 |
|
|
|
|
| Agriculture :: Livestock :: Activities |
|
|
Activities listed on this page:
Avian influenza
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has affected many countries in Asia, causing human deaths and devastating poultry production. There is a risk that this virus may evolve into a more lethal form affecting humans or pathogen. FAO responded initially with an emergency phase directed at controlling the outbreaks and strengthening veterinary capacity to respond to this and other animal disease outbreaks. FAO continues to work closely in the region with the governments of member nations, addressing control of HPAI and assisting in the recovery of the poultry industry, particularly at the scale of small and medium production.
Global framework for the control of transboundary animal diseases
The highly pathogenic avian influenza crisis demonstrates the necessity of having a warning and response system in place
at a regional and global level that prevents, identifies and reacts to outbreaks of
animal diseases that cross international boundaries.
The global framework for the control of transboundary animal diseases (GF-TADs) is in an advanced stage of
development and is a part of the Emergency System for Transboundary Animal and Plant
Pests and Diseases (EMPRES). The GF-TADs system will monitor and respond to animal
diseases of major economic and health importance throughout the Asian region. Work
already begun in Pakistan has greatly reduced the risk of the re-emergence of
rinderpest, a deadly disease of cloven hooved animals, and has had an impact on the
incidence of foot-and-mouth disease and other diseases of economic and public
health importance to the region.
Structural change in the livestock sector
As the nature of livestock production systems changes – in response to consumer demand,
risk of disease, environmental concerns and market factors leading to increased
efficiency of production – the patterns of production and distribution of livestock
products are also changing. Producers at all scales of production are experiencing
change, from newly imposed biosecurity measures in large intensive poultry and swine
systems to changes in feeding systems for small herds of goats. FAO has conducted
workshops and assisted in regional studies to address these changes and to engage
stakeholders in developing sustainable solutions. Further activities of a similar
nature are expected, including activities that will address environmental concerns.
As well, the response to HPAI is engaging producers to assist in developing guidelines
for sustainable poultry production under a changing environment.
Policy dialogue
FAO is concerned with capacity development in policy formulation and implementation,
and engaging with stakeholders to generate sustainable policy solutions addressing
livestock problems. In Pakistan and Bangladesh, FAO continues to be active
in developing livestock policy options that will improve opportunities for all
livestock producers, particularly at the small scale, and increase
competitiveness in international markets for livestock products. Policy dialogue
is also encouraged to address the food standards of the World Trade Organization's Sanitary and Phytosanitary
(SPS) Agreement that addresses international food trade. These changes are the result of
increased international pressure for improvements in food safety. As international
trade continues to adopt such standards there is increasing concern that producers of livestock
products for local markets will be pressured to conform to rigorous international
standards. Policy dialogue plays an important role in ensuring that the positions of all
stakeholders are considered.
Genetic diversity
Animal genetic diversity in some regions of Asia is at risk owing to poorly planned or non-existent breeding programmes and lack of conservation
of genetic resources. FAO’s Domestic Animal Diversity Information System
(DAD-IS)
assists in the conservation and promotion of genetic resources and diversity in Asia
and the rest of the world. FAO also conducts workshops and meetings on topics
pertinent to genetic diversity addressing problems in the Asian livestock subsector.
This is particularly important to developing the role genetic resources can play to
increase feed efficiency, productivity and competitiveness in global markets.
As well, preservation of native species is crucial to maintaining sustainable solutions
for smallholder farmers. |
|
|
|
