Matthias Jesenko & Michael Kerschhackel from WKO, Austria attended on behalf of EPO the 78th CITES Standing Committee that took place in Geneva from February 3rd  to 8th, 2025. Several agenda items of interest were discussed including: The role of cites in reducing future zoonotic disease emergence via the international wildlife trade,  IPBES assessment on sustainable use of wild species Engagement of indigenous peoples and local communities Livelihoods Transaction codes Electronic systems and information technology Trade in stony corals Review of cites provisions related to trade in specimens of animals and plants not of wild source EPO position document can be viewed here.

Meet EPO Secretary General, Nathalie Gamain, at the ZZF Forum taking place in Wiesbaden, Germany on April 1st and 2nd, 2025. The agenda provides a good base for discussion on the following topics:- pet trade trends- human animal bond- Hobby farming and cat feeding- Internet reviewsInterested to join this two days event, please consult its dedicated website for its agenda and registration at https://zzf-forum.de

On December 10th, 2024, the European Pet Organization (EPO) Board Members held their 3rd meeting of the year in Wiesbaden, Germany - a great opportunity for EPO Board to assess EPO activities and continue strengthening the voice of the pet sector at EU level. A special thanks to Zentralverband Zoologischer Fachbetriebe (ZZF) for hosting the meeting!