Archive: Executive Committee
63rd SESSION
Introduction
The Executive Committee of the European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (EuFMD) held its Sixty-third Session at Sithonia Conference Hotel on 4 and 5 November 1999.
Members of the Committee present:
Dr R. Marabelli, Italy, Chairman
Dr L. Celeda, Czech Republic, First Vice-Chairman
Dr W. Zwingmann, Germany, Second Vice-Chairman
Dr E. Liven, Norway
Dr T. Balint, Hungary
Dr D. Panagiotatos, Greece
Dr L. Hallet, Belgium
Chairman of the Research Group
Dr K. De Clercq, CODA-CERVA-VAR, Ukkel, Belgium
WRL
Dr A.I. Donaldson, Head of Laboratory, Pirbright, UK
EC
Dr Alf-Eckbert Fuessel, Brussels, Belgium
OIE
Dr N. Belev, Sofia, Bulgaria
Dr J.E. Pearson, Paris, France
FAO
Dr Y. Cheneau, Chief, Animal Health Service, AGA, Rome, Italy
Greece
Dr V. Stylas, CVO, Athens
Dr H. Hondrokouki, Foot and Mouth Disease Institute, Athens
Turkey
Dr H. Sungur, Director-General, GDPC, MARA
Dr S. Aktas, SAP Institute
Russian Federation
Dr V. Zakharov, Deputy Director, ARRIAH, Vladimir
Secretariat
Dr Y. Leforban, Secretary, EuFMD, FAO, Rome
Dr J. Ryan, Associate Professional Officer, EuFMD, FAO, Rome
Ms J. Raftery, Administrative Assistant, EuFMD, FAO, Rome
On behalf of the Veterinary Services of the Greek Government, Dr Stylas, Director of Veterinary Services, welcomed the Committee members and observers to Chalkidiki, a far away but picturesque corner of Greece.
The organization of the Sixty-third Session of the Executive Committee, was he stated, an honour for the Greek Veterinary Services and a personal pleasure for the organizers. Every effort would be made to assure the success of the Session and Dr Panagiotatos would be available to solve any problems that might arise.
With regard to the agenda, Dr Stylas stated that the Greek Veterinary Services were particularly interested in the work of the EuFMD Commission at European and in particular at regional level.
He referred to the geographic, political and socio-economic conditions of the region which made it particularly vulnerable and unstable from an epizootic viewpoint. Frequently it was subject to outbreaks of contagious diseases (not only FMD) which because of their epidemiological nature called for massive coordination and collaboration to eradicate them.
This calls for cooperation between countries with very different philosophies and approaches in the combat against infectious animal diseases. However, as has been seen during the past years, such collaboration is both possible and very useful and when appropriately coordinated can englobe an approach which is acceptable to all.
These elements, i.e. coordination and establishment of minimal points of cooperation can and must constitute an integral part of the activities of International Organizations possessing the experience, know how, prestige and authority to intervene as and when required.
The foregoing points of view underline the importance which Greece attaches to the work of the Commission and it is our wish that this Session of the Executive Committee establish the basis for broader and stronger cooperation in the future.
Dr Stylas wished the Committee a successful meeting and a pleasant stay in Greece.
Before introducing the Agenda, the Chairman, Dr Marabelli, welcomed members of the Committee and observers to the Sixty-third Session. He extended thanks to the Greek Ministry of Agriculture and to Dr Stylas, Director of Veterinary Services, for offering to host the meeting and for having chosen such a wonderful site for the working sessions. The role played by Dr Panagiotatos, Deputy Director of Veterinary Services, in coordinating all the practical aspects and organization involved in the preparations for the Session and the exceptional excursion he had arranged for the Committee members and for observers was particularly appreciated.
The Chairman welcomed Dr Hallet, Belgium, Dr Liven, Norway, and Dr Zwingmann, Germany, who were participating in the work of the Committee for the first time. He stated that he was happy to welcome the Turkish observers, in particular the newly appointed Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Hêseyin Sungur. His presence was particularly welcome in view of the discussions to be held regarding the situation which had developed in Turkey following the occurrence of the new type A and type ASIA1 .
The situation in the CIS countries especially in the Caucasian region, is of great importance to the Commission and for this reason the Chairman stated that the presence of Dr Zakharov, Deputy Director, Vladimir Institute, was both timely and welcome.
He then welcomed Dr Fuessel, representing the EC, and expressed the wish that he would confirm the possibility of implementing the proposals already put forward by the Commission especially with regard to Turkey.
