Archive: Executive Committee

 

64th SESSION

Introduction

The Executive Committee of the European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (EuFMD) held its Sixty-fourth Session at Rochehaut, Bouillon, Belgium on 30 and 31 March 2000.

 

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

 

Observers

 

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 B. van Goethem, Head E2 Unit, EC, Brussels Belgium
Dr Alf-Eckbert Fuessel, Brussels, Belgium

OIE
Dr J.E. Pearson, Paris, France

FAO
Dr Y. Cheneau, Chief, Animal Health Service, AGA, Rome, Italy

Belgium
Dr J.P. Vermeersch, Administration de la Santée animale et de la Qualitée des produits animaux (DG5), Ministèere des Classes Moyennes et de l’Agriculture
Dr J. Dufey, Administration de la Santée animale et de la Qualitée des produits animaux
Ministèere des Classes Moyennes et de l’Agriculture

Turkey
Dr S. Aktas, SAP Institute

Russian Federation
Dr V.M. Avilov, Chief, Main Veterinary Department
Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Prof. A. Gusev, 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

 

Welcome

 

On behalf of the Belgian Government, Dr L. Hallet welcomed the participants. He said that it was an honour and a great pleasure for his Government to host the 64th Session of the Executive Committee of the European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease. Following the example of Dr Panagiotatos who had organized the 63rd Session of the Committee in a quiet picturesque corner of Greece, as a venue for the meeting Dr Hallet had chosen Rochehaut, a charming country area in the Province of Luxembourg, far from Brussels. He hoped that the Committee would appreciate his choice and that the hotel that had been chosen for the meeting, would prove to be both suitable for and conducive to fruitful discussions.

Belgium, situated as it is at the crossroads of Europe, has always been very concerned about the control of FMD. It is now ten years since the EU decided to open the frontiers to establish the "grand marchée". At the same time it was decided to stop systematic vaccination of cattle. Belgium had not been in favour of this decision.

Ten years have passed; the incidents which have occurred during this period, have been limited. Nevertheless, now more than ever, it is important to remain vigilant in order to prevent the reappearance of an epizootic. This threat remains permanent.

In Belgium we always ask ourselves: "do we have the means to combat FMD in case of an outbreak? particularly in respect of the capacity to destroy the carcasses?"; for this reason we rely heavily on the work of this Commission and in particular on the dynamism of our Secretary, Dr Leforban, and his collaborators whom I wish to thank for all their work; the action they carry out in the countries at risk is of paramount importance.

He concluded by wishing the participants an enjoyable stay in the Belgian Ardennes and expressed the hope that the weather would improve and the rain would not last too long.

Before presenting the Agenda, the Chairman, Dr Marabelli, expressed his pleasure at being in Belgium. He thanked Dr Hallet and the Belgian Government for having agreed to organize and host the meeting and provide interpretation facilities in the two working languages of the Commission (English/French). He welcomed the Committee members, the representatives of FAO, EC and OIE, the Chairman of the Research Group, the representative of the WRL, and the observers from Belgium, Turkey, and the Federation of Russia and Belgium Appendix 14. He also welcomed the secretariat.

The Chairman informed the Committee and the observers that the working documents had been sent out by DHL. He underlined the heavy agenda facing the meeting and he invited the Committee to adopt the Agenda.

 

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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

  • FMD Situation in Europe and in other regions

  • Situation in North Africa

  • Update from the WRL (Dr Donaldson)

Item 3 - Report on the FMD situation and control Programme in Turkey:

  • Report of Turkey

  • Update from the WRL

  • FAO sponsored activities in Turkey and Iran

  • FMD control measures sponsored by EU

Item 4 - Situation in CIS countries

  • Report of Russia

  • Report of the Tripartite Group Meeting of 14 February 2000 at FAO HQ in Rome

  • Letter of Agreement (LOA) between FAO and ARRIAH, Vladimir: review of the final technical and financial reports for 1999 and of the proposal for the new LOA for 2000.

Item 5 - Report on the activities of the Research Group:

  • Report of the regional Workshop on 3ABC Elisa, held in Brescia, 18 to 21 January 2000

  • Report of the Working Group on the European Pharmacopoeia

  • Session of the Research Group in Borovets, Bulgaria, 5-8 September 2000

Item 6 - Financial matters:

  • Accounts 1999 (as at 31 December 1999) and provisional budgets 2000 and 2001

  • Report on the FAO/EC meeting held in Rome on 25 February 2000 on the utilisation of Trust Fund MTF/INT/OO3/EEC (TFEU970089129)

Item 7 - Any other business:

  • Follow up of the proposal from the 63rd Session of the Executive Committee regarding reinforcement of the surveillance of exotic diseases in the Balkan countries,

  • 34th Session of the Commission and 65th Session of the Executive Committee in Germany (dates and venue),

  • other

Item 8 - Adoption of the draft report.

  • Closing remarks

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Item 2:   FMD Situation

 

FMD in Europe and other regions

Dr. John Ryan presented a paper and maps Appendix 1 on the situation of FMD in Europe and other regions in 1999 and for the first quarter of 2000. In his presentation he outlined that no outbreaks of foot-and-mouth Disease (FMD) had occurred in Europe since the end of November 1996.

