Latest news with #WOAH
Euractiv
5 days ago
- Health
- Euractiv
Coordination key to tackling rise in livestock diseases, says WOAH
Surveillance, early warning systems and cross-border cooperation are essential to combat climate change, trade and pathogens adaptation that are driving a rise in animal diseases in Europe, says Montserrat Arroyo, Deputy Director General of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). In recent years, European farmers have faced the emergence of previously unknown animal diseases, such as lumpy skin disease (LSD), and the return of others once eradicated, like foot-and-mouth disease. In Greece, sheep and goat pox has been declared a national emergency, while periodic waves of bird flu and African swine fever have been hitting the continent since 2014. According to Arroyo, the growing frequency of outbreaks requires adapting to a new reality. What follows is an edited transcript. What factors contribute to the emergence of diseases such as LSD in Europe, as seen in France and Italy? In the case of LSD, we don't yet know exactly where it originated. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing. More broadly, the risk of disease incursions is rising due to climate change, trade evolutions, and changes in pathogen dynamics. These three factors are driving the emergence of diseases in places where they did not previously exist. Could you elaborate on how these factors impact animal diseases? For LSD, climate change certainly plays a role. It's a vector-borne disease, primarily transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks or flies. Temperature changes can enable these vectors to appear in areas where they were not previously present. In some cases, even extreme winds can transport them from one region to another. What about trade? Other possible origins of these outbreaks include transmission by an infected animal from an affected country or by imported equipment that has not been properly disinfected. We are seeing diseases emerge as a result of shifting consumption patterns. As populations move, their consumption habits and demand for certain products or animals change - and so do the associated risks. Generally, we hope all countries apply the correct trade measures. However, travellers sometimes bring in products from their countries without complying with the sanitary restrictions designed to prevent this. In some countries, we're seeing an increase in illegal trade, which further increases the risks. You also mentioned changes in pathogen dynamics. What does that mean? Diseases evolve and adapt. Take avian influenza, for example: it used to only affect domestic poultry, but it has since evolved and spread to certain wild bird populations. This increases the risk to domestic animals when they come into contact with wildlife. We just need to monitor how pathogens are moving, understand how they affect different species, and try to respond accordingly. We've also seen the emergence of other diseases like foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever, and bluetongue. Is this part of a broader upward trend? There have always been epidemics. But yes, we can say there has been an increase in outbreaks of diseases that were not previously present in the region. For example, it is the first time LSD has appeared in Continental Europe. Do these outbreaks have a lasting impact on farms, and do they pose a growing threat to the EU's food security? There are two types of impact: a direct one on producers, who are often severely affected, and a broader one on the country, which can be less severe if the disease is quickly contained. Take the example of foot-and-mouth disease in Germany. Fortunately, the impact was minor and well controlled because the disease was quickly identified and contained. But some countries are unable to respond as quickly. This is sometimes because they do not have access to vaccines or because their veterinary services are not sufficiently supported. In Europe, resilience is quite good. What does the WOAH recommend for managing disease outbreaks? The only way to prevent a costly outbreak is to invest in veterinary services. In addition, we recommend establishing strong surveillance and early warning systems. It's also important to strengthen biosecurity, implement vector control measures, and carry out vaccination. And, of course, coordination between countries is essential. Is the EU's regionalist approach, which focuses on affected regions rather than entire countries, a good method? The regionalisation approach is an excellent tool. It can even be used to open markets when only half of a country is free of a particular disease. The EU did not apply this measure to Brazil when it blocked poultry and meat exports to the bloc due to bird flu. What is your view on this? Europe has very strict regulations on regionalisation. These apply to third countries but are based on the EU's risk assessment and the information those countries provide. (adm, de)
Reuters
18-07-2025
- Health
- Reuters
Spain reports bird flu outbreak on turkey farm
PARIS, July 18 (Reuters) - Spain has reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu on a fattening turkey farm in the southwestern region of Extremadura, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) said, citing Spanish authorities. The spread of avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, has ravaged flocks around the world, disrupting supply and fuelling higher food prices. Its spread to mammals, including dairy cows in the United States, has raised concerns among governments about a risk of human transmission. The outbreak killed almost the entire flock of 6,895 turkeys, with the 10 surviving birds slaughtered as a precaution, the report said.
