44TH GENERAL SESSION OF THE EUFMD COMMISSION
ONLINE 21-22-23 APRIL 2021
Day One Key Messages 1. Welcome to the 44th General Session. 2. Scope, activities and role of the European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth disease. 3. Structure of the agenda and ground rules of the event. Summary Etienne Chevanne greeted participants to the 44th General Session as moderator, handing over to Martin Blake, Chief Veterinary Officer of Ireland. Mr. Blake welcomed all participants, outlining the scope of activities, the importance and the crucial role of the European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth disease. Mr. Blake outlined the items in the agenda for the day and then handed over to Keith Sumption, Chief Veterinary Officer at FAO and Executive Secretary of the EuFMD. Mr. Sumption mentioned the characteristics of the Commission, its’ partners, including OIE and EC, and welcomed the innovative drive of the EuFMD. Mr. Sumption handed over to Fabrizio Rosso, Deputy Executive Secretary of the EuFMD, who commented that transboundary animal diseases continue to circulate regardless of the Covid-19 crisis. Even though the difficulties in implementing surveillance strategies have increased due to the pandemic, EuFMD has continued to implement actions to improve risk-based control strategies for Member Nations, neighbouring countries and beyond. Mr. Rosso indicated the crucial role of the General Session in identifying further actions within the EuFMD workplan to address better the need to ensure reduced risk, better preparedness and better control. He introduced the structure and logistics of the event, the virtual environment made available for the session and the activities of the Commission, as well as the side events with presentation of the Training Management System and virtual simulation exercises using a crises simulation software.
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