He continued by reporting that up to 31 December 1999, 61 countries had officially reported outbreaks of FMD to the OIE, WRL or FAO. Serotype O was reported in 50 countries, A in 17 countries, Asia 1 in 6 countries, SAT 1 in 5 countries, SAT 2 in 6 countries, SAT 3 in 1 country and there were no reported outbreaks of type C in 1999. He explained that due to the delays involved in receiving official reports, he had limited information to offer for 2000, as only 8 countries had officially reported outbreaks. Up to 30 March 2000 Ooutbreaks of FMD serotype O had occurred in Cambodia, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Province of China, and Turkey to 30 March 2000, and outbreaks of FMD serotype A had occurred in Iraq and Peru to 30 March 2000.

FMD remained endemic throughout the Middle East in 1999 with type O outbreaks occurring in all countries. He reported that another antigenically distinct type A virus (A/Iran/99) affected Iran and Turkey in 1999 and that this virus was significantly different to the A/Iran/96 virus and the A/Mahmatli vaccine strain. Iran and Turkey were also affected by outbreaks of Asia 1 for the first time since 1991 in 1999. He also reported stated that there were official reports of FMD in 1999 from the following CIS countries Georgia (A), Kazakhstan (O), Kyrgyzstan (O) and Turkmenistan(O). He continued by reporting that Turkey had outbreaks of type O in January 2000, and that type A was isolated by the WRL in February 2000 from samples received from Northern Iraq. The virus in Iraq was analagous to the A/Iran/96 topotype.

He reported that FMD remained endemic in 1999 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. In Southern Africa, Zimbabwe reported an outbreak of the Serotype SAT 3 within its FMD Control Zone. This was the only report of this serotype world-wide in 1999, but Zimbabwe also reported outbreaks of SAT 1. He also noted that many countries in West and sub-Saharan Africa did not report the serotype of FMD outbreaks.

FMD also remained endemic in much of Eastern, Southern and Southeast Asia in 1999 with serotype O occurring in all countries in the region. Serotype A affected Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Thailand in 1999, while serotype Asia 1 affected India, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar. 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 in 1999. Taiwan Taiwan, Province of China, reported type O outbreaks in February and March 2000. There was one outbreak in cattle and two outbreaks in goats in early 2000. The strain was significantly different to O/Taiwan/97 pig adapted strain. In March 2000, both Japan and Republic of Korea reported outbreaks of FMD type O in cattle. This was a very unfortunate event as Japan had been free of FMD since 1908 and South Korea had been free of the disease since 1934.

Regarding South America, he reported that Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay remained FMD free, while Peru reported its first outbreak (type A) since April 1997 in 1999 and wasere the first country in South America to report outbreaks of in January 2000, the serotype was again type A. Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador reported type O outbreaks in 1999. Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela reported outbreaks of type A in 1999.

In response to a question from Dr. Pearson about the current distribution of the pig-adapted type O strain that had such a large impact on Taiwan in 1997, Dr. Donaldson replied that this strain did not dissappear and that it continued to cause outbreaks in Vietnam and Cambodia in 1999. He continued by outlining that there were currently 3 different topotypes of type O circulating in South-East Asia: the pig-adapted type O from Taiwan in 1997, the India-90 lineage South Asian Topotype - the pandemic strain and another strain that was affecting cattle in Vietnam and other regions.

 

Situation in North Africa

Dr Leforban presented the final report of the 1999 epizootic in North Africa and proposals for a regional programme for the control of FMD in the Maghreb countries Appendix 2. This presentation was based on information and proposals generated at an FAO regional meeting held in Tunis on 17-18 January 2000. This meeting was organised by FAO to discuss the second phase of the FAO RADISCON (Regional Animal Diseases Surveillance and Control Wokshop) and the regional approach to the control of FMD in the Maghreb countries. Four countries, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Lybia were represented and they strongly advocated a Regional Project for FMD control in the region. FAO is currently considering their request and a regional program for FMD control is under preparation which will be submitted to EU for funding.

This program will include annual vaccination of cattle for 3 years in all 4 countries of the Mediterranean Maghreb and the reinforcement of surveillance measures and diagnosis capabilities. At the end of the three year period the possibility to stop preventive vaccination in certain countries of the west of the region could be considered.

A Technical Co-operation Project (TCP) is currently being implemented in Algeria. As part of this TCP, an international expert visited the country to help them in developing their capacity to respond to disease emergencies. Assistance has also been given to equip a P3 laboratory in Tizi Ouzou and to establish two surveillance stations with laboratories in the south of the country. Dr. Leforban also attended a workshops on FMD surveillance organised in Algiers in the framework of this TCP in November 1999.

 

Update from the WRL

Dr. Donaldson reported on the work carried out at the WRL in 1999-2000, and particularly on the characterisation of FMD isolates Appendix 3. He reported that Lebanon submitted samples from 1999 to the WRL in January 2000 that were positive for FMD type O. He continued by reporting that samples from Cambodia and Taiwan, Province of China, tested positive for FMD type O in February 2000, and that in the same month, samples from Iraq tested positive for FMD type A and that the virus isolated was analogous to the A/Iran/96 topotype. Samples from Malaysia tested positive for FMD type O in March.

