SEACFMD NEWS. Volume 38 South-East Asia and China Foot and Mouth Disease Campaign March 2015

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1 SEACFMD NEWS Volume 38 South-East Asia and China Foot and Mouth Disease Campaign March st meeting of the OIE Sub- Commission for SEACFMD...2 SEACFMD video documentary...2 Members endorse SEACFMD roadmap....3 OIE seminar for veterinary education in Thailand OIE studies animal movement pathways in GMS GF-TADs meeting for ASEAN....4 Vietnam hosts Upper Mekong Working Group meeting Laboratory training for FMD staff of Lao PDR...5 Myanmar launches FMD vaccination campaign...6 OIE, DLF review progress of Northern Lao PDR FMD Project , dogs vaccinated in Philippine rabies project Staff profile: Dr. Blesilda Verin and Dr Scott Zaari Regional FMD status 8 Upcoming events...8 Photo Gallery.: OIE Sub-Com for SEACFMD meeting Editorial This edition of the SEACFMD Newsletter covers a wide range of issues and demonstrates the considerable efforts made by individual countries and the OIE Sub- Regional Representation for South-East Asia to ensure the success of the Campaign. Discussions at the 21 st Meeting of the OIE Sub-Commission were most constructive and positive, reinforcing the critical importance and direction of the Campaign. A key decision was to endorse the framework of the SEACFMD Roadmap (216-2) that will provide strategic direction for Phase 5 of the SEACFMD. National Coordinators (NCs) will discuss and refine the Roadmap at their Meeting in China in August, and will develop an Annual Work Plan to ensure Sub-Commission recommendations are properly implemented. The NCs Meeting will be preceded by a Director Generals Meeting to consider and make recommendations on mitigating the high risks associated with animal movements. A number of other matters will be progressed including but not confined to: costbenefit studies to underpin the case for political and resource support from both governments and donor agencies to support FMD prevention and control; greater engagement of the private sector in SEACFMD; and emphasis on the critical importance of contemporary governance arrangements in Moving towards Phase 5 This publication is made available through the generous support of the Australian Government. programmes funded by STANDZ such as those in Northern Lao PDR, Myanmar and the Philippines. The first order issue, however, is to ensure the disease situation and risk are well understood and that appropriate technical interventions are applied. These include the epidemiological studies necessary to identify risks and critical control points to support program implementation; and active monitoring of circulating viruses so that vaccine-matching plans can be improved. SEACFMD activities take into account international standards and practices such as the FAO/OIE Global FMD Control Strategy, the FAO/OIE Progressive Control Pathway and the yet to be finalized FAO/OIE Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccination and Post- Vaccination Monitoring Guidelines. This is most beneficial to the Campaign by ensuring consistency with international approaches. At the same time SEACFMD Members gain increased recognition for their efforts. Although complex and challenging, the SEACFMD Campaign has and will continue to make significant progress with proper planning, sound programme management within countries, and effective overall coordination by the OIE SRR-SEA. Strong political support and the provision of adequate resources will continue to be needed if SEACFMD is to continue to succeed. ISSN SEACFMD News is published quarterly by the OIE Sub-Regional Representation for South-East Asia (SRR-SEA), c/o Department of Livestock Development 69/1 Phaya Thai Road, Ratchathewi 14, Bangkok, THAILAND Tel: Fax: srr.seasia@oie.int Web:

2 2 Manila hosts 21st meeting of the OIE Sub-Com for SEACFMD The 21 st Meeting of the OIE Sub-Commission for FMD in South-East Asia and China was held in Manila on 1-13 March 215 attended by over 9 participants from the region and other parts of the world. Dr. Monique Eloit, Deputy Director-General of the OIE, and Dr. Davinio Catbagan, Assistant Secretary for Livestock of the Philippines Department of Agriculture, opened the meeting. Dr. Eloit highlighted the critical role of the Veterinary Services in fighting FMD and other TADs, and thanked donors and countries for their support. Dr. Catbagan emphasized the growing potential of the region s livestock sectors, and the effect of FMD on productivity and its subsequent progress. Dr. Gardner Murray, President of the OIE Sub-Commission for SEACFMD, congratulated Member Countries and partners for the significant accomplishment made by the SEACFMD Campaign to date, and with the end of Phase 4 approaching, acknowledged the need for ongoing technical, political and financial support in order to achieve the final objectives of Phase 5. Now more than ever, during the final phase of the campaign, a strong commitment from Member Countries and investment in FMD control by donors is required, Dr. Murray said. The meeting provided an update on the global and regional FMD situation as well as activities of the World Reference Laboratory for FMD. While the number of outbreaks reported in the region has increased, participants were reminded that they should consider whether this is due to better reporting or whether the number of outbreaks has actually increased. Member Countries, with the assistance