The Chairman stated that he was pleased to see Dr De Clercq, Chairman of the Research Group who would inform the meeting of the outcome of the recent Session of the Group held at Maisons Alfort in September 1999, and Dr Donaldson representing the World Reference Laboratory, the activities of which were becoming more and more important especially following reports of the appearance of new strains of virus and the necessity for precise characterization of such strains.
Dr Cheneau, representing FAO, was welcomed. His presence was of importance particularly in the context of FAOÔs activities in the field of infectious animal diseases being introduced into Europe from neighbouring countries. The Chairman was pleased to note that Dr Pearson and Dr Belev were representing OIE which is more and more closely linked with the activities of the Commission.
The Chairman wished the participants a successful meeting and fruitful discussions and expressed the wish that despite the very full agenda some time would be found to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Item 1: Adoption of the Agenda
The following Agenda was proposed to and adopted by the meeting:
Item 1 - Adoption of the Agenda
Item 2 - FMD Situation in Europe and in other regions
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Situation in North Africa
Item 3 - Report on the FMD situation and control Programme in Turkey
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Report on the situation of the new variant of Type A and Asia 1 virus in Turkey
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Report of the Tripartite Group Meeting held in Athens on 13 October1999 - FMD control measures sponsored by EU
Item 4 - Situation in CIS countries
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Letter of Agreement between FAO and ARRIAH, Vladimir: report of the OIE/FAO/EC Tripartite Group meeting in Rome on 1 September
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Report of ARRIAH, Russia
Item 5 - Report of the Chairman of the Research Group on the Meeting of the Research Group held in Maisons - Alfort, France from 29 September to 1 October 1999
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Report of the Working Group on the European Pharmacopoeia
Item 6 - Financial matters: accounts 1999 and budgets 2000 and 2001
Item 7 - Review of the conclusions and recommendations of the 33 rd Session
Item 8 - Any other business.
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proposal from the Tripartite Group meeting for extension of activities of EuFMD to certain other exotic diseases in case of introduction
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personnel matters
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64 th Session of the Executive Committee
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other
Item 9 - Adoption of the draft report.
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closing remarks
Item 2: FMD Situation in Europe and in other regions
Dr. John Ryan presented a paper and maps (Appendix 1) on the situation of FMD in Europe and other regions. In his presentation he outlined that no outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) had occurred in Europe since the end of November 1996 and that only two member countries, Turkey with serotypes O and A and Israel with serotype O reported outbreaks of FMD in 1999. The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was declared officially free of FMD without vaccination by OIE. The EU lifted the ban on imports of live animals from Bulgaria.
He continued by reporting that up to 28 October 1999, 58 countries officially reported outbreaks of FMD to the OIE, WRL or FAO. Serotype O was reported in 47 countries, A in 14 countries, Asia 1 in 4 countries, SAT 1 in 3 countries, SAT 2 in 6 countries, SAT 3 in 1 country and there were no reported outbreaks of type C in 1999 up to October 28th.
FMD remained endemic throughout the Middle East with type O outbreaks occurring in all countries. He reported the worrying emergence of another antigenically distinct type A virus A/Iran/99 in Iran and Turkey that was significantly different to the A/Iran/96 and the A/Mahmatli vaccine strain. Iran was also affected by outbreaks of Asia 1 for the first time since 1991, this was a particularly worrying development as the animal population in Iran is fully susceptible to this serotype. He also reported that there were official reports of FMD from the following CIS countries Georgia (A), Kazakhstan (O), Kyrgyzstan (O) and Turkmenistan(O).
He reported that FMD remained endemic throughout much of West, Central and East Africa with serotype O predominating in West Africa and with a large variety of serotypes affecting East Africa including O, A, SAT 1 and SAT2. There was only one outbreak in Southern Africa in Zimbabwe within its FMD Control Zone which was also the only reported outbreak of the Serotype SAT 3.
FMD also remained endemic in much of Eastern, Southern and Southeast Asia with serotype O occurring in all countries in the region. Serotype Asia 1 affected India, Malaysia and Myanmar. While serotype A affected India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand. China resumed official reporting to the OIE after a lapse of some years and reported Serotype O in cattle and pigs in the provinces of Fujian, Hainan and Tibet. Taiwan Province of China reported type O outbreaks in cattle. The strain was significantly different to O/Taiwan/97 pig adapted strain. Taiwan also announced that it was in the process of building a facility for the production of FMD vaccine.
He reported that Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay remained FMD free, while Peru reported its first outbreak (type A) since April 1997. Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, and Ecuador reported type O outbreaks. Venezuela, Colombia, Peru and Bolivia reported outbreaks of type A.