Dr. Donaldson proceeded to inform the meeting that the virus responsible for the outbreaks on Kinmen island Taiwan Province of China in 1999 was analogous to the India-90 lineage of the South Asian topotype of FMD type O. This virus topotype was responsible for many outbreaks over the last decade, starting in India in 1990 and spreading eastward to Malaysia by 1995 and westward to affect Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey by 1996. This topotype was responsible for many outbreaks across the Middle East from 1995 to 1999 - including the episode in Iraq in 1999 where it demonstrated high mortality in young lambs and a low virulence for cattle - and then re-emerged in South East Asia in 1999 causing outbreaks in Taiwan, Province of China, China, Thailand and Vietnam. Continuing this trend the topotype was also responsible for the outbreaks in Cambodia and Malaysia in 2000. Based on this wide distribution, Dr. Donaldson considered this to have been a pandemic strain of FMD type O.

He continued by supplying details of the very recent outbreaks in Japan and South Korea as reported by the OIE on 23 and 24 March. In Japan there was an outbreak of FMD type O in Miyazki city, Miyazaki Prefecture,affecting feeder cattle. All 10 animals on the farm were affected and subsequently destroyed. Control measures included intensive surveillance and movement controls. In South Korea, there was an outbreak of FMD type O in Papyung county, Paju city, Kyunggi Province, affecting all 12 milking cows and 3 calves on the farm. All the affected animals were destroyed.

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Conclusions and Recommendations

 

  • The Commission noted the deteriorating FMD situation in Asia and recommendeds that all member countries should learn from the recent experiences of Japan and the Republic of Korea with type O and of Iran and Turkey with types A and Asia 1 and strengthenheighten their preparedness and awareness of the risks of FMD.

  • Regional co-operation is essential for improving the FMD status of North Africa which is considered as an important protection zone for Europe. Therefore, the Commission encourages the establishment of a regional commission for disease control in the region.

  • The Committee recommended that the regional FMD project for Maghreb should be supported.

  • 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 in North Africa.

  • The Commission noted that many countries with FMD do not submit samples to the WRL for virus typing. The Commission strongly recommends that all countries including the CIS countries should submit samples to the WRL for sequencing so that a more accurate picture of the evolution and circulation of virus strains can be obtained.

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Item 3: Report on the FMD situation and control programme in Turkey

 

Report of Turkey

Dr Aktas reported on the current situation in Turkey where type O, both type A’s (A/Iran/96 and A/Iran/99) and Asia 1 were all reported in 1999 Appendix 4.

There have been 10 outbreaks of type O in 2000 so far, but because of the very severe winter the overall number of outbreaks are low. It might be expected that Turkey will experience further outbreaks of type A and Asia 1 later this year when the weather improves.

The overall levels of vaccination coverage in Turkey were low in 1999 as the SAP Institute was not in production for 7 months due to renovations when new air conditioning and air filtration was installed. This was made possible due to the fact that farmers now must pay for the FMD vaccine and this extra income stream can be used by SAP for improvements.

In response to a question from Dr. Leforban, Dr. Aktas explained that the move to independent testing of the final vaccine was almost completed and that this testing would take place in the Bornova facility, Izmir in by the end of 2000.

Update from the WRL

Dr. Donaldson presented the results of the WRL work on samples from the region in 1999 (Appendix 5). He reported that a new antigenically distinct type A (A/Iran/99) had emerged in Iran in 1999 and had spread to Turkey. He also noted that the previous strain - A/Iran/96 - was still circulating in the region and was the cause of outbreaks in Northern Iraq in 2000. He also reported that the Asia 1 strain that was reintroduced to the region in 2000 was most closely related to Asia 1 strains circulating in Pakistan in 1998. He finished by stressing that this situation in Turkey represented the greatest threat to Europe.

FAO-sponsored activities in Turkey and Iran

Dr Ryan reported on the FAO Technical Co-operation Project for reinforcement of FMD control in Turkey and Iran Appendix 6. The project includes the following components:

  • international expertise to assist the FMD institutes in Ankara and in Teheran,

  • partnership and co-operation between the two institutes and governments in FMD surveillance, and vaccine production and overall disease control,

  • training in international centres of excellence,

  • provision of equipment and reagents.

The overall objective of the project is the strengthening of the Institutes to react promptly to the introduction of new FMD strains and to reinforce their surveillance systems.

The project has progressed well so far and the 4 week4-week mission of the International Consultant was very successful in assessing the current situation in both countries and developing the necessary co-operation between both parties. The mission also resulted in a list of strategic priorities for both countries to pursue.

