FAO ECTAD marks 20 years of partnership in animal and global health
FAO ECTAD celebrated two decades of protecting people, animals and the environment with a dinner reception in Khon Kaen, Thailand, on 12 November. The event, conducted as part of the regional forum on innovations to support sustainable livestock transformation, brought together key stakeholders, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), FAO Assistant Director-General and Director of the Animal Production and Health Division Thanawat Tiensin, representatives from Member Nations and partners. Highlighting the power of collaboration, the event showcased ECTAD’s journey through an engaging talk show and exhibition featuring stories of impact—from mitigating transboundary animal diseases to strengthening animal health systems. The evening reaffirmed ECTAD’s commitment to united action, paving the way forward for the next 20 years of advancing animal and global health.

ISVEE 2024: Showcasing Asia-Pacific's collaborative efforts in tackling animal health threats
At the 17th International Symposium for Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics (ISVEE) in Australia, FAO and Member Nations from the Asia-Pacific region, namely Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam, showcased their collaborative efforts to address animal health threats using evidence-based, data-driven solutions. In total of 38 selected abstracts demonstrated innovative initiatives across region. FAO featured its suite of decision-support tools, including the assessment tool for laboratories and AMR surveillance systems (ATLASS), epidemiology mapping tool (EMT), laboratory mapping tool (LMT) and surveillance evaluation tool (SET). Contributions also highlighted the national and regional use of advanced technologies for disease rumor tracking, reflecting the region’s united approach to global health challenges. Thanks to USAID and DTRA for the continuous support.

Developing new regulation on community participation in zoonoses control
With USAID support, FAO and the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services (DGLAHS) organized a meeting in Jakarta from 6 to 7 November to refine a draft regulation on community participation in zoonoses prevention and control. Building on an October session, participants reviewed procedures for engaging communities in managing zoonotic diseases. Once finalized, the draft will undergo legal reviews by DGLAHS and the Ministry of Agriculture for approval and implementation.

FAO regional forum on innovations to support sustainable livestock transformation
From 12 to 14 November in Khon Kaen, Thailand, FAO organized the regional forum on innovations to support sustainable livestock transformation. The event explored innovative solutions and livestock sector investment planning for achieving food security and sustainable development goals. FAO ECTAD team facilitated sessions focused on innovative approaches to transboundary disease management, biosecurity and alternatives to antimicrobial use in animal nutrition, while hosting an interactive booth to showcase FAO’s work in animal health, antimicrobial resistance mitigation and One Health.

Innovative farming practices highlighted during visit to Khon Kaen farm
During a visit to Watcharapong Farm in Khon Kaen, Thailand on 11 November, FAO team, along with FAO Assistant Director-General Thanawat Tiensin, joined a tour showcasing innovative approaches to sustainable chicken farming. The farm owners presented their journey of development and evolution, highlighting unique practices in local poultry farming. The visit, organized on the sidelines of a regional forum on sustainable livestock transformation, concluded with a meal featuring farm-fresh ingredients. This engagement underscored the value of innovation in supporting sustainable livestock practices in the region.

In-service field epidemiology training for animal health professionals
FAO, through the USAID funded Global Health Security project, supported Nepal’s Department of Livestock Services in launching the first module of the three-month Field Epidemiology Training Program for Veterinarians on 10 November in Lalitpur. The training, conducted in collaboration with the Agriculture Information and Training Center, aims to build the epidemiological capacity of 15 frontline veterinarians from federal to local levels. Participants will complete three modules and fieldwork under a curriculum endorsed by the Center to enhance disease response capacity.

Laboratory training on swine diseases for countries in Asia
FAO, in partnership with the Korean Veterinary Medicine Association, the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency and with financial support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of the Republic of Korea, held a laboratory training on swine diseases from 11 to 15 November. The training, attended by 12 laboratory professionals from five countries in Asia, focused on diagnostic techniques for African swine fever (ASF) and other swine diseases, enhancing regional diagnostic capacity.

Training on sample collection, dispatch and epidemiological reporting
Through USAID, FAO supported the Central Veterinary Laboratory in conducting a training on sample collection, dispatch and epidemiological reporting from 12 to 13 November in Pokhara. A total of 27 animal health professionals from different districts of Gandaki province participated in the training. The objective of the training was to equip these professionals with hands-on skills for appropriate sample collection, packaging and dispatch to ensure prompt disease diagnosis. The training was conducted in collaboration with the DLS and the Veterinary Laboratory Pokhara.

Workshop finalizes decree on animal movement and trade
FAO and the Department of Livestock and Fisheries, with financial support from the United States of America’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), conducted a workshop to finalize a decree regulating the movement, import, export and transit of animals and animal products in Lao People's Democratic Republic. Chaired by senior officials, the workshop aimed to strengthen control over transboundary animal diseases. The revised draft will be submitted for review, with plans for endorsement in November, followed by dissemination efforts.

