Regulatory aspects of biotechnology in Europe, with particular reference to veterinary science

Advances in the life sciences and their applications through biotechnology have posed growing challenges to public policy-makers and legislators in several areas, particularly research, agriculture, industry and environment. As a result, legislative and other policy responses in the European Community are evolving in a context of continuing rapid change, under the pressure of the political imperative to complete the internal common market, and also strongly influenced by the wider international commitments of the world's major trading bloc. Scientific advances offer the possibility of achieving high standards of protection for human and animal health and the environment. However, the complex interactions of animal science, agriculture and internal market policy, and consumer reactions and perceptions vis-a-vis food and the social and economic consequences of innovation, demand sustained efforts to ensure open communication to maintain public confidence in the results of scientific progress, and in the rationale for public policy and legislation.