26th Conference of the OIE Regional Commission for Asia

66. He remarked that the OIE strongly recommends better cooperation between Veterinary
Services and public health services in certain fields, but is opposed to any radical institutional
reorganisation that would result in Veterinary Services losing their scientific and operational
independence, taking into account that it has been clearly demonstrated that the most
effective strategy to control zoonoses is to tackle diseases at their source at the animal
population, using veterinary skills.
67. He observed that among the different transboundary diseases, foot and mouth disease (FMD)
continues causing serious problems in animal production and food security within the region.
A suitable Regional or Sub-Regional Strategies should be further developed and implemented,
following the recommendations from the FMD Global Conference held last June in Paraguay.
68. He highlighted the successful story of the SEAFMD Programme in ASEAN countries, stressing
the importance of the incorporation of China to such a Programme, which would bring
important benefits to its objectives. He made reference on the discussions between OIE and
FAO regarding the coordination for the Global FMD Control strategy and the common
approach to organise an FMD Global pledging conference in the Region in the next year or
early 2011.
69. He also commented on the OIE 5th Strategic Plan (2011-2015) and informed that discussions
and preparation are well advanced. The Fifth Strategic Plan may be mainly considered as a
consolidation of the achievements of the Fourth Strategic Plan. However, there are important
new elements in the Fifth Plan that will be incorporated into its overall structure, such as
more contribution of animal health policies to food security. Animal disease impact reduces
animal production worldwide by 20%. Therefore, fighting against animal diseases would help
to feed the population of the planet and would contribute to the alleviation of poverty.
70. He also mentioned that another major consideration for the planning period will be the
contribution of climate and environmental changes to the occurrence and geographical spread
of diseases and disease vectors and to animal production. Dr Vallat informed that an Ad Hoc
Group on this topic will be convened next year with the objective of providing sound sciencebased
elements that will guide the OIE work and approach.
71. Other new item regarding the new Plan and which is relevant for the region refers to the OIE
official recognition of relevant equine diseases. The OIE will start working for two equine
diseases, namely African horse sickness and glanders. He remarked that specific discussions
on this issue will take place in the Conference and also on the technical approach for Members
to make self-declaration for the establishment of Equine Disease Free Zones, for relevant
specific events, such as Equestrian Olympic Games, or other similar event (Asian games).
72. He emphasized how much the delivery of the Fifth Strategic Plan and achievement of its
objectives will depend on the commitment of the OIE Members in providing an adequate
budget to respond to the annual work programmes developed under the plan, and voluntary
contributions, including those through the OIE World Animal Health and Welfare Fund.
Almost equally important will be the support provided by governments and donors through
joint programmes and projects to support national Veterinary Services.
73. He underlined the fact that the ambitious objectives of the Fifth Strategic Plan will oblige the
OIE to increase its activities and budget.
74. He thanked all donors which contribute to the OIE work within the region, mainly through the
OIE World Fund, including those supporting activities related to Global Programmes such,
among others, World Bank Canada Japan, France and United Kingdom as well as those
funding specific projects for the region or sub-regions such Australia, EC, Japan and New
Zealand.
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