In particular, the mission identified the following strategic priorities for Turkey:

improving the quality of the nationally manufactured FMD vaccine by ensuring that:

  • ensuring that viral strains relevant to the current and evolving field situation are used;

  • ensuring vaccine innocuity;

  • ensuring vaccine potency of at least 3 PD50 by challenge testing in cattle;the installation - of independent quality assurance testing as soon as possible;

  • accelerating the accelerating introduction of oil adjuvanted FMD vaccine

  • increasing the availability of FMD vaccines of adequate quality

  • increasing active epidemiological surveillance

  • extension of the ongoing animal identification programme

  • Strengthening of measures for the control of animal movement

  • Increase the support and involvement of the agricultural community

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Conclusions and Recommendations

 

  • The Committee noted with satisfaction the FAO initiative in Iran and Turkey which contributes to the improvement of surveillance measures and the quality of the vaccines and thus to the reduction of the risk for Europe associated with the situation in the region.

  • The Committee strongly recommends that the recommendations of the international consultant on all aspects of FMD control be implemented by TurkeyTurkey and Iran implement the recommendations of the international consultant on all aspects of FMD control as soon as possible.

  • The Committee notes that the situation in Turkey still poses the greatest risk toto FMD being introduced into Europe and that member countries should take appropriate actions to negate this risk.

  • The activities of EuFMD should continue to be of the highest priority to this region especially through the EC/EuFMD Trust Fund

  • The work of Turkey’s new national FMD commission is encouraged and EuFMD is ready to provide expertise at all times.

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Item 4:  Situation in CIS countries:

 

Report of ARRIAH, Russia

Dr Avilov first thanked FAO and EC for having accepted to support the Buffer Zone (BZ).

He then provided an update of the situation in CIS and of the implementation of the LOA between FAO and ARRIAHAppendix 7. He stated that thanks to the project no major FMD outbreak had been recorded in Caucase in 1999. Only one outbreak, due to type A, had been observed in 1999 in Georgia; whichthis had been was rapidly put under control. The sequencing of the virus carried out in ARRIAH demonstrated that the strain was close to A/Iran/96 and to A/Armenia/98

FMD remains a problem for Russia and CIS. Disease was endemic in USSR in the sixties but thanks to the national program and the strong measures taken it could be properly controlled. Due to the geographical situation the risk of introduction persisted and therefore a buffer zone was established in Caucase and along the border with China. Only sporadic cases occurred between 1986 and 1991. After the political changes in USSR in 1991, due to the lack of resources, the vaccination has progressively been abandoned in CIS countries with the exception of Russia. Russia continued to vaccinate in the south at its border with Caucase countries. 15 million doses of vaccine hadve been used in 1999.

After 1996 the number of outbreaks increased dangerously in Caucase and Asiatic republics. This deterioration wasis due to the lack of immunisation associated with the opening of the borders with neighbouring countries, smuggling of animals and, conflictual situations in many countries in Caucase. Another risk is associated with the important importations of meat which represents 50 % of the consumption in Russia and up to 80 % in certain CIS countries. This risk of introduction through the meat has been confirmed in Russia in 1995 with the introduction of FMD virus through the importation of pork from China.

In 1999, type 0 outbreaks had ve been observed in Kazakhstan (1 outbreak reported) Kyrghyzstan (1 outbreak reported), Turkmenistan (6 outbreaks reported). 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. The situation in Kazakhstan is also a big concern for Russia even if only one outbreak was reported, the situation is considered as endemic.

He then commented on the results obtained through the LOA. Experts of ARRIAH have visited the countries and contributed to a better control of FMD in the region. Serosurveillance has been carried out in the three Caucase countries. 1,186 sera were tested and using 3ABC ELISA they demonstrated that virus was circulating in the region and especially in Armenia and therefore the risk of FMD persists.

 

Report of the OIE/FAO/EC Tripartite Group meeting, Rome, 14 February 2000

Dr Leforban then reported on the Tripartite Group meeting held in Rome on 14 February Appendix 8. He explained stated that the report provided by ARRIAH on the activities carried out in connection with the objectives and requirements stipulated in the LOA signed jointly by FAO and ARRIAH in 1999 was satisfactory. the LOA signed between ARRIAH and FAO has been completed and that ARRIAH had fulfilled the requirements stipulated in the LOA for 1999.

In line with the recommendation of the previous Tripartite Group meeting held on 1 September 1999 in Rome, a letter hads been sent by Dr Marabelli Chairman EuFMD - to the Ministers for Agriculture with copies to the three CVO’s in Caucasus asking them to let the Tripartite Group know how vaccine provided by ARRIAH had been used and to report on national activities carried out in their countries in respect of FMD control.

The Secretary of the Commission informed the Committee that the letter had been sent in November 1999 and he provided the Committee with a summary of the answers that had been received. The answers were far from being comprehensive and it was rather difficult to understand what activities were being carried out under the FMD national programs and the link between national programs and FAO/EC supported activities.

