Appendix 81
Feedback from Middle East and North and East Africa Group (Participants from Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Kenya, Lebanon, Morocco, Yemen) Considering that: • • • •
Animal movement within the Middle East region could involve movement of animals from South and South-East Asia and also from East Africa. Both regions are considerered harbouring regions for FMD viruses. Some countries found difficulties in sending samples to WRL. Previous studies revealed that FMDV serotypes have a distinct topotype in Africa and Middle East as well as a higher level of intratypic variation within each serotype. WE AND YOU DO KNOW THAT WE ARE NOT PART OF EUROPE, BUT FMDV DOESN’T.
We recommend: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
For the region to contribute to the FMD control, surveillance network including laboratories within the region in order to have an effective early warning system is highly needed. To encourage the research within the region and to facilitate the information exchange through workshops, meetings within the region and also participation in the international meetings and workshops. A further detailed study on the evaluation of available vaccines for most developing countries of Africa and Middle East on the basis of strict geographical clustering of independent evolving virus population should be encouraged. Building up national and regional expertise in the field of FMD epidemiology, diagnosis and vaccine production should be considered as a priority. To encourage use of high quality vaccines, and also diagnostic kits Establishment of regional reference laboratory is highly needed.
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