Updating guidelines on non-natural disaster management
FAO, DGLAHS and USAID supported a coordination meeting to revise Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Authority regulation on non-natural disasters on 7-8 November. The revision aims to address challenges like zoonotic outbreaks and align risk mapping with public and animal health. Discussions included preparedness strategies, risk-based approaches, and disaster simulations for rabies and avian influenza. The initiative seeks to enhance cross-sector collaboration and strengthen Indonesia’s disaster response capacity.

ASEAN bioinformatics workshop advances regional pandemic preparedness
From 6 to 8 November, FAO, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and USAID hosted the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Bioinformatics Workshop in Yogyakarta. The event enhanced bioinformatics skills of ASEAN veterinary laboratories, colleges and public health labs, focusing on avian influenza and ASF. Led by Disease Investigation Center (DIC) Wates, ASEAN’s Regional Reference Center for Veterinary Bioinformatics and supported by international experts, the workshop strengthened molecular diagnostics capacities and fostered a regional bioinformatics network to bolster pandemic preparedness.

FAO joins regional efforts to combat African swine fever in wild pigs 
FAO played a key role in advancing strategies to tackle ASF during the Second Southeast Asia ASF Working Group meeting held from 23 to 25 October. FAO, in its capacity as a member of the Southeast Asia ASF Working Group under the Science for Nature and People Partnership (SNAPP), provided technical expertise and facilitated discussions on multisectoral approaches to ASF surveillance, prevention and control. The meeting brought together stakeholders to refine the theory of change framework, a roadmap for addressing the disease's impact on both wild and domestic pigs. FAO’s contributions emphasized the integration of wildlife conservation with food security strategies, recognizing ASF's threat to 11 endemic wild pig species, including the critically endangered Visayan warty pig in the Philippines. By fostering collaboration across sectors, FAO continues to champion innovative solutions to protect biodiversity and livelihoods in Southeast Asia.

Sensitizing future professionals on AMR and antimicrobial use
FAO and the Bangladesh AMR Response Alliance (BARA) organized a sensitization workshop on AMR and antimicrobial use (AMU) for veterinary and medical students on 5 November in Khulna. Supported by the United Kingdom Fleming Fund, the event featured an awareness campaign with AWaRe categorization materials and a quiz competition. Students and faculty from Khulna Agriculture University and Ad Din Akij Medical College joined BARA and FAO representatives to promote awareness and collaborative action against AMR.

Private sector engagement to address AMR in the dairy sector
On 11 November, FAO India and FAO RAP, with support from the European Union Tripartite AMR Project, organized a private sector engagement workshop on AMR in the dairy sector at the National Dairy Development Board in Anand, Gujarat. Over 60 participants from cooperatives, private sector and government organizations discussed AMR's economic impact, regulatory measures and the private sector's role in rational antibiotic use. The workshop emphasized food safety, quality management, the application of hazard, analysis, critical, control points (HACCP) principles, and strategies to mitigate AMR through residue monitoring and public-private partnerships.

Stepwise approach to sustainable management of AMR
FAO, in partnership with the Viet Nam Department of Animal Health and financial support from the United Kingdom Fleming Fund, held a self-assessment meeting in Ha Noi to advance sustainable AMR management. The meeting, held from 12 to 13 November, used FAO's Progressive Management Pathway (PMP) for AMR tool to evaluate progress and identify actionable next steps for combating antimicrobial resistance in food and agriculture sectors. This initiative aligns with efforts to strengthen Viet Nam’s capacity for AMR mitigation through a structured, stepwise approach, ensuring sustainable management practices across relevant sectors.

Orientation on AMR for agrovet owners
FAO, through USAID funding, supported DLS in organizing an orientation on AMR for agrovet owners and veterinary drug suppliers in Kaski district on 15 November. Held in collaboration with Veterinary Laboratory Pokhara, the training aimed to raise awareness of AMR and promote the rational use of antimicrobials. A total of 38 participants attended, enhancing their understanding of responsible antimicrobial practices in veterinary medicine.

Developing antimicrobial prescribing guidelines for poultry
From 7 to 8 November, FAO, in partnership with DGLAHS and with financial support from USAID, held a meeting to draft technical guidelines for antimicrobial prescribing in poultry. The initiative aimed to promote rational drug use, improve animal health and ensure residue-free poultry products. Key components include veterinary prescriptions, antimicrobial use in water and feed and minimizing misuse. These guidelines are expected to strengthen the national animal health system and support sustainable poultry farming.

Developing Indonesia’s national action plan on antimicrobial resistance 2025–2029
Supported by USAID and the European Union, FAO and the Coordinating Ministry of Human Development and Cultural Affairs held a coordination meeting on 5 November in Jakarta to advance the National Action Plan for AMR Control 2025-2029. Discussions included an AMR economic burden study, applying the theory of change framework and benchmarking against the United Kingdom’s AMR strategy. Further deliberations to finalize the plan are scheduled for 19 November.

Strengthening AMR control through poultry sector engagement
FAO, in partnership with DGLAHS, with financial support from USAID, convened a sentinel site discussion meeting to engage the poultry sector in AMR control on 13 November. The meeting focused on aligning with national AMR control targets and securing private sector support for clinical surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship at sentinel farms. Initial monitoring sites were identified in West and East Java, with commitments to be announced at the poultry business forum in December.