 

The conclusions and recommendations of the last Tripartite meeting held in Rome on 14 February 2000 are as follows:

  • 1. ARRIAH should strictly follow the LOA procedure for reporting. The final technical and financial reports should contain a detailed description of the field activities in Caucasia
  • 2. As the activities foreseen under the LOA signed between ARRIAH and FAO for 1999 have been completed by ARRIAH, this LOA should be closed in advance and a new LOA for 2000 should be prepared as soon as possible. This should allow for vaccine delivery to Caucase in time for vaccination of animals before they are moved to summer pastures.
  • 3. The collaborative study initiated between ARRIAH and the IZSLE, Brescia, Italy, for detection of 3 ABC ELISA is encouraged and the meeting recommended that US$ 30 000 be allocated for this research and purchase of reagents by ARRIAH.
  • 4. Caucasian countries should be encouraged to provide more information on the FMD situation and control measures and to better integrate the activities carried out through the project within their national FMD programs.
  • 5. On the basis of the achievements obtained so far, the 64th Session of the Executive Committee of EuFMD to be held in Bouillon, Belgium on 30-31 March will discuss how to pursue further activities in the region. A Representative of Russia / ARRIAH should be invited to attend as an observer.

Letter of Agreement between FAO and ARRIAH, Vladimir:

Regarding the implementation of the LOA for 1999, the Secretary of the Commission explained that:

  • a payment of US$100,000 had been made following approval of the interim technical report by the Tripartite Group meeting of 14 February 2000

  • since the meeting of 14 February, the Secretaryhe had received from ARRIAH since the meeting of 14 February, the final technical and financial reports in the format and with the information requested;

  • these reports had been circulated together with the working documents for endorsement by the Committee.

  • the last payment of $ 40 000 under this LOA wasis in progress and then the LOA for 1999 could thenan be closed and a new LOA for 2000 can be prepared could be raised and signed between by ARRIAH and FAO if this was recommended by the Committee and agreed by EC.

This new LOA for 2000 includes the same measures and activities as in the LOA for 1999. A copy of the draft of the new LOA for 2000 hads been circulated to the participants for information. The LOA for 2000 contains the same measures and activities as those included in the LOA for 1999, i.e. It includes:

  • the provision of vaccine and the coordination of vaccination campaigns,

  • the reinforcement of epidemiological surveillance of FMD in the region,

  • the improvement of reporting systems to ARRIAH and to international organizations

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Conclusions and Recommendations

 

  • the Committee recommended that the activities supported in 1999 should be continued in 2000 and that a new LOA for 2000 should be signed between FAO and ARRIAH after agreement onfor funding by EC under the FAO/EC Trust Ffunds

  • the Committee recommended that a mission be organised in the Caucase in June 2000 to assess the situation on the spot and particularly the integration of the internationally supported project within the national FMD programs. The mission should be organised jointly with EC and include the Secretary of the EuFMD and FMD experts (preferably one Russian speaking).

  • a qualitative analysis of the risk of introduction of FMD into Russia and to Europe from Caucasus was carried out by a member of the mission who visited the region in 1999. The Committee recommended that this analysis of the risk should be pursued/continued by the fothcoming mission.

  • the Committee endorsed the conclusions and recommendations of the meeting of the Tripartite Group of 14 February 2000.

  • material and isolates from Caucasia and CIS should be sent by ARRIAH to the WRL, Pirbright, for comparison with other strains isolated in the region (Turkey, Iran).

  • the EuFMD and Tripartite Group should continue to monitor the activities of ARRIAH in the region. Prompt reporting to International Organizations of any FMD case by the national authorities and by ARRIAH in the region is strongly recommended.

Item 5: Report on the activities of the Research Group

 

Report of the regional Workshop on 3ABC Elisa, Brescia, 18 to 21 January 2000

Dr De Clercq recalled to the meeting the principle of the ELISA for detection of antibodies to non-structural proteins, NSP ELISA and LPBE ELISAs and the reciprocal advantages of each test.Dr. De Clercq He then reported on the workshop (WS) on detection of antibodies to NSP organised at the IZSLE, Brescia, Italy, in January 2000 for the Balkan countries Appendix 9.

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).

The workshop was organised jointly by the EuFMD secretariat and by the IZSLE, Brescia, Italy and the WRL, Pirbright, UK which, it was sponsored by the EC. Two FMD laboratory experts from each of the Balkan countries - Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey - attended as trainees.

The tests which had been developed at the IZSLE and at the WRL were compared using a set of sera provided by the organising Institutes ( 52 sera) and other sera brought by the participants ( 228 sera). Both tests performed were equally good and it was agreed that NSP ELISA should become an essential tool for serosurveillance especially in the Balkans. Following the completion of the WS, steps for the transfer of the 3ABC ELISA to the National Laboratories of Bulgaria, Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey, and guidelines for the utilisation of FMD ELISA’s (LPBE versus NSP ELISA) for surveillance were proposed.

The following conclusions and recommendations of the Workshop in Brescia were endorsed by the Committee:

The Committee took note of and endorsed the conclusions and recommendations of the Workshop and also the guideline for utilisation of the 3 ABC ELISA under the conditions in the Balkan countries.

Regular serosurveillance in the Balkans is encouraged. A sampling rate should be decided on a statistical basis.

The sera, highly antibody positive, should be tested for NSP antibodies for evidence of circulating FMD virus.

In an interim period both LPBE and NSP tests should be used for serosurveys.