of partners, were requested to continue to submit samples to allow further guidance for vaccine selection. The discussions highlighted vaccination as one of the tools for control, and the need to discuss and study characteristics including strain selection and potency. Economic impact studies, including those conducted by Australia and New Zealand, were also discussed, and were put forward as models to be considered by Member Countries for Documentary on SEACFMD s 2 years The OIE SRR-SEA has produced a video documentary on the 2 years of the SEACFMD Campaign entitled Creating Change, Changing Lives. It was filmed in five countries in January and February 215 and debuted at the OIE Sub- Commission for SEACFMD meeting in Manila in March. Participants at the meeting gave positive feedback to the video which emphasizes the role of SEACFMD member countries and partners in fighting the disease. The long version of around 2 minutes has been uploaded on YouTube while a short version of around 1 minutes is being finalised. their own studies. The importance of continued funding by the Australian Government (through the STANDZ Initiative) was discussed while other donors present at the meeting were requested to extend funding in order to achieve the goals of the SEACFMD Campaign. Technical sessions on the second day included presentations on (i) proficiency testing; (ii) FMD-related research; (iii) vaccine matching and post-vaccination monitoring; and (iv) OIE standards on FMD and endorsement of National Control Plans. A session on risk mitigation strategies was conducted with discussion focusing on the need to engage industry and to consider social and cultural factors in formulating strategies to mitigate risks. The meeting concluded with the following key recommendations: Member Countries endorsement of the Strategic Framework of the SEACFMD Roadmap; All stakeholders and the OIE work together to continue the OIE FMD Vaccine Bank; Directors- General meet in mid-215 to consider and make recommendations on the Final Report of the Upper Mekong Animal Movement Study; Encourage countries to request PVS follow-up evaluations and other missions where relevant; Pursue high-level advocacy at the ASEAN and national levels and that private sector engagement is essential for maintaining and improving FMD status. Participants came from SEACFMD Member Countries, key partners, and OIE staff from Paris, Tokyo and Bangkok.

3 3 Members endorse SEACFMD roadmap s 3rd edition The 21 st Meeting of the OIE Sub- Commission for FMD in South-East Asia and China held in Manila in March 215 endorsed the Strategic Framework for the next Phase of the SEACFMD 22 Roadmap covering SEACFMD Member Countries agreed to draft country goals, objectives and timelines, including projections of future status under the Progressive Control Pathway (PCP), which will form an Annex to the Strategic Framework to be considered and endorsed at the 18 th National Coordinators Meeting in the People s Republic of China in August, 215. They also agreed that the Manuals to the SEACFMD Roadmap will be finalized for consideration by October 215 for publication, including a resource mapping component. The manuals will also be developed to provide further guidance to Member Countries and partners. The current edition has been developed to align closely with the OIE- FAO Global FMD Control Strategy and its FMD PCP. An Implementation Plan, which will be developed and reviewed annually, will detail the activities and timeframes for Phase 5. The Implementation Plan for 216, and the Member Country Annexes, will be developed before the commencement of Phase 5 of SEACFMD, once the Strategic Framework document has been approved and finalised. The first three Phases of the Campaign have been completed, and Phase 4 is scheduled for completion in 215. The third edition aims to: 1) describe the nature and the achievements of the SEACFMD Campaign; 2) introduce the Strategic Framework and its links with the Global FMD Control Strategy; 3) Detail the activities to be undertaken in Phase 5 from 216 to 22; 4) Provide support to Member Countries in their advancement along the PCP; 5) Emphasise the importance of Veterinary Services for animal and human health and economic development; 6) Promote the OIE s FMD Regional Vaccine bank concept; 7) Outline principles of governance, policy development, coordination and advocacy in relation to TADs and EIDs, and promote SEACFMD as a model for control of other animal and zoonotic diseases; and 8) Provide a background document for Governments, donor organisations and stakeholders when considering resource support for the SEACFMD. OIE, DLF review progress of FMD Project in Lao PDR The Project Coordination Committee (PCC) and Project Advisory Group (PAG) of the Northern Lao PDR FMD Project composed of staff of OIE and Lao PDR s Department of Livestock and Fisheries (DLF) held back-to-back meetings in February 215 to review progress in the administration of FMD vaccinations across the Project s 26 target areas. They also reviewed operational plans for follow-up vaccinations and agreed to develop a plan for Post-Vaccination Monitoring (PVM) that is consistent with the draft Global guidelines. PVM aims to assess protection of the livestock population in the hotspot/high risk areas once the second dose of vaccinations has been administered in all villages. After the meetings, project staff in Luang Prabang were trained in the use of a database developed by OIE SRR-SEA to record vaccination and PVM details for livestock in the target areas. The PCC meeting was attended by DLF staff from each of the 26 target districts, as well as project staff based in Luang Prabang and OIE staff. Project and District staff presented details of progress in administration of vaccinations in the key target areas, and discussed plans to complete the primary and secondary vaccinations in these areas. The PAG discussed and agreed on the details of follow-up vaccinations, vaccine orders, equipment supplies, postvaccination monitoring, and data recording. Attended by DLF officials, project staff and OIE staff, PAG also reviewed the outcomes of the PCC meeting, and developed recommendations covering technical, operational, advocacy and resourcing issues.

