Workshop: harmonisation of FMD vaccination strategy in North Africa

Under the context of REMESA (REseau MEditerranéen de Santé Animale), the OIE Sub-Regional Representation for North Africa organised a workshop on FMD vaccination strategy in the North Africa.

The vaccination is an essential tool for preventing and controlling FMD, and as such, the choice of vaccine strains and the definition of coordinated vaccination strategies in the sub-region are critical issues. This concept was reiterated at the 11th meeting of the Joint Permanent Committee (JPC) of the Mediterranean Animal Health Network (REMESA) was held in Algiers (Algeria) on 24-25 November 2015.

At the Algiers’ REMESA meeting it was stressed the importance of establishing a regional vaccine bank for FMD in the region in accordance with the Resolution adopted by the Joint Permanent Committee of REMESA on 3-4 November 2014 in Tunis (Tunisia). However, it was stated that this bank would be beneficial only if there is a harmonized vaccination strategy among the countries.

The workshop was addressed to targeted countries which are based North Africa (Mauritania, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Libya). International experts were also invited to make available their expertise.

The final goal of the workshop was to be agreed on a harmonised and feasible vaccination strategy for FMD to be presented at the next REMESA meeting.