About us

About us

The Baltic Animal Welfare Network (BAWN) is an independent network of expertise in animal welfare and antibiotic use and resistance in animal keeping in the Baltic States. The network was initiated in 2017 and was initially carried out with financial support from the Swedish Institute.

The BAWN aims to promote sound scientific and ethical advice about animal health, welfare and protection but also its connection to antibiotic use and resistance in animals with a One Health approach throughout the Baltic region to policy makers, stakeholders, control bodies, the general public and other interested parties. It provides a platform for debate, sharing and exchange information and views for scientific experts and interested parties throughout the Baltic States. BAWN also promotes cooperation in the field of animal welfare and antibiotic use and resistance between the Baltic and Nordic countries, between scientists, policy makers and stakeholders as well as other networks.

 

Vision

Increase the competence in, and level of, animal welfare, health and protection in the Baltic States.

By improving the welfare of animals the need for, and use of antibiotics, will decrease with positive effects on antimicrobial resistance and thereby positive consequences for animal and human health.

 

Aims

  • Gather scientific expertise in animal welfare and antibiotic use and resistance in a One Health approach.

  • Provide scientific and technical expertise.

  • Help in formulating scientific advice and act as a sounding board to and for policy makers and other actors in animal welfare.

  • Share and disseminate scientific results within the network and to policy makers and stakeholders.

  • Hold discussions and raise issues that might be ahead of animal protection laws and be at the forefront of animal welfare.

  • Exchange views informally within the network.

  • Give scientific advice on methods for assessment and improvement of animal welfare.

  • Share knowledge on animal welfare standards.

  • Share knowledge about antimicrobial resistance and use of antibiotics in animals

  • Raise awareness on animal welfare among the general public.

  • Identify knowledge gaps and need for animal welfare priorities, research and educational activities.

  • Promote science, and reach out for funds for collaborative animal welfare research.

  • Share experience and information about national action plans and its implementation to reduce the use of antibiotics.