4 4 OIE studies animal movement pathways in GMS The OIE SRR-SEA organised a planning meeting in January 215 in Bangkok to discuss the study on movement pathways and market chains of large ruminants in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). Funded by China and the Australian Government through the STANDZ Initiative, the study aims to identify the major movement pathways and the stakeholders involved in the market chain of large ruminants in the region. This information will be used to identify key points in the trading pathways where control measures may be targeted to reduce the risk of foot and mouth disease (FMD) being transmitted through trade related movements of live cattle and buffaloes in the region. National consultants from each of the participating countries (China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam) were invited to discuss and plan the study. The methodology was outlined as were results from previous animal movement studies in the region. A key outcome of the meeting was selection of study sites: key border crossing areas for large ruminants entering China; or areas known to lie on key pathways destined for China. The results of the study thus far indicate that almost one million head of large ruminants are entering China from neighboring countries each year. In reality, this number is likely to be much greater as it does not yet include results from GF-TADs meeting for ASEAN members The FAO and OIE jointly held the 2nd Sub-Regional Meeting of the Global Framework for Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs) for ASEAN Member Countries in Chiang Mai, Thailand on 31 March 215, in the margin of the 23 rd Meeting of the ASEAN Sectoral Working Group on Livestock (ASWGL). Eight countries in the ASEAN regions participated in the meeting. The OIE Regional Representation for Asia and the Pacific (RRAP) briefed participants on developments regarding GF-TADs at the global and regional level. Both FAO and OIE gave an update of their respective activities in the region. The meeting discussed the recommendations of the 8th Regional Steering Committee (RSC) Meeting of GF-TADs for Asia and the Pacific which was held in Bangkok in 214. The following key points are among those proposed during the meeting: consider other swine diseases such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and porcine epidemic diarrhoea (PED) and bee diseases, as part of the list of priority diseases for ASEAN; explore the creation of a rabies control and prevention network and a rabies diagnosis reference centre in ASEAN; reconvene the HPAI Task Force Meeting for ASEAN; collect baseline information on rabies like dog ecology and economics; and provide reagents and training of laboratory staff to build the capacity of the veterinary services in the region. some border areas where there is believed to be active trade in large ruminants. The results of this study also indicate significant changes in movement pathways and prices since a previous study was conducted in 29 (Cocks et al, 29a). Although clear conclusions cannot be drawn until completion of this study, early results indicate high volume trade of livestock moving over large distances across Southeast Asia destined for high value markets in China and, to some extent, in Vietnam. Along these movement pathways there is extensive gathering and mixing of animals where there is potential for transmission of communicable diseases including FMD. The potential for introduction of new and exotic serotypes or strains of FMD into Southeast Asia is heightened by the reported emergence of new sources of livestock outside the region. The OIE Sub-Commission for SEACFMD noted the preliminary results from the Upper Mekong Animal Movement Study, and agreed that Directors General meet mid-year to consider and make recommendations on the Final Report of the Study. The Sub-Com also agreed that engagement with industry should occur, and that animal movement management guidelines for regional trade consistent with the Greater Mekong Sub-region single window inspection approach be drafted for consideration by Member Countries. Livestock movements are known to be a major factor in the spread of transboundary animal diseases, including FMD. In much of Southeast Asia, where there are extensive land boundaries between countries and where demand and price differentials exist across those boundaries, cross-border movement of livestock is extensive. A number of studies that have been conducted in the region in recent years highlighted the dynamic nature of livestock trade in the region and therefore the need to periodically review movement pathways.

