FAO and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) of the United States Government have launched a four–year regional project that aims to reduce the risk and impact of existing and future biothreats and emerging infectious diseases originating from animals in Southeast Asia. The project inception workshop was organized from 8 to 10 November 2023, together with six recipient countries, including Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam. The USD 10.5 million project will strengthen animal health systems and build the capacities essential to pandemic preparedness, protecting the region against future disease outbreaks.

FAO conducted two lots of two-day training on sample collection, dispatch and epidemiological reporting at the veterinary laboratory, Pokhara, from 7 to 10 November 2023. In total, 42 animal health technicians working at the livestock services section of different municipalities of Gorkha, Lamjung, Kaski, Baglung, Myagdi and Parbat participated in the training to improve the quality of sample submission to the laboratory. The Central Veterinary Laboratory Chief Dr Barun Kumar Sharma and Acting Director General of the Directorate of Livestock and Fisheries Development Pokhara Dr Bal Kumar Shrestha distributed the necessary supplies for sample collection to the participating municipalities. The training was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Livestock Services, Central Veterinary Laboratory and Veterinary Laboratory, Pokhara, with funding support from USAID.

FAO, the Directorate General Livestock and Animal Health (DGLAHS), and Melissa Mclaws, an expert from FAO’s Animal Production and Health Division (NSAH), conducted a comprehensive biosecurity assessment in Malang, East Java, from 14 to 15 November 2023. With the support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), the purpose of this visit was to investigate existing biosecurity practices and formulate optimal strategies for preventing and controlling foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and lumpy skin disease (LSD) based on findings using the Progressive Management Pathway for Terrestrial Animal Biosecurity approach.

FAO and Directorate General Livestock and Animal Health (DGLAHS) visited West Sumatra to support the acceleration of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination through risk communication dissemination on 13-14 November 2023. This field visit started with a one-day workshop in West Sumatera Provincial Livestock and Animal Health Services with animal health officers from Padang Pariaman, West Pasaman, Solok and Sijunjung. A total of 128 animal health officers from four districts gathered to review the implementation of FMD vaccination in West Sumatera and identify the gaps and challenges at district levels. Based on the discussion, the attending district animal health officers committed to conducting information, education and communication (IEC) dissemination activities along with vaccination within their respective areas between 14 and 17 November 2023.

FAO Regional Asia Pacific Animal Health Expert Peter Black, with the team from FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), recently assessed FMD and LSD control strategies in West Java Province on 7 November 2023. The team visited two sites in West Java to observe the practical implementation of FMD and LSD vaccination strategies, post-vaccination monitoring, as well as biosecurity and movement control measures. Starting at Ciwareng Animal Market, the team engaged with local animal health officers to discuss market conditions and response strategies to FMD outbreaks. The dialogue continued at the Dairy Cooperative in Lembang, exploring the economic implications of FMD and LSD and emphasizing vaccination and disease control efforts. These activities are all supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

The 2023 FAO’s annual regional avian influenza consultation meeting was conducted from 14 to 16 November 2023 in Thailand. The meeting brought together experts from zoonotic influenza from various One Health sectors at country, regional and global levels. The discussion focused on using environmental sampling to detect zoonotic influenzas in Asia, specifically highlighting its benefits, challenges and operational uses for countries. Outputs of the consultation would directly inform the finalization of a “Guidance on Environmental Surface Sampling for Avian Influenza Surveillance” under development at FAO. Thanks to USAID for the funding support.

FAO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Disease Investigation Centre (DIC) Wates and BBPMSOH, held an Influenza Virus Monitoring (IVM) management team meeting and online workshop in Yogyakarta on 13 November 2023 to discuss the follow-up to the IVM 2022 recommendations and IVM work plan for the upcoming year. This meeting was a combination of presentations followed by discussion sessions on topics related to IVM, such as the circulation of Avian Influenza virus strain, an update on H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4.b, and surveillance and response for HPAI. The meeting participants produced 18 recommendations and plans.