Dr Leforban presented the details and outcome of the 1999 epizootic of FMD in north Africa (Appendix 2). The disease started in Algeria in February and spread in north willayates from the center to east and west. A total of 165 outbreaks had been reported, most of them in the central willayates in March.
Due to the difficulty to control animal movement in the region, the disease was also observed in Morocco with 11 outbreaks, 8 in Oujda at the border with Algeria and in Tunisia with two outbreaks. The disease was rapidly brought under control and contrary to the last epidemic which lasted almost three years and spread from east to west, this outbreak lasted only three months. The difference in the number of outbreaks between countries may be explained by the different level of immunity of the susceptible population ä vaccination of cattle up to the end of 1997 in Morocco, annual vaccination of all susceptible animals in Tunisia, and vaccination of susceptible animals only along the eastern border in Algeria. He also presented a proposal for a regional programme for control based on annual vaccination of cattle for 3 years and vaccination of small ruminants in risk areas only.
Dr. Cheneau reported that in response to a request from Algeria for FMD surveillance and diagnosis, at the North African Regional Co-ordination meeting in July, FAO had prepared a Technical Co-operation Project (TCP) which is currently being implemented in Algeria. As part of this TCP, an expert from FAO is presently developing their capacity to respond to disease emergencies, new epidemiological software has been supplied, assistance has been given to equip a laboratory in the south of the country and Dr. Leforban will attend a workshop on surveillance in November.
He drew attention to the fact that roads have been significantly improved between Algeria and West Africa and this has increased the risk of exotic disease introduction across the Sahara which was once considered a natural barrier to the spread of FMD and other exotic diseases. He also stressed the importance of regional co-operation and communication between countries of the region. He reported that arising from the success of the FAO Radiscon project, a proposal to create a Foot-and-Mouth Disease Commission for the countries of North Africa and the Middle East was being considered.
Conclusions and Recommendations
- Regional co-operation is essential for improving the disease status of North Africa ä an important protection zone for Europe.
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The proposal for creation of a new Commission for the control of Transboundary diseases in North Africa and the Middle East is supported and encouraged by EuFMD.
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More research is needed to clarify the role of small ruminants in maintaining the circulation of virus and to clarify the optimal vaccination strategy in small ruminants.
Item 3: Report on the situation of the new variant of type A virus and Asia 1 type and on control programme in Turkey
Dr Aktas reported on the current situation in Turkey where ASIA 1 type has been reported on 22 October in Agri Province. Two separate outbreaks had occurred along the main road coming from Iran. An expert mission is currently investigating the situation in this region and should decide upon the vaccination strategy i.e. either ring vaccination or enlarged zone of vaccination in the region.
Two type A (identical to A Iran/96 and identical to A Iran/99) seems to circulate in Turkey in 1999.
Due to this particularly dangerous situation, GDPC is pressing the field service to reinforce clinical surveillance and to send samples. They have also reinforced the border control especially in the southeastern border with Iran but it appears now that illegal movement is occurring more frequently in the north east which explains the localisation of outbreaks due to new strains in this region.
Dr Aktas informed the meeting that a national Commission for FMD has been created in Turkey which is reviewing the general control strategy. They have now separated Turkey into 5 geographical areas with different strategies.
The strategy for the western zone including Thrace and the 7 Marmara Region Provinces is from the year 2000 biannual vaccination of susceptible animals with bivalent vaccines against O and A (A/Ankara 96). The rest of Anatolia will be vaccinated with monovalent vaccine and ring vaccination against A or other exotic strains will be carried out in case of an outbreak due to these types.
Considering that transport of live animals plays a major role in the dissemination of viruses from east to west, the Ministry is pushing for financial measures encouraging industry to slaughter livestock in eastern Anatolia to limit transport of live animals.
Dr Donaldson presented results from the WRL ( Appendix 4) showing that isolates of FMDV from Turkey in 1997, 1998 and 1999 belong to the same topotype as the A Iran 96 variant. Additional isolates from Turkey in 1999, belong to the newly recognized A Iran 99 topotype. The A Iran 96 and A Iran 99 topotypes, and the Turkish isolates related to them, are antigenically very different from each other and from other type A strains.
In analyses performed at the WRL on an ASIA1 isolate from Iran received in 1999 (IRN 58/99) a genetic relationship with the reference strains PAK 2/98 and PAK 3/98 has been demonstrated, providing evidence that the outbreaks of type ASIA1 in Iran in 1999 are epidemiologically linked with Pakistan.
