ANIMAL HEALTH-SERVICE, THE STYRIAN MODEL

The tasks, working methods, organization and internal rules of the Sty rian animal health service are described. Independent veterinarians, a ll living in the region, are involved in the animal care programme to improve the health, hygiene and economic conditions of farm animals an d to increase the productivity of agricultural establishments. The ani mal health service as a link between the production and processing of food of animal origin is also trying to contribute to the elaboration of quality assurance measures. Based on past experience it may be stat ed that the animal health service, organized as a private and decentra lized body, has proven to be a highly cost-efficient and supportive ca re programme for specialized agricultural animal farms which covers th e whole region.