Launch of the Influenza Virus Monitoring (IVM) online platform in Indonesia Beginning in 2010, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has created and developed a Laboratory Mapping Tool (LMT). The LMT is a system by which to assess the functionality of veterinary laboratories following a two-tiered process: i) an assessment of laboratory functionality is conducted via a detailed and standardized questionnaire that can be led by an external assessor or via self-assessment; and ii) the data collected is fed into a digital application which generates graphs and tables allowing for a "snapshot" view of a given laboratory's level of functionality and its evolution over time – which can be made on a yearly basis...[Read more]
Backyard poultry provides an alternative way to sustain food security and nutrition in Syria Source ::: FAO In Action Findings from the FAO/WFP Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission conducted in May/June 2013 indicate that poultry production in Syria is estimated to have dropped by more than 50 percent compared with 2011. According to the Directorate of Animal Production of the Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform (MAAR) and the Union of Syrian Agriculture Chambers, less than 35 percent of the country’s poultry units were still operating by May 2013. Furthermore, the quality of the Syrian diet and micro-nutrient intake was assessed as likely reduced. Many households were observed to be cutting back substantially on the consumption of fruits, meat, dairy products and eggs. Support to backyard poultry production is therefore a key priority for FAO in Syria to enhance household resilience...[Read more]
FAO and OIE boost collaboration on animal health Source ::: FAO Newsroom The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) today pledged to step up their existing collaboration to control animal disease, ensure the safety of food from animal origin and promote safe trade. The two organizations said they would reinforce their partnership in priority areas that include joint response to animal health crises and programmes to prevent and control foot-and-mouth disease, peste des petits ruminants, African swine fever, rabies, zoonotic influenza and antimicrobial resistance...[Read more]
MERS Coronavirus: Stepped up research into role of camels and other animals urged Source ::: FAO Newsroom Health experts and veterinarians are among those calling for stepped up monitoring, investigations, and immediate reporting of cases of the potentially fatal Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), an infection that has caused numerous human illnesses and deaths, but whose origins may be linked to animals. A declaration at a regional technical consultation meeting, convened by FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Sultanate of Oman, warned countries in the region and beyond of the need for public health and veterinary authorities to carry out coordinated investigations, and share information and results...[Read more]
Recent publications · Qualitative Risk Assessment Summary Addressing avian influenza A(H7N9) ::: No. 3
Upcoming events · GEMP Workshop – Strengthening Capacity to Respond to Disease Emergencies 26-28 May 2014 (Kathmandu, Nepal) · Emergency Assistance for Surveillance of Influenza A(H7N9) in Poultry and Other Animal Populations in Africa - Regional epidemiology and laboratory training for TCP/RAF/3408 26-30 May 2014 (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) · Tripartite Workshop (Mauritania/Senegal/Mali) on FMD 03-05 June 2014 (Dakar, Senegal)
Interesting links · Regional Strategy for the Control of African Swine Fever in Africa Second joint task force meeting FAO Regional Office for Africa Final Communiqué ::: 20 May 2014 · FlLURISK final report EFSA website ::: Supporting Publications Section |