Dr Leforban reported on the outcome of the Tripartite Group meeting held in Athens on 13 October (Appendix 5). Serosurveillance is carried out on a regular basis in Bulgaria along the border with Turkey. 19,000 sera of small ruminants have been tested with negative results in 1998.
In Greece for 1999,10,000 sheep have been tested before being moved from the risk area (Prefecture of Evros and Lesbos Island). 253 imported animals (mainly cattle) randomely selected have been tested. In addition 500 animals were tested in a context of "suspect cases" of which two cattle were found with low positive titres. These cattle and the rest of the herd were destroyed as a precautionary measure.
The situation in Turkey was extensively discussed by the meeting which recommended that:
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figures on FMD vaccination in Turkey and particularly in Thrace should be regularly provided to international organizations,
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the regional workshop on the detection of antibodies to NSP should be organised as soon as possible,
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discussion between EC and Turkey should be resumed with the goal of a rapid implementation and /or updating of the FMD control program for 1999,
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control of FMD vaccine produced in Turkey should be carried out as soon as possible, and should be paid for by EC.
The rest of the Tripartite Group meeting was devoted to the discussion of the situation of Blue Tongue (BT) in the region which had been reported in the three countries.
Dr Fuessel described the 3-year EC programme initiated in Turkey in 1998. US$230,000 was foreseen for this first year but due to difficulties encountered by the Turkish authorities in following EC financial rules in respect of prefinancing, the programme could not be completed. The technical paper for the call for tender for control of vaccine produced in Turkey is ready. The decision about which Turkish produced vaccines should be tested was delayed due to uncertainty about the composition of the vaccines and the vaccination strategy adopted by Turkey. To a lesser degree, the delay was due to other urgent activities such as the need to prepare a new request for tenders for the EU vaccine bank. Based on further epidemiological evidence, Turkey will decide before the end of the year which A strain will be included in their vaccine for next years campaign.
Dr Fuessel also explained that he had approached ex DG IB and MEDA Programme staff in Brussels to ask their support for the proposal of Turkey to develop the meat industry in eastern Anatolia to discourage movements of animals from east to west. He also informed the meeting that the dossier of Turkey had been brought to the attention of higher Management in ex DG XXIV, including the Commissioner, Mr Byrne.
Dr Cheneau explained to the Committee the actions undertaken by FAO for control of FMD in the region. The initial project for cooperation between Turkey and Iran which was first proposed by the FAOR in Turkey at the Sixty-first Session of the Committee in Antalya in May 1998 has gone through a long bureaucratic procedure in FAO and it is now foreseen that this project will be approved by FAO in the near future. The Secretary of the Commission explained that the project includes the following activities:
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provision of vaccine to Iran against ASIA 1,
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international expertise to FMD institutes in Ankara and in Teheran,
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partnership cooperation between the two institutes,
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training and provision of equipment and reagents.
The overall objective of the project is the strengthening of the Institutes to react promptly to the new introduction of new FMD strains and to reinforce their surveillance systems.
Conclusions and Recommendations
- The situation in Turkey is serious and all efforts should be made by the Commission to support the efforts of Turkey;
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The TCP between Turkey and Iran initiated by FAO is of primary importance for the control of FMD in the region under the current circumstances;
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The Committee noted with satisfaction the setting up of an FMD Commission in Turkey and the general review of the FMD strategy;
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The Session endorsed the recommendations of the Balkan Tripartite Group meeting;
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The Session supported the proposal for the organization of a technical workshop on NSP for the Balkan countries (This workshop should be jointly financed by EuFMD and EC TF 911100);
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Following the workshop serosurveillance in Thrace should be organized using the NSP test;
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Discussion between EC and Turkey should be resumed and the control of FMD vaccine produced in Turkey should be carried out as soon as possible.
Item 4: Situation in CIS countries:
Dr Leforban presented the details of the letter of Agreement signed between FAO and ARRIAH for the Control of FMD in the Transcaucasian region (Appendix 6).
A total of US$340,000 has been earmarked for the implementation of the emergency measures as recommended by the Thirty-third Session.
The measures include:
- 1. the provision of vaccine and the coordination of vaccination campaigns,
- 2. the reinforcement of epidemiological surveillance of FMD in the region,
- 3. the improvement of reporting systems to ARRIAH and to international organizations.
In his conclusion, Dr Leforban highlighted the need for ARRIAH to strictly follow the requirements of the LOA especially in respect of the reporting of the technical and financial outcome of the activities carried out by ARRIAH in the Caucasia.
He underlined the pilot nature of this project, the success of which is a prerequisite for further internationally funded activities on a larger scale.
