[Performance of risk analysis at the Federal Veterinary office]

The risk management at the Federal Veterinary Office (FVO) is responsible for the arrangement and initiation of actions to minimize or prevent risks in the fields of animal health and food safety of animal products. In absence of a scientific basis, the risk management may initiate a formal risk assessment according to a standardised protocol. The risk assessment is conducted by an assigned team of risk analysts, according to scientific criteria, international standards and methods. The "Basic principles for risk analysis at the Swiss Federal Veterinary Office" describe the principles and the procedure of a risk analysis (risk management, risk communication and risk assessment), furthermore the interactions of concerned divisions at the FVO are laid down. Experience at the FVO confirms, that risk analyses may be performed efficiently, if the following decisive conditions are met. The responsibilities of all parties involved are defined, the risk profile and the precise question are amicably phrased, necessary resources are provided, well-trained risk analysts with experience in project management coordinate the risk assessment and interdisciplinary expertise is available.