The first FAO/OIE International Meeting on Hog Cholera and African Swine Fever was held in Rome from 31 May to 5 June 1965. During the last ten years noteworthy progress has been made both in research and in control of these diseases in many countries. Some of the recommendations made in 1965 have already been carried out but others remain to be fulfilled. Despite continuous efforts made by all countries in Europe, hog cholera still persists in many. Moreover, African swine fever has become established in the Iberian Peninsula, creating a continuous threat to neighbouring countries.
The purpose of the present Consultation was to review the progress made in research and in the control of both diseases in Europe as well as in certain other countries in order to determine further research needs, training and other technical requirements for the eradication of the two diseases from the European continent.
In this Consultation, the summaries of research work which have been carried out since 1973 by the EEC Research Group were introduced by Professor Mussgay and by Professor Plowright; and recent experience and research work carried out in Eastern and Western Europe, the United States of America and other countries was also introduced and discussed. The possibility of organizing systematic control and eradication of hog cholera in Europe was discussed, as also were the various requirements for the control of African swine fever.
Opening Addresses
Dr. Y. Ozawa, FAO Animal Health Officer, welcomed the participants on behalf of the Director-General of FAO. He expressed the hope that the Expert Consultation would lay down the foundation for more successful eradication schemes against hog cholera and African swine fever in Europe.
Dr. Bendixen, speaking on behalf of the EEC, welcomed both EEC and other participants. He pointed out that the EEC member countries were considering the possibility of organizing a common programme with a view to the eradication of hog cholera in order to allow freer trade between member states. He emphasized that the aim of this meeting was to encourage both research workers and experts in disease control to formulate technical requirements and control measures for the eradication of hog cholera and African swine fever.
Professor Liess, Director, Institute of Virology, Tierärztlichen Hochscule, Hannover, welcomed all participants to the Veterinary School in Hannover on behalf of the Rector, Professor Bisping. He stressed the importance of better understanding of both diseases by all concerned, namely, virologists, immunologists, professional veterinary administrators, as well as economists. He drew the attention of the meeting to the emphasis placed by the OIE Regional Commission for Europe at its meeting in 1971 when it was stated that efforts to control hog cholera must be intensified for its final and complete eradication from the European continent. He also expressed the hope that the Consultation would draw conclusions on possible ways and best methods for the eradication, or at least the control, of both hog cholera and African swine fever.
Acknowledgements
FAO wishes to record its appreciation of the substantial support given by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany through the Veterinary School in Hannover.
