Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD)
Asia and the Pacific Region

Highlights from the latest activities from regional and country teams

Edition: 12 to 23 February 2024

AMR G3
©fao/Rindu Putri
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
FAO, Singapore and USAID launch a regional guideline to address silent pandemic in aquaculture
FAO and Singapore’s national agencies (National Parks Board and Singapore Food Agency), with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Regional Development Mission for Asia (RDMA), officially released the “Regional Guideline on Monitoring and Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Bacterial Pathogens from Aquaculture.” This is Volume 3 of the six-part series of publications on regional guidelines for monitoring and surveillance of AMR, antimicrobial use and antimicrobial residues. This guideline seeks to provide harmonized methods for AMR surveillance design, data generation and data management to support evidence-based actions in addressing AMR in aquaculture. Watch the launch webinar here and access the publication here. Read the news here.


AMR G5
©fao/RINDU PUTRI
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
FAO, WOAH and USAID launch a regional guideline on farm-level antimicrobial use monitoring
FAO and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), supported by USAID RDMA, have jointly launched the “Guidelines for Monitoring Antimicrobial Use (AMU) at the Farm Level.” This publication, part of FAO’s broader collection, emphasizes the importance of monitoring farm-level AMU to combat AMR. The guideline provides detailed recommendations for establishing a farm-level AMU monitoring system for both terrestrial and aquatic food-producing animals. WOAH's data collection efforts since 2015 are complemented by this guideline, offering insights for better decision-making and understanding field-level AMU. Watch the launch webinar here and access the publication here.


Consultation on National Action Plan on AMR 2.0 using a One Health approach
©fao/Owaisy Bushra
INDIA
Consultation on National Action Plan on AMR 2.0 using a One Health approach
FAO, in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Department of Fisheries and the Indian Council of Agriculture Research, organized a two-day expert consultation on 13 to 14 February 2024 to enhance the National Action Plan (NAP) on AMR 2.0 using a One Health approach. The event, involving animal health and fisheries experts from the government and private sectors, reviewed and revised the draft NAP, aligning the interventions with NITI Aayog’s template. The focus was on updating activities within the six strategic priorities of NAP on AMR 2.0 and identifying potential funding sources for implementation
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Discussion on economic burden and cost benefits of AMR control in human and animal health sectors
©fao/Gunawan Utomo
INDONESIA
Discussion on economic burden and cost benefits of AMR control in human and animal health sectors
From 22 to 23 February 2024, FAO, in collaboration with the Indonesian Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, held a focus group discussion in Bandung. The meeting aimed to develop a study concept on the economic burden and cost benefits of AMR control interventions in both human and animal health sectors. This followed a previous meeting in Yogyakarta on the monitoring and evaluation of the National Action Plan for AMR Control 2020-2024 Implementation. Participants involved in the discussions were from the National Research and Innovation Agency, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Social Security Administrator for Health, universities, hospitals, professional associations, private sectors and the World Health Organization (WHO).


Training on AMU/AMR for professionals
©fao/Humayra Nowrin
BANGLADESH
Training on AMU/AMR for professionals 
In collaboration with the UK Fleming Fund, FAO organized a three-day continuing professional development (CPD) training on antimicrobial usage (AMU)/AMR from 16 to 18 February 2024 in Dhaka. The programme was aimed at capacity building and sensitization for human and animal health practitioners in Bangladesh. Twenty participants from diverse government and private institutions benefited from the training. The initiative, aligned with a One Health approach to tackle irrational antibiotic use and AMR, contributed to the development of a comprehensive AMR problem tree and solutions for Bangladesh. This training played a vital role in promoting responsible AMU/AMR practices.


Learn more about our work on AMR  here.

 

Avian influenza awareness at the Green Fields and Food Fair 2024
©FAO/Ngon Siheng
CAMBODIA
Avian influenza awareness at the Green Fields and Food Fair 2024
In collaboration with USAID, FAO took part in the Green Field and Food Fair 2024 at the Royal University of Agriculture in Phnom Penh, from 16 to 18 February 2024. The team provided and disseminated vital information on preventing and controlling animal diseases, including avian influenza and African swine fever as well as AMR, among other agriculture initiatives. As part of avian influenza awareness, FAO introduced super chicken, the avian influenza mascot, to engage participants and draw attention to FAO’s booth. Here, materials such as documents, books, leaflets and brochures were distributed to enhance participants’ understanding of disease prevention and control.


