US Ambassador to Cambodia visits Siem Reap and observes interventions aimed at reducing risks of animal health threats
The US Ambassador to Cambodia, W. Patrick Murphy, witnessed first-hand FAO and the Government of Cambodia's effort to prevent avian influenza outbreaks at the Siem Reap live poultry collection point on 18 April 2023. Cambodia continues to face risks related to highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks, first reported in 2004. Monitoring and surveillance activities in high-risk areas, such as slaughter points, play a critical role in the early detection of avian influenza virus circulation to stop the spread before it threatens the health of people and animals and disrupts farmers’ livelihoods and food security. Since 2007, FAO and the Government have been regularly conducting these activities in eight high-risk sites nationwide thanks to USAID’s funding support. Read more here.

Sharing knowledge to youth on vet roles towards FAO’s four betters
FAO organized a special session at the Chulalongkorn University Veterinary Conference 2023 on 21 April 2023. The team shared their knowledge on various roles and veterinary contributions to FAO’s four betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life. Largely drawing from their own professional and field experiences, the session covered animal health and food security (Dr Kachen Wongsathapornchai), surveillance and early warning systems (Dr Gael Lamielle), disease control and prevention of transboundary animal diseases (Dr Yooni Oh), policies and governance (Dr Asfri Rangkuti) and public health interventions (Dr Mary Joy Gordoncillo). The team also highlighted the ongoing innovative approaches to various thematic areas of work at FAO.

Handover of vaccines and equipment to improve safer cattle exports to China
Through the FAO-China South-South Cooperation Project, FAO has provided the Department of Livestock and Fisheries (DLF) with 500 kg of disinfectant powder, three trolley disinfectant sprayers, 100 electric backpack sprayers and 150 000 doses of foot-and-mouth disease and goat pox vaccines for cattle, worth more than USD 138 000. Thanks to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China (MARA). Read more here.

Reducing antimicrobial use in poultry farms
Through the USAID-funded project, FAO conducted a two–day training on biosecurity and rational antimicrobial use for small- and medium-holder poultry farmers in Dhangadhi. In total, 26 farmers from Kailali and Kanchanpur districts participated in the training and were provided with biosecurity kits and FAO publications. The training was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Livestock Services, Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Services Expert Center in Kailali, and Veterinary Laboratory in Dhangadhi.