5th WOAH Regional Training on Swine Disease Diagnosis in Asia

5th WOAH Regional Training on Swine Disease Diagnosis in Asia

Pigs hold significant importance in the livelihoods of rural and peri-urban populations across Asia. Over the years, transboundary animal diseases have significantly impacted pig production systems in the region. Among these diseases, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) stands out for its substantial economic ramifications on the global and regional pork industry, causing considerable losses for commercial sectors and posing a threat to the livelihoods of backyard farmers.

In 2014, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Regional Representation for Asia and the Pacific (RRAP), in conjunction with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), convened regional workshops dedicated to swine disease prevention and control. These workshops aimed to facilitate the exchange of strategies, field experiences, and identify regional priorities and deficiencies in disease control. One significant outcome of the workshops was the recognition of a critical constraint in swine disease prevention and control, and the shortage of well-trained technical personnel.

Diagnostic tests have become indispensable for diagnosing and monitoring diseases. Concerns about test quality have escalated with the proliferation of in vitro diagnostic tests and producers in the market. Sharing practices and experiences in selecting and applying tests for disease surveillance can enhance understanding and ensure the accuracy and reliability of results. Maintaining a quality management system is crucial for laboratories to provide accurate results and gain international recognition. A comprehensive quality management program should demonstrate adherence to established standards, technical competence, and the ability to produce valid results, including compliance with international standards such as ISO/IEC 17025. Detailed guidance on these standards is provided in the WOAH Code and Manual.

To enhance capacity building for swine disease control in the Asia-Pacific region, the WOAH Regional Representation for Asia and the Pacific (RRAP), in collaboration with the China Animal Disease Control Center (CADC), WOAH Reference Laboratories (RLs) for PRRS, organised the WOAH Regional Training on Swine Disease Diagnosis in Asia in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China, from 30 July to 2 August 2024. The workshop focused on the selection and application of diagnostic tests for major swine disease and on maintaining the accuracy and reliability of test results under different laboratory capacities and personnel competencies.

Objectives

The objectives of the workshop were:

• To disseminate information regarding the prevailing status of swine diseases such as PRRS, CSF, and ASF within the region.
• To bolster diagnostic and control capabilities concerning PRRS and other swine diseases across Asia and the Pacific region.
• To fortify the network and investigate potential collaborative mechanisms for addressing regional swine diseases among WOAH members.

Outcomes

• Enhanced awareness and understanding of the status of swine diseases, including CSF, PRRS, and ASF across the region.
• Strengthened diagnostic and control capacities for PRRS and other swine diseases throughout Asia and the Pacific, leading to more effective disease management strategies.
• Establishment of a reinforced network among members, fostering collaboration and coordination in addressing regional swine diseases, thereby promoting collective efforts towards disease prevention and control.

Details

Date: 30 July-2 August 2024

Location: Beijing, China (People’s Republic of)

Participation: By invitation

Documents

Agenda (with presentations)