Al Etihad
18-07-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority receives global accreditation for camel disease proficiency testing
18 July 2025 12:21 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has been awarded international accreditation (ISO/IEC 17043:2023) for proficiency testing in camel disease diagnostics, becoming the first globally accredited entity in this field. The accreditation was granted by United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) after ADAFSA met all stringent international accreditation represents global recognition of ADAFSA's competency in providing proficiency testing services, which are a fundamental tool for ensuring the quality and reliability of laboratory diagnostics for camel diseases. It enhances accuracy and efficiency standards while bridging gaps in specialised measurement programmes within this line with this achievement, Biosecurity Affairs Division at ADAFSA—internationally recognised by World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as a Collaborating Centre for Camel Diseases and a Collaborating Centre for Quality Management Systems—has launched the world's first proficiency programme for evaluating laboratories' efficiency in detecting antibodies for Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in camels. This programme focuses on improving validation processes for diagnostic kits used in antibody detection, supporting global efforts to combat and eradicate the initiatives reflect ADAFSA's commitment to supporting national and international laboratories in developing precise laboratory diagnostics for camel diseases, ensuring high-quality results on a global scale. This latest achievement raises the total number of global certifications obtained by ADAFSA to 15, reinforcing its leadership in food security and animal disease control, particularly camel diseases, and strengthening its scientific status as a global reference centre in this domain. Notably, ADAFSA's Collaborating Centre for Camel Diseases, established in May 2022 and recognised by WOAH, serves as an authoritative scientific body in diagnosing and studying camel diseases. It offers advanced diagnostic, research, and training services in collaboration with leading international institutions. This accreditation further cements Abu Dhabi and the UAE's position as a leading hub for animal health and biosecurity.
Zawya
15-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
South Africa lifts ban on Brazilian poultry imports after bird flu contained
South Africa has lifted its import ban on live poultry and poultry products from Brazil after the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Rio Grande do Sul was officially contained. The Department of Agriculture confirmed that effective 4 July 2025, poultry trade with Brazil may resume after a bilateral meeting between veterinary authorities from both countries, where revised Veterinary Health Certificates (VHCs) were agreed upon. "The positive outcome is a direct result of the dedicated efforts of our officials. With this resolution, imports can resume, which will significantly contribute to enhancing food security for all citizens," says Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen. Brazil declared free of HPAI The department said stamping-out measures were applied at the affected breeder premises in Montenegro, followed by a 28-day waiting period and disinfection, in line with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) protocols. Brazil declared itself free of HPAI on 18 June 2025. However, as a precautionary measure, poultry products packed between 1 May and 18 June 2025 will remain restricted from entry into South Africa. The department said it remains vigilant and will continue monitoring the situation closely. Any new developments indicating a potential spread of the outbreak could lead to a review of the decision. "This development underlines the department's commitment to science-based decision making and the importance of maintaining open, transparent and technically sound channels of communication between trading partners," Steenhuisen adds. For updates and official notices, the public is encouraged to follow the department's verified platforms.
GMA Network
11-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
PH lifts ban on Japan poultry
The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday lifted the temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds and their by-products from Japan. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Memorandum Order No. 36, which lifted the import ban imposed by the DA in November 2024, which also covered poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen. . Tiu Laurel's decision came after Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries submitted a report to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), which confirmed that all previously reported highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) cases had been resolved as of June 13, with no new outbreaks since. He said that, in accordance with WOAH guidelines and 'our own risk assessment, we have determined that Japan is bird flu free the likelihood of bird flu contamination from imports originating in Japan is negligible.' The Agriculture chief explained that the earlier import ban on Japan poultry was enacted as a precautionary measure to safeguard the local poultry industry. With the lifting of the ban, all import transactions involving poultry products from Japan must comply with the DA's existing sanitary and phytosanitary regulations and import protocols. The decision is expected to help stabilize poultry supply chains and offer local businesses greater sourcing flexibility, especially amid tight global commodity markets, according to Tiu Laurel. The latest order takes immediate effect and will remain in force until amended or formally revoked. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
