OVERALL OBJECTIVE

The objective is to contribute to sustainable development of livestock production while minimizing the negative impact of animal diseases on the economies of the countries in the region. The collaboration between the different actors of the livestock sectors would preserve the poorest populations of economic, social and even health disruptions, related to outbreaks of animal diseases and zoonoses. In addition, joint-control strategies at a regional level will permit to fight the spread of transboundary animal diseases, preserving disease-free countries and reducing the damage in those countries already affected, therefore benefiting trade of living animals and its products.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

The specific objectives are:

  • To study the livestock sector in the RESEPSA countries (production systems, animal genetic resources, etc..).
  • To enable a dynamic exchange between different actors in the network of the livestock sector.
  • To coordinate activities between the veterinary services of the different countries in the region and to improve the dialogue with the farmers.
  • To establish a common strategy for fighting against transboundary animal diseases and zoonoses in collaboration with the veterinary services and the actors of the different channels of the livestock farming.
  • To improve the institutional organization of the different livestock sectors in each country of the region.
  • To strengthen the veterinary services involvement close to the farmers in order to achieve a better veterinary coverage in small-scale livestock farming.
  • To generalize the use of the different means for fighting against transboundary animal diseases and zoonoses in small and medium farmers, especially among the less educated.
  • To train farmers, veterinarians and other stakeholders in the livestock sector on the importance of transboundary animal diseases and zoonoses and the socio-economic impacts as a consequence of their spread.
  • To minimize the damage in reference to major epidemic diseases such as Avian Influenza, Peste des Petits Ruminants, Rift Valley Fever, etc..., and to ensure best protection to farmers and local population.