Addressing avian influenza emergency and coordination strategies
©FAO ECTAD Cambodia
CAMBODIA AND ASIA AND THE PACIFIC 
Addressing avian influenza emergency and coordination strategies
In the FAO ECTAD RAP mission to Cambodia from 15 to 17 February 2024, Filip Claes met Secretary of State HE Sen to discuss the ongoing avian influenza situation and explore potential emergency support. Discussions with the General Directorate of Animal Health and Production, relevant government agencies and partners focused on strategizing next steps for risk assessments, communications, prevention and control. A coordination meeting with WHO for joint action is scheduled.


Enhancing collaboration through the USAID-funded Global Health Security Program
©FAO/Bounmee Maokhamphiou
LAO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC AND ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

Enhancing collaboration through the USAID-funded Global Health Security Program
FAO ECTAD Regional Manager Kachen Wongsathapornchai visited Lao People’s Democratic Republic from 12 to 14 February 2024 to discuss the implementation of the USAID Global Health Security Program (GHSP) for 2024-2027 with senior animal health officials, academia and stakeholders. The focus was to enhance collaboration to improve animal health, combat AMR and strengthen One Health systems in Lao People’s Democratic Republic.


Outbreak investigation demonstration workshop on rabies
©FAO/Rindu Putri
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
Continued coordination between FAO and the United States' Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)
FAO, in partnership with the Biological Threat Reduction Program (BTRP) of the United States' Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) recently launched a new regional project to strengthen national animal health systems and reduce the risks and impacts of biological threats in Southeast Asia. Regular online coordination sessions serve as a central platform for ensuring timely project planning, coordination and implementation across targeted countries. These sessions facilitate strategic discussions between FAO and national focal points, enabling the seamless coordination of national activities, planning of regional initiatives and organization of project launch events in collaboration with other national programmes throughout 2024.

Learn more about our work on partnerships  here.

 

Discussion on Newcastle disease with public and private sectors poultry stakeholders
©FAO/Erianto Nugroho
INDONESIA
Discussion on Newcastle disease with public and private sectors poultry stakeholders
With support from USAID, FAO, Ministry of Agriculture and the Association of Indonesian Poultry Veterinarians (ADHPI) held a focused online forum (Obrolan Ringan Akhir Pekan Seputar Unggas/OBRASS) on 24 February 2024. Stakeholders from public and private poultry sectors discussed the development and current situation of Newcastle disease in Indonesia. The Head of the Veterinary Research Center of the National Research and Innovation Agency and ADHPI shared insights on the impact of Newcastle disease, highlighted the economic threat to food security and implications for human health. The forum emphasized preventive measures through biosecurity, farm management and vaccination.


Foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease scoping visit
©FAO/Wahid Husein
INDONESIA
Foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease scoping visit
FAO and the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Service of the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture conducted a scoping visit in Sukabumi from 19 to 21 February 2024. The objective was to collect data on the current foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and lumpy skin disease (LSD) situation. The visit aimed to identify capacity-building gaps and needs, assess existing infrastructure for disease control, and engage with local government veterinary authorities to understand region-specific challenges and opportunities. A focus group discussion with representative authorities in Sukabumi focused on channels and obstacles for disease reporting by farmers, providing essential preliminary data for an effective FMD and LSD intervention programme to enhance prompt responses in Sukabumi.


Avian influenza and rabies school and community forum
©FAO/Ngon Siheng
CAMBODIA
Avian influenza and rabies school and community forum
The National Animal Health and Production Institute (NAPHRI), FAO and the Communicable Disease Control Department of the Ministry of Health, funded by USAID, successfully collaborated to organize the avian influenza and rabies school and community forum across 32 villages and 32 schools in eight provinces. With the participation of approximately 7 000 people in 64 events, the forums facilitated knowledge sharing, understanding, and prevention strategies for avian influenza and rabies. The initiative empowered schools and communities, cultivating an impact as participants shared their lessons learned with friends and family, contributing to the collective fight against these diseases.


Learn more about our work on risk reduction along the value chain here.

 

Outbreak investigation demonstration workshop on rabies
©FAO/RFETPV
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
Outbreak investigation demonstration workshop on rabies
With support from DTRA and USAID, the Regional Field Epidemiology Training Program for Veterinarians (R-FETPV) conducted an outbreak investigation demonstration workshop on investigating rabies incidence in animals and humans in Chonburi, Thailand, from 29 January to 9 February 2024. This workshop, a component of the R-FETPV curriculum, aimed to empower trainees from Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand, and Viet Nam, to be principal investigators in their regions. By focusing on real-world scenarios, participants were equipped with vital fieldwork expertise crucial for outbreak investigation and combating rabies using the One Health approach.


