With the successful completion of 2 OIE Laboratory Twinning Projects in Mongolia in 2018 between Hokkaido University and the State Central Veterinary Laboratory of Mongolia for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI); and the National Institute of Animal Health, Japan and State Central Laboratory of Mongolia for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), a regional workshop on transboundary animal diseases was organised to be held with the closing meeting for these twinning projects.
The workshop was originally planned to discuss the current disease situation for important transboundary diseases in the region, with regional experts on Avian Influenza, FMD, PPR, Sheep and Goat pox.
Another focus for the workshop on emergency preparedness and response for transboundary diseases like Avian Influenza, exotic strains of FMD, Lumpy skin disease and African swine fever. With the confirmation of African Swine Fever earlier in August in the region, this was a hot topic for discussion and participants from P.R China shared valuable information on the outbreak investigation.
Experts from Europe with first-hand experience of African swine fever outbreaks had been invited to the workshop to share their knowledge of the disease and provide some guidance to members in Asia on preparedness.
Dr Etienne Bonbon, from the emergency management centre for animal health (EMC-AH) attended and presented an update on the OIE and FAO approaches to emergency management as well as the support and assistance that is available to members for both preparedness and response.
There are many challenges to meet in the prevention and control of transboundary animal diseases, and continued regional coordination and cooperation is essential. The OIE regional representation for Asia and the Pacific is committed to working together with members and partners, such as FAO to facilitate and provide assistance.