He reviewed the conclusions and recommendations of the last Tripartite meeting held in Rome on 1 September 1999. The Group recommended that a letter be sent to the Ministers for Agriculture with copies to the three CVOÔs in Caucasia asking them to let the Tripartite Group know how vaccine provided by ARRIAH had been used and to report on other activities carried out in their countries in respect of FMD control. The Secretary of the Commission informed the Committee that the letter had been despatched in English and a copy in Russian, kindly prepared by OIE, would be despatched without delay.
Dr Zakharov then provided an update of the situation in CIS and of the implementation of the LOA between FMD and ARRIAH ( Appendix 7). He stated that the situation is complicated in the region but had improved in Caucasian countries in 1999 by comparison with 1998 and previous years. Only one outbreak due to type A had been observed in Georgia. Thanks to the project samples were collected and taken to ARRIAH without delay.The prompt diagnosis of the disease permitted it to be brought under control very efficiently before it could spread.
Type 0 outbreaks have been observed in 1999 in Kazakhstan (1 outbreak) Kyrghyzstan (1 outbreak), Turkmenistan (6 outbreaks). Disease is also suspected to be present in Tadjikistan and Uzbekistan. He explained that outbreaks in these regions usually cover one full region and not individual farms or villages.
He then detailed the quantity of vaccine (O and A) and equipment provided to countries under the LOA: 350,000 doses to Azerbaijan, 250,000 to Armenia, 300,000 to Georgia, 150,000 doses to Russia. Dr Zakharov proposed that in addition to 1 million doses already delivered, 15,000 doses should also be provided to Abhazia. 15,000 doses are also kept as a reserve at ARRIAH. He stated that his Institute also provided to each country 2,000 kits for blood samples and 4 kits for sending pathological material. He reported that staff of ARRIAH had visited Armenia and Georgia in July, the Caucas Republics of Russia in September and Azerbaijan in October.
These experts determined with the national authorities the vaccination zone, creation of forms for protocols, acts and other documents. They collected 1,120 blood samples in 8 districts in Georgia and 2 districts in Armenia and 820 blood samples in six districts in Azerbaijan.
Investigation of this material demonstrated that the percentage of seropositive animals varied between countries, 8 to 16 % in cattle and 5% in sheep in Georgia and 32 to 44% in cattle and 28% in sheep in Armenia. Positive samples were tested with NSP tests in cooperation with IZS, Brescia. Out of this 2% were found positive in Georgia and 49% in Armenia.
During the discussion it was agreed that this sero prevalence had no statistical value as samples had been collected only in a few districts and not randomly. However, it demonstrated the difference of sero prevalence between Armenia and Georgia and that, even if FMD is not endemic, virus circulates in cattle and sheep in the region.
Dr Zakharov in conclusion stressed the need for continuing efforts to maintain and extend the Buffer Zone (BZ) and to establish a stock of ASIA-1 vaccine for emergency situations in the region.
The Committee recognized the efforts made by ARRIAH to initiate this buffer zone project and agreed on the challenging work in course and still to be achieved. The need to concentrate the activities of the FMD on the European part of CIS in the Transcaucasian countries and not to extend to Asiatic Republics under the present circumstances and despite their need for support which was recognized was also stressed.
Conclusions and Recommendations
- The Committee noted the status of FMD in the region based on the analysis of preliminary results of serosurveillance carried out at ARRIAH and presented at the Research Group meeting. The Group is of the opinion that FMD is not endemic but has a high risk to be introduced and then to persist for a certain period of time.
- The Committee noted that the preliminary qualitative risk analysis carried out by a member of the mission in Transcaucasia indicated that risk of introduction of FMD from these countries to Europe is currently relatively low due to the limited commercial exchange between Europe and these countries. However, the risk of illegal transport of infected animals and products from these countries to Europe does exist.
Recommendations
In compliance with the Letter of Agreement:
- Samples of new isolates from Caucasia should be sent by ARRIAH to the WRL, Pirbright for comparison with other strains isolated in the region (Turkey, Iran).
- The Session endorsed the proposal of ARRIAH that 15,000 doses of vaccine be provided to Abhazia.
- The EuFMD and Tripartite Group should continue to support the activities of ARRIAH in the region and would appreciate receiving the interim six-monthly report as stipulated under the LOA. Prompt reporting to International Organizations of any FMD case in the region is also strongly recommended.
- A Tripartite Group meeting should be convened after receiving the interim report and the answers of the CVOÔs to the letters which have been addressed by the Chairman of the EuFMD on behalf of the Tripartite to the Ministers of Agriculture of the countries concerned.