Strengthening provincial animal health officers' capacity on basic field veterinary epidemiology
©FAO/Bounlom Douangngeun
LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC AND ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
Strengthening provincial animal health officers' capacity on basic field veterinary epidemiology
FAO, through USAID funding, strengthened the capacity of animal health officers in Lao People’s Democratic Republic through collaborative efforts with the Department of Livestock and Fisheries. A practical field training manual on basic veterinary epidemiology, developed in partnership with the National University of Laos, covers key concepts and skills. Three workshops conducted from 15 January to 16 February enhanced skills in disease recognition, investigation, reporting and control. The initiative strengthens the veterinary epidemiology network in the region.


FAO ECTAD RAP crafts theory of change for veterinary epidemiology workforce in Asia-Pacific
©FAO/Gael Lamielle
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
FAO ECTAD RAP crafts theory of change for veterinary epidemiology workforce in Asia-Pacific
The FAO ECTAD RAP team is developing a theory of change (ToC) to strategically guide the development of the veterinary epidemiology workforce in Asia-Pacific. This innovative approach provides a strategic blueprint to guide FAO in planning and mobilizing resources effectively. It aims to enhance expertise, elevate quality and ensure positive impacts on food security and livelihoods across the region.


Learn more about our work on Epidemiology here.

Discussion on SEAOHUN fellowship in Viet Nam
©FAO/Yin Myo Aye
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC AND VIET NAM
Discussion on SEAOHUN fellowship in Viet Nam
On 16 February 2024, FAO RAP and Viet Nam met virtually with Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN) to discuss the SEAOHUN fellowship in Viet Nam with the support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The SEAOHUN fellowship programme supports early- to mid-career professionals in human, animal, or environmental health through fellowship placements in Southeast Asia. Previous fellows in FAO Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Cambodia gained practical experience in One Health issues in 2021 and 2022, while a current fellow is contributing to strengthening One Health activities in FAO Indonesia on AMR, zoonotic diseases, emerging infectious diseases and food safety.


FAO and US CDC discuss One Health Zoonotic Disease Prioritization (OHZDP)
©FAO/Yin Myo Aye
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
FAO and US CDC discuss One Health Zoonotic Disease Prioritization (OHZDP)
FAO and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) discussed One Health Zoonotic Disease Prioritization (OHZDP) for animal diseases in Asia-Pacific on 22 February 2024. FAO, in collaboration with US CDC since 2019, will employ OHZDP methodology for prioritizing animal diseases in India this year. FAO is also coordinating with US CDC to support OHZDP workshops in the countries that expressed interest to leverage One Health collaboration and implementation by jointly prioritizing zoonotic diseases of greatest concern across sectors.


Collaborative discussion on joint risk assessment training
©FAO/Yin Myo Aye
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
Collaborative discussion on joint risk assessment training
FAO, WHO and WOAH regional offices, in coordination with the Department of Veterinary Services, are preparing for a joint risk assessment training and workshop in Malaysia. The training is scheduled for May-June 2024, and will utilize the Joint Risk Assessment Operational Tool (JRA OT) to identify zoonotic disease risk factors. The results will guide risk-based surveillance, fostering collaboration between sectors to mitigate disease risks.


National sub-committee on Global Health Security Agenda
©FAO/Yin Myo Aye
THAILAND AND ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
National sub-committee on Global Health Security Agenda
FAO participated in the national sub-committee on Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) in Thailand on 16 February 2024. This was an annual meeting to report the progress and discussion on GHSA-related implementation in Thailand. Following the global GHSA leadership in 2021, Thailand has been contributing to the GHSA Steering Group and leading the relevant Action Packages. Both national and sub-national activities have been implemented utilizing the One Health and Whole-of-Society approaches towards GHSA targets.


Learn more about our work on One Health  here.

ASF communications mission to the Philippines
©fao/Roxanne Bunayog
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC AND THE PHILIPPINES
ASF communications mission to the Philippines
In February 2024, the FAO ECTAD RAP’s ASF team provided technical support and guidance to the Philippines for the implementation of a knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) survey. The mission focused on training the national ASF prevention and control team, including FAO ECTAD in the Philippines, in data collection techniques such as focus group discussions, key informant interviews and household surveys. The participants were briefed on field protocols, survey and interview procedures, and data coding. The initiative aimed to evaluate and revise the national ASF communications strategy, with financial support from the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA).


Developing ASF biosecurity training for smallholder pig farmers
©FAO/Ngon Siheng
INDONESIA
Developing ASF biosecurity training for smallholder pig farmers
In collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and supported by the Republic of Korea, FAO hosted a series of meetings from 20 to 22 February 2024 to develop ASF biosecurity training modules and risk communication materials for smallholder pig farmers. These resources, focusing on biosecurity, waste management and proper feeding, will be deployed to pig farmers in the pilot locations of the Community ASF Biosecurity Implementation (CABI) initiative.


Learn more about our work on ASF  here.