REPORT OF THE WORKSHOP TO DEVELOP HARMONIZED SURVEILLANCE FOR FMD IN SOUTHERN BALKANS GREECE/BULGARIA/TURKEY

Conclusions

1. The presence of three circulating serotypes in autumn 2012, with the kurban festival to fall in the week of 22nd October, must be noted in the risk assessments of neighbouring countries; 2. The limited proportion of ruminant immunised against FMDV in Turkey in spring and autumn 2012 is a major concern and may result in increased risk for serotypes A and O in the winter of 2012; 3. The request from Turkey for greater support for FMD management support in West Eurasia is noted, and will be taken into consideration for the upcoming four year strategic plan; 4. Further epidemiology support to Turkey is necessary in order to better understand and communicate the dynamic risk situation and to build the information base and decision support capacity for decisions on vaccination programmes in 2013 onwards.

Report of the workshop to develop harmonized surveillance for FMD in Southern Balkans (Greece/Bulgaria/Turkey)

Following a formal invitation from DG-SANCO to the EuFMD President to assist in development of surveillance programme for the early detection of FMD in domestic and wildlife species in Turkish Thrace, and adjoining areas of Greece and Bulgaria, a workshop was held with two participants from each country, in Istanbul (September 18-21st). The workshop was led by Angus Cameron, EuFMD Consultant, and Theodore Knight-Jones (EuFMD STP). The Secretary summarized the workshop (Appendix 10); the approach taken was first to assess the contribution of all components of the current passive and active surveillance systems in the border regions of the three countries; to identify the added value of additional activities, particularly active surveillance or greater use of other surveillance data; and to provide a basis for feasibility and costs of the additional surveillance components, to provide to the EC for potential funding (to begin early 2013-).

The approach taken was supported with interest, and Dr Doudonakis considered the workshop and steps taken to be very good and suggested that Tripartite Meeting be held early in 2013 in Greece where the programme could be formally agreed. Dr Gibbens supported the approach and asked that the report be clear on which other components, in addition to active sampling/sero-surveillance, could also be adjusted to provide the additional early warning needed.

The hunting season for wild boar was mentioned as a time constraint, in most countries this period finishes before the end of January or February and so a programme target should be clarified as soon as possible.

Conclusions:

1. The need for confidence on the early warning system was upheld by all and the EuFMD should develop the workshop report into a costed proposal for actions to being in the winter of 2012/13; 2. The recommendations on wildlife surveillance sampling targets and sampling units should be discussed and agreed with the three countries as soon as possible and additional costs clarified and agreed with the EC.