Regional and international zoonotic influenza experts joined the webinar that the Regional Quadripartite for Asia and the Pacific (FAO, UNEP, WHO and WOAH) organized. Experts discussed ongoing preparedness and prevention measures to reduce the risks of a pandemic influenza outbreak. Topics discussed during the webinar included the current situation of zoonotic influenza in the region and globally, country control measures in place to reduce the risk of a pandemic influenza outbreak, and country experiences in surveillance and disease management. Watch the recordings here (day one and day two).

FAO, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry discussed ways to strengthen Indonesia’s capacity to control ASF. ASF continues to threaten swine production and wild boar biodiversity. Participants of the planning meeting held from 16 to 17 May 2023 agreed and endorsed the work plan to reduce the risk and potential socio-economic impacts of ASF in Indonesia. With funds from the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), modalities will include supporting the government's programme on ASF response, detection and prevention to manage future outbreaks. Other outputs of the planning meeting included the following: (1) strengthening capacities to implement existing strategies and policies at the national level; (2) strengthening national ASF diagnostic capacities and promoting the regional laboratory capacity development programme; and (3) strengthening national capacity on ASF control and rehabilitation through improved reporting, response and emergency coordination.

Learning about ASF prevention and biosecurity for smallholder farmers can be fun! On 16 May 2023, FAO ECTAD in RAP and FAO Partnership and Liason Office in the Republic of Korea met with two student organizations from Mason Korea (George Mason University) to explore innovative ways of approaching farm biosecurity. The vision is to develop an edutainment on biosecurity practices for smallholder farmers.

FAO ECTAD Gender Specialist in Myanmar shared updates on ongoing and planned gender-related initiatives tailored explicitly for animal health issues in the country to the FAO gender team in the country and regional offices. FAO ECTAD in Myanmar is currently finalizing the gender stocktaking exercise, which will inform a concrete action plan towards achieving gender mainstreaming objectives and the FAO Regional Gender Strategy and Action Plan 2022–25. This collaborative session was instrumental in fostering coordination and synergy in gender efforts throughout the region, specifically contributing to gender equality and empowerment within the region's livestock sector.

The Community of Practice (CoP) on Antimicrobial Treatment Guidelines for Poultry and Swine met for the seventh time last 10 May 2023 to review the structure and the revision of its terms of reference (TORs). Discussions on the potential use of existing tools in treatment guidance were also covered briefly. The next CoP meeting will focus on sharing field experiences and challenges encountered on prudent use.