On 9 September, the 17th Meeting of the Regional Steering Committee of the GF-TADs for the Americas was held virtually, at which the strategic activities for the prevention and control of transboundary animal diseases, identified as a priority, were presented.
In addition, the Regional Steering Committee unanimously agreed to accept the resignation of Dr Jaspinder Komal, recognising his leadership during his term. The newly elected President of the GF-TADs for the Americas is Dr Jack Shere from the United States of America.
It was of particular relevance to learn about the current situation of African swine fever (ASF), avian influenza (AI) and foot and mouth disease (FMD), globally and in the continent, as well as the acceptance by the Regional Steering Committee to merge the standing groups of experts on ASF and classical swine fever, in order to jointly address their prevention and control.
Given the wide dissemination of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H5N1 worldwide, as well as its high impact, which has a negative impact on poultry production and the availability of high quality and low-cost animal protein, the Terms of Reference of the Permanent Group of Experts on the subject were updated. Countries were asked to submit proposals for personnel to be included, in order to join efforts with the actions undertaken by the WOAH-FAO Scientific Network on Animal Influenza (OFFLU).
Some of the recommendations that resulted from the meeting are:
For the countries
For the international organizations
Click here for the full list of recommendations.
Click here for the full agenda of the event and the presentations.
Click here for the list of participants