5 5 Vietnam hosts Upper Mekong Working Group meeting The 12 th Meeting of the Upper Mekong Working Group on Foot and Mouth Disease Zoning and Animal Movement Management was organized by the World Organisation for Animal Health Sub-Regional Representation for South-East Asia (OIE SRR-SEA) in cooperation with the Department of Animal Health (DAH) of Vietnam in Vinh Phuc on 4-6 February 215. It was attended by 24 participants from the veterinary services of the People s Republic of China, Myanmar, Lao People s Democratic Republic, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as partners from Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (FAO-RAP), and the OIE Regional Representation (OIE- RR) in Tokyo, Japan. The meeting was also attended by additional observers from the DAH, OIE Special Advisor Dr Gardner Murray, and Dr Stephane Forman of the World Bank Group. The meeting reviewed the achievements of the past year, provided updates on current initiatives and developed recommendations for future actions. The meeting emphasized the importance of animal movement management and monitoring of vaccination programmes, and highlighted the ways in which participatory epidemiology (PE) can be used to support these endeavours. Facilitated workshops were conducted on potential applications of PE to improve FMD control in the region. Members outlined current practices for animal movement management and vaccination and post-vaccination monitoring, and recorded country-specific benchmarks. These workshops in turn provided opportunity for participants to propose and develop regionally-relevant strategies to improve FMD investigations, movement management and vaccination monitoring in the Upper Mekong Zone. Key recommendations included agreement to develop cross-border animal movement guidelines and conduct pilot PE outbreak investigation studies with a view to develop regional PE guidelines. The enthusiastic discussion, tangible outputs and positive event evaluation feedback demonstrated the value of the meeting in highlighting the way forward for FMD control in the Upper Mekong Zone. OIE provides training for Lao PDR s FMD laboratory staff OIE SRR-SEA Project Officer Dr. Blesilda Verin provided a hands-on training on laboratory diagnosis to national FMD laboratory staff of the Department of Livestock and Fisheries (DLF) in March 215. Dr. Verin also assisted the staff in testing of field samples collected from bovine and buffaloes for the post-vaccination monitoring (PVM) study. She also followed up the laboratory s implementation of the Regional Reference laboratory (RRL) Proficiency testing (PT) activities. The training is in support of the implementation of the Northern Lao PDR FMD Project. The Project launched in 214 a mass vaccination campaign in 26 target districts as a follow up to the small-scale vaccination campaign funded by OIE SRR- SEA s STANDZ and HPED programmes from 211 to 212. To confirm the effectiveness of the vaccination campaign, a mechanism that will confirm protection against homologous field strain in vaccinated animals must be in place. One of the mechanisms available to Lao PDR is the use of laboratory tests that will measure level of specific antibodies in an individual animal or in a population of animals through vaccination. The FMD laboratory at DLF has the capacity to perform both the diagnostic qualitative and quantitative assays for FMD virus. Of the three diagnostic tests available in the lab, only Indirect and NSP ELISAs) have been established and fully adapted in the laboratory with consistent and reproducible test results and controls limits set by the ELISA kit manufacturers. The third test, (LPBELISA) which is the internationally accepted test used for monitoring of vaccination against FMD has not been established and used as a routine test by the laboratory. There is a need for an external assistance in order for the laboratory to be able to help and assist the Northern Lao PDR FMD Project and other similar projects.

