[Aspects of questions about animal health and animal husbandry]

The public discussion concerning animal health not so much relates to classical diseases but rather concentrates on problems likely to result from the demand on the yield of animal production. Both, animal health and animal production have a high social value. A conflict might arise from those situations when animal production seems to interfere with animal health. Since the definition of an animal as healthy is not only a matter of science but also of ethics, also requiring a risk-benefit-analysis, the question of an acceptable denominator in respect to the ethics involved is put forward. The concept of a relative anthropocentric approach is presented, making a distinction between human dignity and the well-being of animals. The prospect in treatment and handling of animals should be an increase in humanity and only justifiable reasons would allow interference with animal development and its social environment. By profession the veterinarian is predestined to protect animal health and he is summoned to accept this responsibility and to objectively apply his expertise, also to further develop the propositions of modern European legislation on animal welfare. In this respect the demand on animal yield put forward by animal breeding requests special attention.