Workshop on Lumpy Skin Disease Control in South Asia

Building Epidemiology and Laboratory Networks to Support TADs Control in the Sub-Region

Background

South Asia’s growing demand for animal protein, driven by socioeconomic changes, is threatened by transboundary animal diseases (TADs). Diseases like Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) have caused significant economic losses in the region. Despite ongoing control efforts, novel approaches are needed to address this persistent challenge.

The Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs) aims to combat TADs through regional collaboration. The Asia Pacific region has developed a GF-TADs strategy to guide efforts. However, implementation has been hindered by various challenges. To address these issues and strengthen regional cooperation, a workshop on LSD and other TADs prevention and control for the South Asia Region was held in Kathmandu, Nepal, from 6-8 August 2024.

The workshop brings together South Asian stakeholders to enhance collaboration and develop strategies for combating LSD and other TADs. Interactive sessions and group exercises are facilitated by WOAH and LSD experts.

Objectives

The overall objective of this workshop is to develop tangible outputs/outcomes and action plans on strengthening the sub-regional mechanism to prevent, detect and respond to TADs in the sub-region.

In particular, the workshop aimed to:

Share and exchange LSD and TADs-related information:

a) Global, regional, and individual country updates on LSD epidemiology, surveillance advancements, diagnostics, prevention, and control efforts

b) Successful cross-border collaboration mechanisms from other regions (SEAC-FMD); including identifying limitations, constraints, and proposed solutions

Strengthen Regional Collaboration: Reaffirm or establish new disease and laboratory contact points within each Member, and review of existing collaborative structures like the SAARC EpiNet and Laboratory Directors’ Forums, including refining their Terms of Reference (TORs).
Develop Strategic Action Plans: Finalize the sub-regional work plan for 2024-2025 focused on tackling TADs, including LSD. Additionally creating strategic roadmaps to revitalize the SAARC disease tracking and laboratory networks, prioritizing LSD challenges.

Outcomes

The workshop aimed to deliver the following outcomes:

Improve decision-making & collaboration through enhanced sharing of knowledge and best practices on TADs control (especially LSD) and strengthen communication among disease control networks.
Support for a revitalized regional framework for Laboratory and Epidemiology (EpiNet and Laboratory Directors’ Forums) for TADs control, by refining the structures and mechanisms, ensuring cross-border collaboration and effective responses to emerging challenges like LSD.
Adoption of the sub-regional GF-TADs work plan for 2024-2026, including a developed roadmap for network improvements, prioritizing strategic actions to tackle TADs, including LSD.