commitment to animal health being an integral part of public health and food safety. Regulating veterinary practices and standardising supervisory procedures will contribute directly to achieving the objectives of the National Biosecurity Strategy and improve efficiency.
These regulations will lead to enhanced quality of veterinary services and increase the confidence of livestock breeders and the public in the quality of care provided.
ADAFSA said it will launch an awareness campaign targeting veterinary establishments, their staff, livestock owners, and the general public, to ensure full understanding and optimal application of the resolution as part of implementing the resolution.