6 6 Myanmar launches FMD vaccination campaign Myanmar s Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD) with funding from the OIE SRR-SEA s STANDZ Programme funded by the Australian Government, launched the Central Myanmar FMD Vaccination Campaign on 23 February. The OIE SRR-SEA through the OIE Vaccine Bank funded by the European Union provided 25, doses of vaccine for the campaign. The vaccines were delivered across 18 townships in the Mandalay and Sagaing districts. Dr. Corissa Miller, STANDZ Project Officer, traveled to Mandalay to observe the campaign and provide technical guidance to LBVD. She also handed over a kit of 45 NSP tests donated by OIE SRR-SEA to the LBVD, to be used during the post-vaccination monitoring (PVM) studies. In January, a two-day vaccination preparation workshop was organized to discuss the rationale behind the vaccination campaign and the importance of PVM. Facilitated by Dr. Miller and Dr. Phil Widders, STANDZ Programme Coordinator, the workshop was attended by 2 regional and 35 local veterinary staff, from township, regional and national levels. The workshop discussed the methodology for defining target areas, and listing of target townships and villages. The importance and uses of data recording and proposed methods for the upcoming campaign were also highlighted. Dr. Kyaw Naing Oo, LBVD Director for Research and Disease Control, discussed the lessons learned from previous vaccination projects and the ways in which to improve. As decided during the workshop, two PVM studies are being undertaken: firstly to evaluate the response to vaccination; and secondly to evaluate the percentage of the target population vaccinated (coverage). The studies have been designed in line with the draft OIE/FAO Global Guidelines for PVM. OIE Seminar for Vet Education in Thailand The OIE SRR-SEA conducted an Information Seminar for Veterinary Educational Establishments (VEE) at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok on 6 March 215. The seminar aimed to among others enhance participants knowledge of the OIE s objectives and activities; improve participants understanding and practical application of the OIE Recommendations on the Competencies of graduating veterinarians ( Day 1 graduates ); promote the inclusion of the OIE Day 1 Competencies and Core Curriculum into the veterinary curricula and develop key partnerships with VEE; enhance the participants practical knowledge and understanding of OIE standards, recommendations and guidelines, and their relationship to the activities of the Veterinary Services. Dr. Roongroje Thanawongnuwech, in his opening remarks, highlighted the importance of strengthening veterinary education in particular for the forthcoming ASEAN Economic Community, which will provide more opportunities for veterinary profession to work in ASEAN Member States. He added that the OIE Day 1 Competencies and the OIE Core Veterinary Curriculum can be used as good references in this matter. Dr. Pennapa Matayompong, OIE SRR- SEA STRIVES Programme Coordinator informed participants that the OIE Day 1 Competencies and Veterinary Core Curriculum were developed as recommendations/guidelines to support the development and updating of veterinary curricula in VEE with respect to national and regional specificities. There were 78 participants composed of vet faculty members from 3 universities including Chulalongkorn University, 5th year veterinary students, postgraduate students, veterinarians from a private company and representatives from Thailand s veterinary authority.