- This Tripartite meeting should review the progress made in the implementation of the LOA and the follow-up to be given to the project.
- In respect of the replenishment of the EC/FAO Trust Fund,
- A letter should be addressed to the Commissioner for Agriculture and to the Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection asking for:
- reimbursement of the funds already used under the terms of the Letter of Agreement and agreed by the EC,
- clarification of the procedure for future expenditure and reimbursement. Further EuFMD activities in the region and elsewhere is dependant on replenishment of the Trust Fund by EC. Reimbursement of the initial US$340,000 earmarked for this LOA is a prerequisite for further activities.
Item 5: Report of the Chairman of the Research Group on the Meeting of the Research Group held at Maisons-Alfort, France from 29 September to 1 October 1999 and Report of the Working Group on the European Pharmacopoeia
Dr. De Clercq reported on the activities of the Research Group during 1999 (Appendix 8). He explained the possibilities of using a computer simulation model for the risk analysis of FMDV introduction. This tool combined with a computer simulation of FMDV transmission and economic consequence analysis is very useful for evaluating different disease control strategies. The group recommended the organisation of a workshop on risk analysis at the next group meeting where the opinion of the groupÔs experts can be taken into account.
The group considered that the FMD situation in CIS countries, North Africa and the Middle East was of high concern. The direct risk of FMDV introduction into Europe from those regions was considered to be limited. Of particular concern was the situation in Iran because of the emergence of Asia 1 and the situation in Turkey because of the appearance of the new A type (A/Iran/99).
Serosurveillance is a very useful tool for directing FMD control. It was highly recommended to use the NSP ELISA test on a group basis but it does not give you an idea of the current virological status of an individual animal. The NSP ELISA was successfully used during the serosurveillance in North Africa and in the TransCaucasian countries.
The Working group on the FMD Monograph of the European Pharmacopoeia proposed to make essential changes to the current text. The changes are related to manufacturing procedures, the use of GMP, potency testing, reduction of animal experiments, the application to species other than cattle, emergency vaccines and new strains. The Group recommended that after the endorsement of the Executive Committee, the proposals should be submitted to the Secretariat of the European Pharmacopoeia and that the OIE Standards Commission and EMEA should be informed.
The development of an NSP ELISA kit has become essential for serosurveillance after applying emergency vaccination. The group highlighted that the use of suppressive vaccination as part of an emergency vaccination strategy, has considerable disadvantages.
The group highlighted that sufficient personnel and resources must be allocated to the process of gaining laboratory accreditation.
Different options were introduced for the disposal of animal carcasses in an environmentally friendly manner. Special attention was paid to the fact that rendering plants may not be available in the future.
The request for removing SVD from OIE list A was considered. Arguments for and against removal were discussed.
Conclusions and Recommendations
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The meeting supported the idea of organising a risk analysis workshop at the next EuFMD Research Group meeting.
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Serosurveillance is an essential component of FMD Control and the NSP test is a highly valuable tool despite its limitations.
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The Committee agreed that the Research Group should submit its amended FMD vaccine monograph to the Secretariat of the European Pharmacopoeia and that the OIE Standards Commission should be informed. The director of EMEA will also be contacted for clarification of registration procedures.
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It is strongly recommended that vaccines for emergency use have a potency of a least 6 PD50.
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Alternative means of carcass disposal should be studied further.
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The Committee expressed its recognition of the excellent work carried out by the Research Group and the conclusions and recommendations of the Research Group were endorsed by the Executive Committee.
Item 6: Financial matters: accounts 1999; and budgets 2000 and 2001Ms. Joan Raftery presented the accounts as at 30 September 1999 (Appendix 9) for the Trust Funds monitored by the Commission (TFÔs 904200/909700/911100 and TEMP/INT/974/MSC TF081159) prepared by the Central Accounting, Reporting and Control Service, Finance Division, FAO.
With regard to Statement 1 for TF 904200, the Committee was informed that the interest for 1999 would be included in the final accounts as at 31 December 1999.
The CommitteeÔs attention was drawn to Statement 2, outstanding contributions at 30.09.1999; the meeting was informed that Belgium had paid but the contribution had not reached FAO in time to be included in Statement 2. The Chairman expressed satisfaction at the up-to-date situation of the contributions which showed very few arrears.
The secretariat stated that member countries would be reminded to pay as stipulated in the Constitution i.e." ... within 30 days of the receipt of the communication of the Director-General or as of the first day of the calendar year to which they relate...".
The accounts for TF909700 and TF911100 (Statements 3 and 4 respectively) were accepted as presented.
