Food Safety, Animal Welfare and Biosecurity Special Interest Branch

In 2005, the former Food Safety and Biosecurity Branch of the NZVA became the Food Safety, Animal Welfare and Biosecurity Branch (FAB), thus giving animal welfare special interest status within the NZVA for the first time.

This move was in no way designed to separate animal welfare from the profession at large, since animal welfare is clearly acknowledged as a responsibility of the whole profession. Rather, the move was made to recognise that animal welfare has become an increasingly important issue both within New Zealand and internationally, with a major focus on the use of animals in research and on intensive farming practices. It also recognises the rise of animal welfare science, which has produced a substantial and growing body of scientific knowledge.

A subcommittee of the FAB Branch concentrates on animal welfare issues.