'FMD control a shared duty among nations'

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Publish time: 16th March, 2015      Source: www.cnchemicals.com
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March 16, 2015

   

   

''FMD control a shared duty among nations''

   

   

   

Controlling foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and other transboundary animal diseases at source should be a shared obligation among countries, both infected and uninfected, Philippine Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said, as the Philippines hosted an international meeting on FMDlast week.

   

   

Alcala said that 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".

   

   

He noted, though, 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.

   

   

The Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), hosted, together with the Office of International des Epizooties (OIE) or World Organisation for Animal Health the 21st OIE Sub-Commission Meeting for FMD in Southeast Asia and China on March 10-13 in Manila.

   

   

The meeting brought together around 100 representatives from all Southeast Asian countries plus China, the OIE and its technical partners, the private sector, the academic community, and donor countries. The gathering of officials and technical experts provided an update of the current FMD situation in the region and efforts to control and eradicate the disease.

   

   

Alcala said the Philippines has maintained an FMD-free status—without vaccination—through progressive zoning approach, stressing that the DA "has always been on strict watch" against the possible return of FMD, which has yet to be totally eradicated in neighboring 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 can totally eradicate the disease," Alcala said.

   

   

Alcala 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", the Philippine official said.

   

   

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

   

   

Governments target an FMD-free world by 2020.