The preliminary results obtained from the use of the NSP test in the Balkan region should be presented to the next Workshop for the Balkans planned for the end of 2000 or in early 2001

Dr. Donaldson reported that there is a comparative study in progress organized under the leadership of IAEA and involving 7 institutes in South America, South Africa and South Asia for the evaluation of the test.

 

Report on the activities of the Working Group on the European Pharmacopoeia

Dr De Clercq presented the report of the Working Group established under the Research Group of the Standing Technical Committee of EuFMD to prepare proposals for modification of the current FMD Monograph of the European Pharmacopoeia (EP).Appendix 10

The proposed amendments to the FMD monograph of the European Pharmacopoeia (EP) have the following objectives:

  • to reduce the number of animals for testing vaccine and limit the utilisation of the challenge test the group considered that for detection of residual infectivity, the tests on animals are less sensitive than in vitro tests on cell culture.

  • to integrate the concept of GMP, validation procedures and GLP in the EP FMD monographin the EP FMD monograph

  • to make proposals for testing of vaccine in species other than cattle, especially in pigs.

  • to make a distinction between the tests for licensing and those for batch release

He explained that controversy arose in respect of increasing the potency requirement from 3PD 50 to 6 PD 50: members of the Group agreed that vaccines with 6 PD 50 should be used for emergency vaccination but representatives of producers were not in favour of changing it in the EP monograph for all vaccines. Dr Cheneau explained that when calling for tenders for emergency vaccines, FAO always requests 6 PD 50 vaccines. Dr De Clercq also stated that too strong an emphasis is put on potency vis-àa-vis other factors which condition the efficiency of the vaccine in the field such as storage conditions, and respect of the cold chain, and appropriate route and doses.

For Dr Donaldson proposed that the concentration of 146S (in ug/ml) should be stated on the labels of bottles of vaccine. He further urged that the direct potency testing of vaccines in animals should be abandoned and replaced by indirect serological tests using sera from vaccinated cattle at 3 weeks post vaccination. This would be appropriate for all species, including pigs.the 146 S amount should be mentioned on the label and the test on animals should be abandoned in most situations and particularly for potency where serology 3 weeks after vaccination should be used for all species including pigs.

Dr De Clercq informed the Committee that he had approached Professorf P. Pastoret, Member of the EMEA Committee to discuss the procedure to be followed for submission to the Secretariat of the European Pharmacopoeia and for EC marketing authorisation. The proposals will also be submitted to the OIE Standards Commission for information. Dr Pearson indicated that this was very timely as the Standards Commission is also in the process of reviewing the relevant chapter of the Manual.

Open Session of the Research Group in Borovets, Bulgaria, 5-8 September 2000

Dr De Clercq informed the Committee about the Session of the Group scheduled to be held in Bulgaria from 5 to 8 September 2000. He circulated the provisional list of the Agenda items for the Session and asked the Committee whether they had any questions or other items to be considered by the Group.

He also explained that as agreed by the 63rd Session, a Workshop on analysis of the risk of FMD in Europe will be organised prior to the Session. This analysis will be mainly based on expert opinions, the Session of the RG being a particularly suitable forum to get European and international FMD experts together and results will be submitted and discussed by the Session of the Research Group.

 

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Conclusions and Recommendations

 

  • Serosurveillance is an essential component of FMD Control and the NSP test is a highly valuable tool despite its limitations. The utilisation of the 3 ABC test should be encouraged in the Balkans and in Caucase.
    • The following conclusions and recommendations of the Workshop in Brescia together with the guidelines for utilisation of the 3 ABC ELISA under the conditions in the Balkan countries were endorsed by the Committee:
    • Regular serosurveillance in the Balkans is encouraged. A sampling rate should be decided on a statistical basis.
    • The sera, highly antibody positive, should be tested for NSP antibodies for evidence of circulating FMD virus.
    • In an interim period both LPBE and NSP tests should be used for serosurveys.
    • The preliminary results obtained from the use of the NSP test in the Balkan region should be presented to the next Workshop for the Balkans planned for the end of 2000 or in early 2001.
  • The Committee supported the proposal for collection of samples in villages in Albania which had been infected in 1996 to evaluate the delay of persistence of 3 ABC antibodies under the coordination of the IZSLE.
  • The Committee expressed its recognition of the excellent work carried out by the Working Group on EP and endorsed the conclusions and recommendations of the Group were endorsed by the Executive Committee

  • The Committee endorsed the proposals for modification of the FMD Monograph of the European Pharmacopoeia (EP) as proposed by the Working Group and encouraged the Chairman of the RG to put forward these proposals to the Secretary of the EP following the proposed procedure.

  • It is strongly recommended that vaccines for emergency use have a potency of at least 6 PD50.

  • The meeting supported the idea of organising a risk analysis workshop at the next EuFMD Research Group meeting prior to the Session.

The Chairman congratulated and thanked the Chairman of the RG for the important and very useful work completed by the RG during this period

 

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Item 6: Financial matters: accounts 1999; and budgets 2000 and 2001

Provisional Accounts as at 31 December 1999 and budgets for 2000 and 2001

Ms. Joan Raftery presented the provisional accounts as at 31 December 1999 Appendix 11 for the Trust Funds monitored by the Commission (AA970089122,AA970089127, EU970089129 and TEMP/INT/974/MSC TFAA970099064) prepared by the Central Accounting, Reporting and Control Service, Finance Division, FAO.

