WOAH Regional workshop on PPR in Asia and the Pacific

Background

In the Asia-Pacific region, Rapid urbanization, market growth, rising income levels, and changing dietary preferences have intensified the demand for protein supply, resulting in increased animal production and a higher incidence of diseases, particularly Transboundary Animal Diseases such as PPR in small ruminants, it’s crucial to harmonize actions among all members to effectively prevent and control. In 2023, at the 12th Regional Steering Committee Meeting of the Global Framework for TADs (GF-TADs) in Tokyo, PPR was categorized as a priority disease, aligning with others like Avian Influenza and Foot and Mouth Disease. Recognizing the urgency, each sub-region acknowledged the necessity for targeted actions to effectively prevent and control these diseases. Acting as the Regional Secretariat, WOAH RRAP coordinated three PPR-focused subregional meetings in 2023. During these gatherings, participants unanimously agreed to strengthen PPR prevention and control measures and improve coordination and collaboration in animal health activities at the sub-regional level.

Acknowledging this critical need, the upcoming WOAH Regional Workshop on PPR in Asia and the Pacific, jointly organized by WOAH RRAP and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, scheduled for 18 to 20 June 2024, seeks to bolster coordination, facilitate information sharing, and strengthen capacity among WOAH Members to combat PPR effectively, thereby securing the livelihoods of small ruminant farmers throughout the region.

Objectives

Provide comprehensive updates on PPR, encompassing global and regional disease epidemiology, including updates on the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code and related activities, as well as advancements in diagnosis and vaccine development.
Foster collaboration between the PPR Reference Laboratory and members in the Asia-Pacific (AP) region to strengthen diagnostic capabilities and vaccine development efforts.
Enhance prevention and control capacity for PPR in the AP region by leveraging the experiences of Regional Economic Committees (RECs) and members.

Expected outcome

Increased awareness and understanding of PPR disease detection, reporting, diagnosis, control, and eradication measures, with a focus on linkage to WOAH core activities supporting PPR eradication, including PVS evaluation with PPR-specific content, linking PPR National Strategic Plans with endorsed PPR Official Control programmes, and encouraging reporting to WAHIS.
Enhanced collaboration between the WOAH PPR Reference Laboratory and members in the Asia-Pacific (AP) region, resulting in strengthened diagnostic capabilities and accelerated progress in vaccine development initiatives.
Improved awareness of the requirements and procedures for official recognition and maintenance of PPR disease status, and endorsement of official control programs
Improved prevention and control capacity for PPR within the AP region, facilitated by the exchange of experiences and best practices among Regional Economic Committees (RECs) and members.