7 7 15, dogs vaccinated in Philippine Rabies Project The OIE-STANDZ Rabies Project in the Philippines reported progress in the implementation of activities particularly in the pilot areas in the Bicol Region. These include capacity building activities in mass dog vaccination, rabies surveillance and dog population management in the four pilot provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Masbate. Following the first delivery of 3, doses from the OIE Vaccine Bank for Rabies and receipt of funds for implementation, the Project started its vaccination campaign in the last quarter of 214. As of February 215, some 15, dogs or 58% of the estimated 26,249 dogs in the pilot areas had been inoculated. Mass dog vaccination continued with the second delivery of 35, doses of vaccine in February. The Project which received a total funding of USD 932,721 from the Australian-funded STANDZ Programme of the OIE SRR-SEA, was launched in September 214. Other activities implemented todate include: the Animal Rabies Communication Planning Workshop held in January 215; the development of the online vaccination reporting and orientation for its utilization in the pilot areas; coordination with the Philippine Statistics Authority for their validation of the dog population census conducted in the four provinces; orientation of implementing agencies from the provincial to the municipal level on the importance of The Philippines carried out a series of vaccination against rabies in observance of the Rabies Awareness Month last March. The event aims to increase public awareness on the risks of rabies and the importance of having dogs and cats vaccinated regularly against this fatal disease. These activities are in line with the goal of a rabies-free Philippines by 216. The Department of Agriculture has also waived the laboratory fee for rabies testing of animals brought to government facilities to encourage submission of more samples from suspected animal rabies cases. cold chain management and data loggers; meetings of the National Rabies Prevent and Control Committee; orientation of the implementing partners on responsible pet ownership and the Philippine Rabies Act; procurement and distribution of vaccination paraphernalia; and planning workshops and discussions of guidelines on mass dog vaccination. Staff Profile Dr. Bicbic Verin and Dr. Scott Zaari Two new Project Officers joined the OIE SRR-SEA in January 215. Dr. Blesilda C. Verin took the position previously held by Dr. Sharie Aviso who left to pursue her Ph.D. As Project Officer for the Northern Lao PDR FMD Project, Bicbic provides technical and management support to government authorities in the monitoring and implementation of the Northern Lao PDR FMD Project. Bicbic Dr. Blesilda Verin obtained her PhD in Veterinary Studies from Murdoch University in 212 with a thesis on FMD in Asian Buffaloes. She also holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the University of Eastern Philippines. Bicbic worked for the Philippine Animal Health Center (PAHC) of the Bureau of Animal Industry, Department of Agriculture as Head of the National FMD Laboratory from 1995 to 27. Bicbic was ECTAD EPT plus (+) Regional Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific at FAO Thailand from 212 to 214. Dr. Scott Zaari joined the SRR-SEA STRIVES Programme in January. Scott holds an undergraduate degree in Microbiology and Immunology from McGill University and completed his DVM with an emphasis in Ecosystem and Public Health at the University of Calgary. In 213, Scott interned in the Regional Activities Dr. Scott Zaari Department at the OIE headquarters in Paris, France, where he gained an understanding of the OIE PVS Pathway. It was during this time, he became passionate about the international efforts and resources dedicated to improving the Veterinary Services worldwide. Scott worked as a mixed animal veterinarian in the prairies of Western Canada while instructing final year veterinary students in clinical rotations for the University of Calgary. Scott has also volunteered in various animal health projects around the world including in Mexico, Morocco, and Tanzania.

8 8 FMD regional situation The OIE SRR-SEA received reports of 12 outbreaks in the region during the first two months of 215. These are from China, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam. Lao PDR reported 1 outbreak of serotype A in Attapeu Province. China reported 2 outbreaks of type A SEA-97 in Anhui, Maanshan and Hubei, Wuhan. Thailand reported 4 outbreaks in January and 3 outbreaks in February of type O. Vietnam reported 2 outbreaks. The OIE SRR-SEA, however, noted that submissions from some members are often delayed and/or are not updated to reflect updates in laboratory results such as serotyping, including results from the Regional Reference Laboratories. In addition, due to technical errors, ARAHIS has unfortunately been non-functional in 215. The SRR-SEA has reminded SEACFMD member countries that the timeliness and accuracy of reporting is essential towards the delivery of a timely, accurate and meaningful analysis for the region. Countries are, thus, strongly encouraged to update information submitted to ARAHIS and WAHIS in cases where new information, such as serotyping results, becomes available. 5 FMD outbreaks in South-East Asia and China in 214 Country # of outbreaks Type O Type A N/A Cambodia China Lao PDR Malaysia Myanmar 3 3 Thailand Vietnam Upcoming Events Workshop on National FMD Plan 18 May 215 (Hanoi, Vietnam) FMD Outbreak Investigation and Management Training 2-5 June 215 (Siem Reap, Cambodia) Photo Gallery: OIE Sub-Commission for SEACFMD Meeting The SEACFMD Newsletter is published quarterly by the OIE Sub-Regional Representation for South-East Asia (SRR-SEA) for the SEACFMD Campaign. All photographs are copyrighted to the OIE SRR-SEA.