With the participation of 26 countries of the Americas, the Regional Seminar for National Focal Points for Aquatic Animals was held in Bogota from 8 to 10 March.
The official Veterinary Services of Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Honduras, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, United States and Colombia participated in the event.
Dr. Catya Martinez Rivas, Sub-Regional Representative of the OIE for Central America said about the seminar: “We are very pleased to have held this meeting with the focal points in a hybrid format and to have worked together with the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) on this important issue. We know that we have a great challenge ahead of us, and it is of the utmost importance that member countries prioritise aquatic animal health as part of their national actions.”
Among the follow-up actions of the workshop, we can highlight the definition of the next steps for the implementation of the OIE global strategy for aquatic animal health, including joint actions to improve the participation of the countries of the Americas in the preparation and submission of scientifically sound comments to the OIE standards (Aquatic Animal Health Code and Manual).
It is also important to establish collaboration mechanisms, in order to manage a support network for OIE Aquatic Animal Focal Points, with experts and collaborating centres, including disease prevention and control. And finally, to continue capacity building in aquatic animal health.
This event was attended by 26 focal points from the Americas region (16 in person and 10 in virtual mode). In addition, 3 non-member countries (St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Guadeloupe and St. Eustatius) participated virtually.
The seminar was also attended by international organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the International Regional Organisation for Plant and Animal Health (OIRSA), the Andean Community (CAN), the Permanent Veterinary Committee of the Southern Cone (CVP) and the Caribbean Community (CARIBVET/CARICOM).
Access the agenda of the Seminar and from there, the presentations of the speakers.
Access the photo album
