Regional cooperation on Transboundary Animal Diseases

The Chief Veterinary Office participated in the 12th Regional Steering Committee Meeting of the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases in Tokyo from 7-8 February. This is a coordinating mechanism and joint initiative of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). A key focus of the meeting was progressing an Asia and Pacific Regional Strategy (2023-2027) for the control of priority animal diseases which include Foot-and-Mouth disease, Avian Influenza and African Swine Fever amongst others. The meeting saw agreement on the inclusion of Lumpy Skin Disease onto the list of priority diseases for the region, which will result in greater regional coordination and effort in addressing the control and spread of this significant disease of cattle which has moved closer to Australia’s borders.