2294 part 1 final report.pdf - Agra CEAS Consulting

Prevention and control of animal diseases worldwide
Part I: Economic analysis: prevention versus outbreak costs
which were undertaken by the FVO expert teams during that period to evaluate the controls in place over
FMD (A172). Despite some shortcomings, the overall set-up of the FMD controls and institutional
structures is described fairly positively, and the Argentinean authorities are seen as being responsive and
taking measures to follow up on the recommendations made. Overall, the latest FVO report (2005)
concludes that the control system in place guarantees that provisions of Community legislation on imports
of meat of all species are generally complied with, although further improvements can be made in FMD
control. The points on which emphasis is always placed are active/passive surveillance and
border/movement controls, which by definition are the most sensitive links in the system given the
regional epidemiological relevance of FMD.
In its latest report on Argentina’s agricultural sector, the World Bank also concludes that SENASA has a
good technical capacity and has been able over the years to establish sound regulatory systems and
processes, and that it is aware of its own deficiencies and striving to correct them (A260).
Eradication plans have been enacted since 1990 in Argentina, the most recent following the large
outbreak in 2000-01 103 . The goal has always been the eradication of FMD from the national territory,
allowing for international recognition of the country as FMD-free. The plans have included the
strengthening of the national and regional structure with broad participation of all sectors; the limitation of
viral circulation by means of systematic or strategic vaccination; control of livestock movement; stamping
out or sanitary slaughtering under special circumstances; and epidemiological surveillance. The national
FMD contingency plan has recently been under review, following inter alia FVO recommendations.
Mass vaccination during the 1990s has been an important component of Argentina’s eradication plan. This
was suspended in 1999, which led to part of the country gaining ‘FMD-free without vaccination’ status
since 2000. However, systematic and strategic vaccination campaigns have been maintained to keep the
country free of FMD (A172).
To address concerns over cross border transmission of the virus, a buffer zone programme started
officially in 2001 (Resolutions 403/04, 446/04 and 748/04) with the objective of maintaining the country
status achieved for FMD. It establishes a buffer zone along the border with Bolivia and Paraguay. This
appears to provide efficient additional protection in this high risk area (A172c).
The only laboratory entitled to perform analyses related to field investigation of FMD in Argentina is the
SENASA national reference laboratory in Martinez. This gained accreditation in 2006.
Animal registration/identification and animal health management systems are in operation (the latter was
introduced in 2004), and these appear to have reinforced the traceability and control of animal movements
(A172c).
At a regional level, during the last 20 years, Argentina has been part of the regional initiatives for the fight
against FMD, including the Hemispheric Plan for the Eradication of FMD (PHEFA) established in 1987,
103 In 1990, Argentina started a two-phase eradication plan. The first phase lasted from 1990 until 1992 (control
plan); the second phase ran from 1993 to 1997 (eradication plan). Following the 2000 re-emergence of the disease,
Argentina’s plan for FMD eradication was unveiled and implemented in April 2001 (SENASA Resolution No. 5, dated
April 15, 2001).
Civic Consulting • Agra CEAS Consulting 100