She stated that the accounts were provisional; and the interest had not been calculated and therefore had not been included in the balance as it had not yet been calculated.

The Committee’s attention was drawn to Statement 2, outstanding contributions at 31.12.1999. The Chairman expressed satisfaction at the up-to-date situation of the contributions whichcontributions, 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 TF’s AA970089122/AA970089127/EU970089129 (Statements 3 and 4 respectively) were accepted as presented.

Regarding Statement 5, TEMP/INT/974/MISC, 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 in 1999 and he suggested that the balance of this account should be used for the next mission to Caucasus and then closure of the account should be considered. This proposal was accepted.

Budgets for 2000 and 2001TFAA970089122

The Budget for 2000 and proposed budget for 2001 were presented. The Committee was informed that in line with the recommendation of the Thirty-third Session under Admin Support Personnel an amount of US$7,800 had been would be earmarked for temporary assistance in case of necessity.to cover emergencies.

The Committee was reminded that the 65th Session of the Executive Committee and the Thirty-fourth Session of the Commission , scheduled to be held onin 16-17 November 2000 and (dates to be verified) 218-3023 March 2001 respectively , should be requested to approve the Commission’s budgets for the following two years i.e. for 2002 and 2003 in addition to the year 2001.

 

TFEU970089129 and TFAA970089127

Following presentation of the budgets for 2000TF911100 and TF909700, and in reply to a query from one of the Committee members, the Secretary explained the purpose of the proposed workshop budgeted for the year 2000 under TFAA970089122 904200 and TF909700AA970089127 for 2000. Inter alia, he mentioned the need for biosecurity training in the laboratories and simulation exercises. Financial support of the equivalent of Pounds Sterling 820 (US$1,000) was provided to Lithuania for supply of FMD ELISA reagents. The countries which participated in the Workshop on 3 ABC ELISA in Brescia (Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey) have received reagents from Pirbright and from IZSLE, Brescia. The cost for these reagents, total approximately $ 9,000, has been met from TFAA970089127 9097 as agreed by the 63rd Session.

The Committee agreed that:

  • $ 10, 000 from TFEU970089129 911100 should be used for the 3ABC ELISA study in Albania carried out jointly between the Albanian Veterinary Services and the IZSLE, Brescia

  • $ 30, 000 from TFEU970089129 911100 should be used for purchase of the 3ABC ELISA kit for ARRIAH as proposed by the Tripartite Group meeting of 14 February 2000.

The Committee adopted and approved the accounts and budgets as presented.

Report on the FAO/EC meeting of 25 February 2000 on utilisation of Trust Funds

The Secretary then reported on the FAO/EC meeting convened on 25 February to discuss the future utilisation of the FAO/EC Trust Fund. A copy of the report of this meeting hads been circulated to the participants Appendix 12.

The following was agreed during this meeting:

1. There was no clear procedure so far, either in FAO or in EC on how the FAO/EC TF should be used. This absence of clear procedures created difficulties in the past, in both organisations, and it was agreed that clarification was needed for the future.

2. The future activities carried out by EuFMD under the financial support of EC will be executed in the framework of a four-year renewable project. The initial project will cover the period 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2003 and the provisional budget is being set at at US$ 1, 000, 000.

3. The balance of the TF 911100EU970089129 as on 31 December 1999 (US$593,346) will be considered as being additional the first contribution of EC to the project. The provisional balance amounts to US$611,000 (inclusive of the $ 25,000 corresponding to the interest for 1999) to the maximum amount of US$1,000,000 which EC has agreed to pay under the four-year period as foreseen under para 2. (The outstanding amount of US$140,000 for the 1999 LOA with Vladimir has been included under expenditure for 1999 although it has actually been paid in 2000.)

4. The project is monitored by the Secretariat of EuFMD. It will undertake activities oriented toward FMD control and prevention which are classified under two categories:

  • emergency activities related to the outbreaks of FMD which threaten Europe

  • routine activities which are oriented to reinforce the control measures in Europe and the surrounding countries.

5. Full reimbursement to the TF up to the value of US$ 1 million by EC will be made on an annual basis after receipt by EC of the annual technical and financial reports of EuFMD on the activities covered by the TF during the previous year.

6. If exceptional expenses related to emergency activities are paid for under the Trust Fund and deplete the fund to a critical level within any given year, then total or partial reimbursement can be envisaged immediately after such expenditure on presentation of a technical and financial report related to the activity undertaken.

7. The technical reports as prepared by the Secretariat of EuFMD for the Sessions of the Executive Committee of the EuFMD Commission (held at least once a year ) and to the General Session of the EuFMD Commission (held every two years) will be accepted by EC as official reports in the framework of the current project.

8. The financial reports provided by FAO will comprise the standard financial statement provided to donors as presented in the reports of the Sessions of the Executive Committee and at the Sessions of the Commission. In addition, the financial transactions report, showing transaction details of the expenditures for the EC/EuFMD account for the year, will be annexed to the financial reports.