Regarding Statement 5, TEMP TF no 081159, the Secretary informed the Committee that this temporary account represented the contribution of OIE to the joint FAO/OIE/EC mission to Caucasus organized by FAO and that the Director of OIE had agreed that the balance, US$2,205, could be used for the Workshop for the Balkan countries.
The Budget for 2000 (approved by the 33rd Session) and proposed budget for 2001 were presented. The Committee was informed that in line with the recommendation of the Thirty-third Session an amount of US$7,800 would be earmarked for temporary assistance to cover emergencies in the case of prolonged absence of the administrative staff . This amount would be taken from savings at the end of 1999 and included under "overtime" in the revised budget for 2000.
Dr Cheneau, pointed out that the biennium of the Commission did not coincide with the biennium of the Organization. This caused some difficulties from the administrative viewpoint, in particular with regard to the contract of the Secretary which had been renewed for one year only. To avoid this it was suggested that the Thirty-fourth Session, scheduled to be held in 2001, should be requested to approve the CommissionÔs budgets for the following 2 years i.e. 2002/2003 in addition to the current year (2001).
The Secretary pointed out that the CommissionÔs budget for TF904200 for the year 2000 had been approved by the Thirty-third Session and the budgets for 2000/2001 had been submitted to and approved by the Ninety-third Session of the Finance Committee held in Rome from 13 to 17 September 1999.
Following presentation of the budgets for TF911100 and TF909700, and in reply to a query from one of the Committee members, the Secretary explained the purpose of the proposed workshop budgeted under TF 904200 and TF909700 for 2000. Inter alia he mentioned the need for biosecurity training in the laboratories and simulation exercises. He also informed the Committee of LithuaniaÔs request for financial assistance towards a supply of FMD ELISA reagents, approximate cost US$1,000. Bulgaria had requested a further supply of reagents, at an estimated cost of approximately US$6,000. This will be covered under TF 909700 together with the supply of reagents for NSP ELISA to the Balkan countries. The Committee agreed.
The secretariat informed the Committee that FAO is in the process of changing its financial system from FINSYS to ORACLE and a number of difficulties were being encountered in the implementation of the new system. The travel system has also been changed to ATLAS which, although still requiring adjustments, represents an improvement over the previous system.
The Committee adopted and approved the accounts and budgets as presented.
Item 7: Review of the conclusions and recommendations of the 33 rd Session
Dr. Leforban reviewed the progress made on the conclusions and recommendations of the 33rd Session and justified the inclusion of this item as a means to ensure that the recommendations of the Commission are followed-up.
Regarding the recommendation that FMD surveillance and control should be reinforced in the regions of potential risk to Europe (North Africa and the Middle East), he reported that contacts were maintained with the countries of North Africa, and that a Technical Co-operation Project (TCP) is being implemented by FAO in Algeria.
In relation to the recommendation that the WRL should provide technical support and FAO/EuFMD and OIE financial support to facilitate the rapid collection of samples and the identification and characterisation of FMD strains from North Africa and other regions (particularly sub-Saharan countries), he reported that contacts were made by FAO with the countries of sub-Saharan Africa encouraging them to reinforce surveillance of FMD in the region. As a result, sampling equipement were sent to Niger via the FAO representation in Niamey.
Regarding the recommendation that the European countries at greatest risk be encouraged to provide vaccine in the form of bilateral aid and that EuFMD could serve as an intermediary if necessary, he reported that a co-ordination meeting FAO/EC ( ex DG I) was organised on July 8 by FAO to discuss a possible regional programme for the control of FMD in North Africa.
Regarding the recommendation that a study of the safe disposal of carcasses following the application of stamping-out should be conducted covering the various relevant aspects (technical, public health, environmental and other considerations) and be presented to the 34th Session of the Commission, Dr. Ryan reported that he had examined the subject and presented an introductory paper to the Research Group. He reported that there were a great many unknowns when faced with analysing this problem and encouraged all members to submit as much information as possible on this subject so that all countries could benefit from this knowledge.
Regarding the recommendation that validation of contingency plans by simulation exercises is a priority for all countries, he reported that a workshop on Simulation Exercises is envisaged for 2000 for the countries of Europe which have not yet acquired experience in this domain.
In relation to the recommendations that the secretariat should improve the questionnaire for future sessions so that it can better determine the indicators of good surveillance for FMD, that it should re-contact the countries who have not responded to the questionnaire on contingency planning to see what progress has been made since, and that it should improve the questionnaire on vaccine availability by including questions on vaccine quality, the availability of vaccine for peripheral regions of Europe and on the response time for each vaccine bank and commercial supplier, he reported that these recommendations would be considered when the Secretariat prepares the new questionnaires towards the end of the year 2000.
