Item 7 Committees priorities and workplan

Item 7 Committees priorities and workplan

Presenter: Stephan Zientara

Key Messages

-The three committees of the Commission: Standing Technical Committee, Special Committee on Biorisk Management, Special Committee for Surveillance and Applied Research (STC, SCBRM, SCSAR respectively) have defined specific programmes and targets. -Relevance of applied research programme that provides tangible results and outcomes used by risk managers/policy makers. -Relevance to keep the focus on Europe and its neighbourhood (with particular reference to risk areas: Balkans, Thrace and East Europe for the current increased risks). -Importance of the global surveillance and FMD virus intelligence (to inform risk monitoring, preparedness). -Relevance of PQv initiative with benefits for emergency preparedness and risk reduction (contributing to address vaccine security issues). -Importance of continuing investigating needs and opportunities to establish diagnostic bank for FMD -Relevance of keeping focus on trainings, real-time trainings, digital-learning and training management system for improving skills of vets and paravets. -Continue the implementation of the EuFMD digitalization strategy – in line with FAO digitalization approach. -Ensuring regular coordination with partners (FAO, WOAH).

Summary

Stephan Zientara, chairperson of the Standing Technical Committee (Appendix 11) gave an overview of the roles of the EuFMD Committees: the Standing Technical Committee, the Special Committee on Biorisk Management, the Special Committee on Surveillance and Applied research, and the Special Committee on prequalification system for FAST vaccines.

He outlined the upcoming Open Session, which will include 56 presenters of which 40 in person and 16 online. 88 abstracts have been received. There will be two side events: a workshop on FAST risk Monitoring and one on FAST vaccine availability. The Open Session will be streamed and physical, and will make use of a specific Trello board to showcase all the presentations.

Discussion

Lajos Bognár thanked all and the director of NSAH made some remarks overall.

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