Item 11. Report of the Standing Technical Committee and its working groups

Item 11. Report of the Standing Technical Committee and its working groups

Dr Eoin Ryan, Chairman of the Standing Technical Committee (STC), presented his Report (Appendix 19). The STC work included the oversight of the two subcommittees, for Applied Research and for Biorisk Management. The major event of the biennium was the Open Session, held in Puglia in October 2018 on the theme of “Global Vaccine Security”, chosen because the issues associated with the lack of vaccine availability and quality for FMD control in both emergency and endemic settings. A strong private sector presence from across the world had demonstrated the value of a public and private sector dialogue on the issues affecting investment in vaccine development and production that affect vaccine access at European and global scales. Similar issues affect investment in vaccines for other FAST diseases and the STC supports the proposal to include PPP for vaccine security in the upcoming work programme. The important work of the two subcommittees was mentioned. The Special Committee for Biorisk management has met on two occasions and devoted over 300 hours of technical time to revise thoroughly the Minimum Standards for laboratory containment, meeting the satisfaction of the STC. The members of the Special Committee for Research and Programme Development met in Puglia at the OS18 and assisted the Open Session, but were also active in proposing applied research topics, and supporting the review process for proposals received for FAR (Fund for Applied Research) funding. He summarized the significant research projects ongoing or completed in the biennium. The STC position for the Executive Committee, that EuFMD could and should play a role in supporting activities in relation to non-FMD transboundary animal diseases.

They considered important points to resolve including

-how to choose which diseases, -how to decide the extent to which EuFMD gets involved, -how to balance the need for EuFMD to maintain a clear focus on its core work on FMD with a broadening scope, -How to ensure coordination with other organizations.

They considered the future role should include developing opinions relating to the above points.

The President thanked Dr Ryan for his work over the past six years which been highly regarded and appreciated by the Executive. He also thanked Dr Borello and Italy for their support to the hosting of the Open Session.

Conclusions

1. The outputs and impact of the applied research funding programme was recognized and this part of the

EuFMD programme was import to continue. 2. The role of the STC in providing advice and guidance to the Executive was recognized as important, and sufficient support must be given to STC members by their releasing agencies as well as the Commission to ensure they can sufficiently dedicate time to the work required.