As regards the translation of leaflets to be used in awareness campaigns targeted at tourists and migrant workers at country borders, he reported that awareness leaflets have already been translated into English, French, German, Albanian, and Arabic, and that translation was envisaged in Turkish, Serbo/Croatian and Russian.
In relation to the recommendation that EuFMD should work through the UN system to resolve the increasing difficulties experienced in the transhipment of diagnostic samples by some members with some airlines, he reported that action would be undertaken in the year 2000.
In relation to the recommendation that the possibility of replacing the administrative personnel of the Secretariat in event of illness or absence for prolonged periods should be studied as well as the possibility of allocating a budget for such administrative emergencies, he reported that this subject was to be examined in the year 2000.
Proposal from the Tripartite Group meeting for extension of activities of EuFMD to certain other exotic diseases in case of introduction
The Secretary presented the item related to the possibility of extending the activities of the EuFMD submitted by the last meeting of the Tripartite Group held in Athens on 13 October.
He explained that this opening is already a fact in the Tripartite Group meetings since 3 years. These meetings have been the occasion for coordination of control measures against exotic diseases (Sheep Pox, Blue Tongue).
This practice had been endorsed by the 33rd Session in 1999 which indicated agreement "... although the Commission's sole responsibility must lie with FMD...".
The question submitted now to the Committee is whether EuFMD wishes to go further towards coordinating activities for exotic diseases other than FMD.
The Secretary explained that exotic and transboundary diseases are already given high priority by FAO through the EMPRES programme and by OIE through the Regional Commission for Europe. EC is also playing a major role in coordinating the prevention of entry of such diseases on EU territory.
He gave some indication of the limits of activities of EuFMD towards other exotic diseases. As a principle FMD should remain the disease of the Commission and the cost of activities for other diseases should be minimal in order to avoid the need for an increase in member countriesÔ contributions. He also detailed possible steps to be followed if the Committee decides to take this direction.
Conclusions and Recommendations
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The Committee is in favour of the principle of paying attention to diseases other than FMD
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EuFMD has certain specific and comparative advantages compared with other international organizations.
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However, the extension of its activities should be carefully analysed and no action should be taken before the 64th Session. Proposals should be discussed and agreed between EuFMD and FAO. Both legal and operational aspects should be covered by these discussions.
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A decision should be taken at the 64th Session.
The Committee was informed that the SecretaryÔs contract had been extended for one year i.e. up to 31 December 2000. Dr Cheneau pointed out that for practical reasons and also in line with the procedures in force in FAO for contracts, it would be preferable to renew the SecretaryÔs contract on a two-year basis.
The Committee agreed that the SecretaryÔs contract should be extended to 31 December 2001 and thereafter on a two-yearly basis.
The Secretary informed the Committee that Dr RyanÔs contract had been renewed by the Irish Government up to 30 October 2000. He invited member countries to put forward names of other suitable candidates for the post of APO with the Commission. However, he requested that the possibility of extending Dr RyanÔs contract up to and possibly beyond the date of the 34th Session be taken into consideration.
64th and 65th Sessions of the Executive Committee
Dr Hallet extended an informal invitation to the Committee to hold the 64th Session in Belgium on 13 and 14 April 2000, but due to overlapping of the dates with another EC meeting the final dates will be 30 and 31 March 2000.
Dr Zwingman offered host facilities for the 65th Session in Germany, venue and dates to be decided.
Item 9: Adoption of the draft report
The draft report was adopted subject to agreed amendments.
Dr Marabelli said that the meeting had been very successful and positive. He extended thanks to the Research Group for their scientific work and advice to the Commission, to the secretariat for the timely preparation of the documentation and draft report for the Session, to the interpreters for their excellent work during the meeting, and to the participants for their active participation.
He underlined the importance of the new activities in the Caucacus and the necessity to evaluate the possible broadening of the present activities of the Commission. The situation of Blue Tongue required further evaluation.
He extended thanks to Dr Zakharov for his presentation and to the observers from OIE, EU, and FAO. The coming months he stated would be important as it would be necessary to make proposals to the 64th Session on the issues requiring a decision in the near future.
On behalf of the participants he expressed his appeciation to Dr Stylas, to Dr Panagiotatos and to the Greek authorities for the excellent facilities provided for the meeting and the arrangements for internal travel. The excellent atmosphere and positive outcome of the Session was largely due to their generous efforts.
Dr Stylas wished the Delegates and observers a pleasant time for the rest of their stay and a safe journey home.