In the framework of the Tripartite Project “Working Together to Fight Antimicrobial Resistance” we participated in the International Wildlife Disease Association Conference in Madison, USA from 23-29 July 2022. The theme of this year’s conference was “Holistic solutions for wildlife health”.
The World Organisation for Animal Health had a special session in the conference programme called “What’s happening with wildlife at the World Organisation for Animal Health?”.
During this session, Dr Maria Mesplet, AMR Project Officer, presented the tripartite project “Working together to fight antimicrobial resistance” which one of its objectives is to contribute to the strengthening of wildlife surveillance in the 7 participating countries. With the support of the project, Dr Andrea Marcos (Argentina), Dr Isabella Fontana (Brazil), Dr Juan Fernando Calcina Isique (Peru) and Dr Martin Altuna (Uruguay) wildlife representatives from their countries, also attended the event.
Dr Mesplet commented “The project was originally planned for 3 years and due to the COVID pandemic, an addendum was signed in 2021 to extend the project for another year. This addendum aimed to connect the project activities with the global response to COVID-19 and to prevent future pandemics. The current situation has highlighted the importance of preserving wildlife health to prevent spillovers. In addition, disease emergence or re-emergence is often accompanied by excessive use of antimicrobials“.
In addition, Dr Isabella Fontana, Focal Point for Wildlife of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply of Brazil (MAPA) commented on her role as WOAH Focal Point and shared the activities being developed in Brazil.
More information about the conference: https://conferences.union.wisc.edu/wda2022/program/agenda/
About the project “Working Together to Fight Antimicrobial Resistance”
To strengthen the control of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the Americas region, tripartite (WOAH, FAO and PAHO) is implementing the project “Working Together to Fight Antimicrobial Resistance” funded by the European Union. The seven beneficiary countries of the project are: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.
The objective of this project is to support the selected countries in the implementation of their National Action Plans (NAP), share experiences, advocate best practices and promote collaboration.
For more information: https://rr-americas.woah.org/en/projects/ue-ram/
