The 2018 SEACFMD Epidemiology Network Meeting offered a platform to 36 participants from 13 member countries from South-East Asia as well as East Asia to exchange knowledge and information on Epidemiological investigations of FMD and other major transboundary animal diseases (TADs). It aimed to strengthen the regional/sub-regional Epidemiology Network and promote knowledge sharing and collaboration between countries and partners.
The 2018 Epidemiology Network Meeting gathered around 50 participants, including Epi focal points from member countries, a contact person from partner organizations which includes FAO, University of Sydney and AIPEID, OIE staff from RR-AP and SRR-SEA, and observers.
The member countries have been updated with key epidemiological developments in the region, including the ISIKHNAS in Indonesia as National Animal Disease Information System, and the development of integrated real-time information system in Myanmar and Lao PDR. The development of a mobile application to assess the risk of introduction of FMD in Pig farms in Thailand, application of Spatial risk assessment of FMD Control in Laos were also presented and discussed at the meeting. Moreover, Thailand shared experience on promoting communication and public awareness in disease surveillance. Participants also received updates on the upgrading of OIE’s WAHIS system which is expected to have greater power in data management and advanced techniques to support data analysis.
The outputs from this meeting have provided valuable information for OIE, MCs and partners in planning and conducting epidemiological investigations.
