On 13 May 2026, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published an external scientific report evaluating non-vector pathways of introduction for 25 vector-borne diseases within the L'ORA (Lumpy skin disease, Other vector-borne diseases, Risk Assessment) tool. The report identifies and ranks pathways such as trade in live animals, animal products, and contaminated materials, aiming to enhance early detection and risk management for diseases like bluetongue, West Nile fever, and African horse sickness. Stakeholders impacted include EU veterinary authorities, livestock producers, and importers of animals and animal products.
The report, produced by EFSA's Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) panel, is a technical document that provides a systematic methodology for assessing non-vector pathways—routes of disease introduction not involving arthropod vectors. It is a recommendation for risk assessors and competent authorities, not a binding regulation. The report sets out a scoring system for each disease-pathway combination based on likelihood and consequence, but does not establish numerical targets.
Policy orientations and trade-offs
The report emphasizes the need to broaden surveillance beyond vector-borne transmission to include trade and transport pathways. This approach could lead to stricter import controls and biosecurity measures, potentially increasing costs for livestock producers and importers. Conversely, it may reduce the risk of disease outbreaks, protecting animal health and trade stability. The report also highlights data gaps, particularly for less-studied diseases, which could lead to conservative risk estimates and overregulation.
Impact on stakeholders
- EU veterinary authorities: May need to update surveillance and inspection protocols, requiring additional resources.
- Livestock producers: Could face higher compliance costs for biosecurity and testing, but benefit from reduced outbreak risk.
- Importers of animals and animal products: May encounter new import restrictions or certification requirements, affecting supply chains.
- EU consumers: Indirectly benefit from improved food safety and animal health, though potential price increases may occur.
Expected institutional follow-up
EFSA's report will inform the European Commission's risk management decisions and may be used by Member States to refine their national surveillance programs. The L'ORA tool itself is expected to be updated to incorporate the new pathway assessments. No immediate legislative action is anticipated, but the report could influence future animal health regulations under the EU Animal Health Law.