9. FAO/EuFMD will inform EC of any contract with third parties (through letters of agreement, contracts, sub-contracts) in the framework of the project. The contractual document should be approved by EC prior to signature.

 

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Conclusions and Recommendations

 

  • The Committee acknowledged the paramount importance of the FAO/EC Trust Fund for operational activities to control FMD in emergency situations. This major role has been amply demonstrated on many occasions in the past.

  • The Committee recognised the efforts made on both sides to obtain an agreement on the utilisation of the FAO/EC funds.

  • The Committee endorsed the conclusions of the meeting of 25 February 2000 held at FAO headquarters in Rome and agreed on the three yearfour-year project with the objectives and activities described.

  • The Committee recommended that the details of the FAO/EC agreement be finalised between the Secretariat and EC and thereafter be circulated to the members of the Committee for information.

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Item 7: Any other business

 

Follow up of the proposal from the 63rd Session regarding reinforcement of the surveillance of exotic diseases in Balkan countries

The 63rd Session of the Committee concluded and recommended:

The Committee is in favour of the principle of paying attention to diseases other than FMD.

EuFMD has certain specific and comparative advantages compared with other international organizations.

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.

A decision should be taken at the 64th Session.

Further to this recommendation, Dr Cheneau presented information on FAO activities in respect of prevention and control of exotic diseases in Europe Appendix 13. He underlined existing activities undertaken by the FAO Animal Health Service (AGAH) and particularly by the EMPRES priority program on prevention of exotic diseases in Europe. He stated that AGAH was serving all FAO member countries without exclusion and European countries can benefit from FAO expertise and support for prevention and control of exotic diseases as well as other FAO member countries. The request for assistance must be addressed to FAO by individual countries or groups of countries on the occasion of the FAO Conference or Council and/or directly through a letter to the Director General.

In respect of research activities, the FAO Regional Office for Europe is in charge of the Secretariat of ESCORENA (European System of Cooperative Research Networks in Agriculture). Within the system a new network can be established for the prevention of exotic diseases in Europe if so requested by member countries. The activities of this network should then be monitored jointly by the Regional Office for Europe and AGAH, and particularly the EMPRES program. Extra-budgetary funding for these activities should be found. FAO also keeps close contacts with EC and OIE and a joint FAO/EC/OIE directly through a letter to the Director General.

FAO also keeps close contacts with EC and OIE and a joint FAO/EC/OIE activity can also be considered in this domain along the lines of the activities on FMD carried out by EuFMD in the Balkans and in the Caucase. The establishment of a specific Trust Fund for these activities (Prevention of Exotic Diseases in Europe) could be considered. Extra-budgetary funding for these activities should be found.

 

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Personnel matters

 

The Secretary informed the Committee that Dr Ryan’s contract had been renewed by the Irish Government up to 30 October 20000. A request has been adressed to the Irish Government for an additional extension at least up to the 34th session of the Commission in 2001.

He invited member countries to put forward names of other suitable candidates for the post of APO with the Commission.

The Committee was informed that despite the recommendation of the 63rd Session and for administrative reasons, the Secretary’s contract had been extended for one year only i.e. up to 31 December 2000. The Committee recommended that for the future the Secretary’s contracts should be extended on a two-yearly basis.

Forthcoming meetings:

The next Tripartite meeting for the Balkans will be held in Ankara, Turkey, during the second half of October 2000.

Another Tripartite Group meeting for CIS could be held after the mission to Caucasus. The venue will be decided at a later stage.

65th Session of the Executive Committee:

Dr Zwingman offered host facilities for the 65th Session on 16 and 17 November at Lever Kusen-Mohnheim,Germany.

The date for the 34th Session of the Commission was discussed and after consultation with FAO it was finally agreed that the Session will be held between 21 and 23 March 2001.

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Item 8: Adoption of the draft report

 

The draft report was adopted subject to agreed amendments.

 

Closing remarks

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, the WRL for its important contribution to the monitoring of the epizootics through the molecular epidemiology, 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 pursuing the activities initiated in the Caucacus and he extended thanks for their presentation to Dr Avilov and Dr Gusev from the Federation of Russia, to Dr Sinan Aktas from Turkey and to the observers from OIE, EC, and FAO. He expressed the wish that the strong and fruitful cooperation between EuFMD, OIE and EC will be pursued.

On behalf of the participants he expressed his appeciationappreciation to Dr Hallet and to the Belgian authorities for the excellent facilities provided for the meeting and the arrangements for internal travel. The outstanding location of the Session in a touristic rural area of Belgium, the choice of the auberge with its exceptional service and cuisine, contributed to The the excellent atmosphere and positive outcome of the Session. He thanked Dr Hallet and Ms Hallet, the Veterinary Service and the Government of Belgium was largely due tofor their generous efforts and generous hospitality.

Dr Hallet wished the Delegates and observers a pleasant time for the rest of their stay and a safe journey home to those leaving at the end of the Session.

 

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Item 9:   Adoption of the draft report

The draft report was adopted subject to agreed amendments.

 

Closing remarks

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.

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