SUMMARY OF ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE PROCLAMATION No. 1376/2025

Overview

This Proclamation establishes a comprehensive legal framework for animal health, welfare, and veterinary services in Ethiopia. It repeals previous legislation (Proclamation No. 267/2002 and No. 274/1970) and creates a modern system aligned with international standards.

Significance

This comprehensive law modernizes Ethiopia’s animal health system, enhances food safety, facilitates international trade, and establishes animal welfare protections aligned with global standards

Key Words and Phrases

Animal Health, Animal Welfare, Veterinary Services, Veterinary Public Health, Biosecurity, Notifiable Animal Disease, Controlled Animal Disease, Emerging/Re-emerging Disease, Zoonosis, Transboundary Disease, Animal Identification Registration, Animal Identification Mark, Movement Control, Movement Permit, Abattoir, Processing Plant, Quarantine Station, Animal Gathering, Chief Veterinary Officer, Veterinary Inspector, Quarantine Inspector, Animal Health Officer, International Veterinary Certificate, Export Abattoir, World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), Terrestrial Animal Health Code, Aquatic Animal Health Code, Codex Alimentarius 

Key Components

1. Definitions and Scope

• Broad definition of “animal” includes vertebrates (mammals, birds, aquatic/terrestrial animals), invertebrates (bees, silkworms), excluding humans
• Covers animal health, welfare, products, by-products, and controlled articles
• Applies throughout Ethiopia’s territory

2. Institutional Framework

• Ministry of Agriculture: Overall policy, appoints Chief Veterinary Officer, establishes national systems
• Ethiopian Agricultural Authority: Issues permits, certificates, controls imports/exports
• Regional Veterinary Bodies: Implement regulations at regional level
• Veterinary Board: Regulates and certifies veterinarians and para-professionals
• Chief Veterinary Officer: Represents Ethiopia internationally, coordinates national animal health

3. Animal Disease Control

• Notifiable Diseases: Mandatory reporting within 12 hours of suspicion
• Emerging/Re-emerging Diseases: Reporting to World Animal Health Organization
• Surveillance Systems: Data collection, analysis, and dissemination
• Movement Restrictions: Controls on animals/products from infected areas
• Quarantine: Designated stations for inspection and isolation

4. Identification and Traceability

• National animal identification and registration database
• Individual or herd registration required
• Movement permits for registered animals
• Traceability systems for animals, products, and by-products

5. Import/Export Controls

• Import Permits: Required with international veterinary certificates
• Sanitary Measures: Risk-based, aligned with World Animal Health Organization standards
• Export Certification: International veterinary certificates required
• Quarantine Inspectors: Authority to take sanitary measures

6. Animal Welfare

• Five Freedoms framework: adequate food, water, housing, veterinary care, proper handling
• Prohibition of Cruelty: Torture, beating, overloading, intentional maltreatment
• Research Restrictions: Permits required for animal experiments
• Stray Animals: Reporting obligations for owners and finders

7. Meat and Product Safety

• Abattoir Certification: Domestic and export abattoirs must be certified
• Meat Inspection: Ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections
• Quality Standards: Codex Alimentarius principles
• Processing Facilities: Must meet construction and operational standards

8. Enforcement and Penalties

Administrative Measures: Seizure, confiscation, temporary delays

Criminal Penalties include:

• Up to 5 years imprisonment and 150,000 Birr fine for operating unlicensed abattoirs
• Up to 5 years and 50,000 Birr for illegal imports/exports
• 5 years imprisonment for intentionally spreading diseases
• Up to 2 years for failing to report notifiable diseases
• Various fines for cruelty, unlicensed animal gatherings, movement violations

9. Compensation

• Paid when animals are seized/destroyed for disease control (if animals met quality standards)
• No compensation if animals were diseased or failed safety standards

Effective Date

August 12, 2025