OIE Response to the HPAI Threat in the SADC Region

1. World Organisation for Animal Health Sub Regional Representation for SADC Dr Bonaventure Mtei OIE Response to the HPAI Threat in the SADC Region 1st SADC Meeting on Avian Influenza Pretoria, South Africa 7-9 March 2006

2. Presentation • Analysis of the global situation • OIE proposals to address this situation • Provisions for Support  to the SADC Region

3. Analysis of the global situation (1) • The Influenza virus • Very well known • Multi-host virus • High antigenic drifts, re-assortments and shifts

4. Analysis of the global situation (2) • Characteristics of the virus • H and N surface proteins • H5 and H7 groups are considered as having the highest potential for pathogenicity including for humans

5. Analysis of the global situation (3) • What is new about the current global situation • Behavior of the H5N1 “Asian strain” • Worldwide consequences • wild birds role • international trade and movements of animals, commodities and people

6. Analysis of the global situation (4) Economic and social consequences of the current crisis • High economic costs and negative social consequences • Increase poverty • Add injury to the food insecurity in the SADC Region • Shift of public resources, under pressure from possible pandemic

7. Analysis of the global situation (5) Pandemic potential • Related to increased virus load in the environment through circulation in animal populations and potential for re-assortment and/or mutation

8. Analysis of the global situation (6) • 60% of human pathogens are zoonotic • 80% of animal pathogens are multi-host • 75% of emerging diseases are zoonotic • 80% of agents having a potential of bioterrorist use are zoonotic pathogens

9. OIE Proposals (1) • New concepts must be used to face emerging animal diseases, including zoonosis like the HPAI • New partnerships and mechanisms at Global, Regional and National levels

10. OIE Proposals (2) New concepts • International Public Good concept • Good governance and veterinary legislations • Appropriate infrastructure and resources of Veterinary Administrations for strict enforcement of legislations • Early detection and early reaction • Surveillance, transparency, pathogen confinement

11. OIE Proposals (3) Major Concerns • Reliability of diagnosis, rapid confirmation of suspected cases • When and how to use vaccination • Bio security - Bio safety measures • Sustainability of resources invested

12. OIE Proposals (4) • In response to these concerns • Compliance to OIE standards • Standards on safety of international movements of animals and animal products • Use of standards on surveillance for assessment of animal health status • Obligations on international notification/reporting

13. OIE Proposals (5) • Standards on governance and quality of Veterinary Administrations • Evaluation and audit tool (PVS) • Reference Laboratories • Standards on diagnostic methods and vaccine quality

14. OIE Proposals (6) Partnerships • Networks, Fora, Agreements and mechanisms • Agreement OIE / SADC • GF-TADs mechanism • Agreement OIE/FAO • Agreement SADC / Private sector • Agreement OIE / World Bank/EU and other Donors • Collaboration with NGOs, Civil Societies and Community Participation

15. Provision of Support  to SADC • Technical issues • Partnerships Mechanisms

16. Technical issues (1) • Reduce virus load circulating in poultry and wild birds • ensure early detection and transparent reporting • guaranteed early reaction • confinement • humane stamping out • rapid confirmation of suspected cases and or rumours • appropriate use of vaccination (if necessary)

17. Technical issues (2) • Strict implementation of international standards on: • Governance and quality of Veterinary Services • Safe movement of animals and animal products • Zoning and compartmentalisation • Surveillance guidelines • Compliance with reporting/notification obligations • Humane methods for depopulation for disease control purpose • OIE standards on laboratory procedures and vaccines manufacturing

18. Partnerships • FAO at the Sub Regional Level • WHO at Regional and Sub Regional Level • Private sector representatives • Donors • Governments through OIE Delegates (CVO) • Between veterinary and medical authorities • NGOs and Civil Societies

19. Mechanisms (1) International SADC Secretariat SADC Member States

20. Mechanisms (2) International level • International fora for alliances and partnerships • Improvement of governance and animal health policies • Alliances between public / private sector and donors • International fund for animal health to be coordinated by the OIE in association with partners

21. Mechanisms (3) SADC Regional level • Support SADC programs reflecting international level activities • Capacity building for policy makers and private sector • Coordination of evaluation and audits of Veterinary Administrations • Preparation of regional projects within the framework of GF-TADs mechanisms • FAO/OIE sub regional representations and other regional centres to support SADC Member States

22. Mechanisms (4) National level • Preparation of National plans and projects • Carry out evaluation of Veterinary Administrations using both Auto and external audits mechanisms • Improve governance and policies to comply with OIE standards

23. Mechanisms (5) National level (cont.) • Technical and economical evaluation of appropriate investments in infrastructures • Setting up compensation funds for farmers with insurance companies • Support to farmers, veterinarians and the industry in terms of organisation and training • Support infrastructure investments, including laboratories

24. Conclusions OIE documents entitled: “Ensuring good governance to address emerging and re-emerging animal disease threats” and “Performance, Vision and Strategy for Veterinary Services” and “Terrestrial Animal Health Code 2005”

25. Thank you for your attention