Rapports, Archives: 63th Session - Appendix 10
Proposals from the Tripartite Group Meeting held on 13 October 1999, for the EuFMD Commission to deal with other exotic diseases in addition to FMD in case of an emergency situation.
Background
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The recent occurrence of exotic diseases in the Balkan countries ( Sheep Pox in 1997 and 1998, Blue Tongue in 1999) led the last meeting of the Tripartite Group held in Athens on 13 October to raise the question about the possibility to extend the activities of the Commission to these diseases.
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Discussion on the situation of exotic diseases other than FMD has already taken place in the framework of the Balkans Tripartite Group meetings in 1997, 1998 and 1999.
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This practice had been endorsed by the 33 rd session of the Commission held in Rome on 7-9 April 1999 which concluded:
The role of the Tripartite Groups should be reinforced. Although the Commission's sole responsibility must remain with FMD, the meetings of the Tripartite Groups can include the discussion of other diseases and be open to a larger number of countries, in accordance with regional priorities. In this context, the technical meetings and regional workshops organised by the member countries in the Balkans are to be encouraged and should be continued.
Proposal
The Tripartite Group Meeting held in Athens on 13 October proposes that the EuFMD Commission could take initiatives and actions in case of introduction of certain exotic diseases other than FMD in any of the member countries under certain conditions.
It must be taken into account that exotic diseases and transboundary diseases are already given top priority by FAO ( EMPRES program ) as well as by the other international organisations involved in animal health control and prevention (i.e. EC, OIE Regional Commission for Europe). New EuFMD activities should not overlap.