Control a Shared Duty to Reach FMD Free World by 2020

PHILIPPINES - Controlling Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and other transboundary animal diseases at source should be a shared obligation among countries — both infected and uninfected — as governments target an FMD-free world by 2020.
calendar icon 24 March 2015
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This was stressed by Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala in a statement as the DA, through its Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) hosts with the Office of International des Epizooties (OIE) or World Organization for Animal Health the 21st OIE Sub-Commission Meeting for FMD in South-East Asia and China from March 10 to 13, 2015 in Manila.

The meeting brings together around 100 representatives from all Southeast Asian countries plus China, the OIE and its technical partners, the private sector, the academia and donor countries.

The gathering of officials and technical experts will provide an update of the current FMD situation in the region and efforts to control and eradicate the disease.

“With China and Southeast Asia emerging as new global growth hubs, there is a growing recognition of the huge potentials of the region’s livestock and poultry sector and the significant role it will play in the region’s progress,” Mr Alcala said.

He noted, however, that despite its huge potential, the region’s livestock sector is hampered by a number of constraints, including the persistence of some transboundary and highly contagious animal diseases such as the FMD.

Mr Alcala also highlighted that while the Philippines has maintained an FMD-free status—without vaccination—through progressive zoning approach, it has not become complacent and instead continued to work with other countries, through the OIE, for FMD control.

He said that the DA has always been on strict watch against the disease’s possible return as FMD has yet to be totally eradicated in neighbouring China and the majority of Southeast Asian countries.

“There is no other way then but for countries to cooperate more in strengthening the global anti-FMD network, as no country on its own could totally eradicate the disease,” Mr Alcala said.

The Secretary added that the annual meeting is a venue for continuous collaboration, networking and strengthening of animal health programs of member countries to achieve the common goal of preventing, controlling and eliminating FMD.

“Through this activity and with OIE’s guidance, we would be ensured that FMD control activities among countries become more coordinated as coherent regional strategies are crafted. These are equally important on top of technical advice, and political and resource support to achieve FMD freedom,” Mr Alcala said.

FMD is a highly contagious transboundary animal disease, which poses serious threats to the livestock production, food security, and livelihoods of farmers globally. The presence of FMD in endemic countries reduces productivity and restricts market access as a country’s FMD-free status is an international trade requirement.

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