Open session of the standing technical committee of the EUFMD- 2002

would be the main subject of the meeting. The meeting would be timely in relation to the development of a global framework for the control of trans-boundary animal diseases under development by FAO. Dr Füssel reported that the EC would support a further 200,000 doses above that previously agreed, bringing the intended supply to the Caucasus region of 1,200,000 doses of oil-adjuvanted vaccine, of which 200,000 would be reserved for emergency use.

The Secretary also informed the Group that he would represent EUFMD in a Mission to Iran, on 5-15 October 2002. There would be a strong association in the mission of those currently or previously involved in the EUFMD Commission by the participation of Dr Per Have (representing the EU), and Yves Leforban, representing France, and Dr Tony Garland representing the WRL. It was agreed that strengthening surveillance in the region was of great importance since much of the concern for EUFMD, and work for EUFMD Research Group members concerns the need for identification of suitable vaccines and diagnostic reagents (reference sera) required in response to the threat of emergent virus strains from this region.

2. Matters arising from the 67th Executive Committee meeting, 25-26 April 2002 2.1 Capacity of FMD Reference laboratories during crisis situations Dr Donaldson reported that reviews were ongoing of requirements for diagnostic capacity during FMD crises. It was suggested that Dr Garland would be invited to the Executive Committee meeting to report on this matter. Dr Have mentioned the contingency development plans including capacity figures. It was agreed that collation of information on the diagnostic capacity of the FMD laboratories in the EUFMD member countries, and the level of activity predicted under crisis situations would be very important to the identification of potential problems and solutions. It was noted that in 2001 dramatic increases in submissions had occurred to laboratories across Europe and that there may be limited “spare” capacity in the region to enable countries to undertake additional tests in support of others in a crisis. It was proposed that Dr Garland be invited to the Group to report on this matter. Dr Have mentioned that contingency plans were under development in Denmark which will include figures on capacity for FMDV diagnosis. The Secretariat will check OIE reports for similar information.

It was recommended that the Secretariat should establish a system for recording and reporting the level of submissions to the FMD laboratories on a yearly basis. It was also agreed that information should be collated on the number of submissions received during March and April 2001 as an indicator of the possible workload of laboratories during a crisis.

2.2 Review of “The minimum requirements for importation into Europe of live animals, fresh meat and offal of the bovine species” Dr Donaldson reviewed the background to this issue, and the comments received from members of the Research Group concerning the document, prepared by the EU in 1993.

He noted that in 2001 there was disparity between the export restrictions faced by the FMD affected countries in the EU compared to those in South America. The differences between recommended standards in the OIE Animal Health Code and the standards required in the EU were discussed. The group recognised that increased stringency of measures intended to reduce risk could have serious consequences for trade for EUFMD members in the event of an outbreak and therefore increase the potential agricultural impact. The group also recognised 20