Joint Meeting of the SEACFMD Laboratory Network (LabNet) and Epidemiology Network (EpiNet)

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 6-8 October 2014

RECOMMENDATIONS

General Recommendations

  1. NOTED the progress of the members’ implementation of activities of the SEACFMD Laboratory Network (LabNet) and Epidemiology Network (EpiNet).
  2. AGREED to exert efforts to comply with OIE standards on surveillance, diagnosis and other relevant standards on FMD control and eradication.
  3. NOTED the changing trends in FMD serotype O isolates seen in the region, with the possible resurgence of O/SEA/Myanmar-98 FMDV strains in comparison to O/ME-SA/PanAsia strains.
  4. AGREED to increase the submission of samples of optimal quality for diagnosis and characterisation, if possible at least one sample in each affected 3rd administrative level (either district or township); ENCOURAGED members to get high-policy support for FMD investigation and sample collection.
  5. ENCOURAGED members to continue compiling information to prove their compliance with the OIE Terrestrial Code and Manual, in preparation for their future application for endorsement of their Official FMD control programme or for submission for recognition of FMD free countries or zones.
  6. AGREED to support the conduct of studies on animal movement pathways and other risk factors involved in the spread of FMD.
  7. NOTED the work of the other partners (such as WRLFMD-Pirbright, OIE FMD Reference Laboratories at Pakchong, Thailand and Lanzhou, China, OIE RR JTF/FMD project, FAO, ROK-QIA/KOICA, AAHL-Australia, NIAH-Japan, Massey University, New Zealand) on FMD control in the region.

Laboratory Network

  1. AGREED to implement, monitor and evaluate the actions taken and completed based on the action plan developed by LabNet group.
  2. AGREED to review the progress made from the benchmark information provided regarding sample collection and transport, identification of the FMDV, serological testing of FMD Laboratories in SEACMFD Member Countries.
  3. NOTED that the next round of inter-laboratory (proficiency) testing will be conducted in December 2014 and the results to be submitted by members to the OIE Regional Reference Laboratory for FMD in South-East Asia in Pakchong, Thailand, one month after receiving panels.

Epidemiology Network

  1. AGREED to implement, monitor and evaluate the actions taken and completed based on the action plan developed by EpiNet group.
  2. ENCOURAGED FMD-free countries or countries with FMD-free zones to actively investigate suspected FMD cases and to have a procedure in place to confirm cause of the condition, including whether this is or is not FMD.
  3. NOTED that serological surveillance may not be required for FMD-free countries or zones without vaccination having an early detection system and measures to prevent the introduction of the virus in place.
  4. NOTED the need to strengthen surveillance and monitoring activities in relation to member countries’ FMD susceptible wildlife populations, taking into account to actively coordinate with the relevant departments in-charge of wildlife.
  5. AGREED that members will examine ways to improve early detection, response and reporting of FMD outbreaks. CONTINUED to conduct more case studies on FMD Outbreak investigations to identify risk factors and understand the changing epidemiology of FMD viruses.

Acknowledgement

  1. THANKED the member countries, international partners and the resource speakers for significant contribution in making this Meeting successful.
  2. THANKED the Australian government for its support in funding the SEACFMD LabNet and EpiNet Meeting.
  3. THANKED the Government of Vietnam through Department Animal Health for its excellent organization of the Meeting.
  4. AGREED to continue to hold a Joint Meeting of the SEACFMD Laboratory Network (LabNet) and Epidemiology Network (EpiNet) annually, and REQUESTED Myanmar to host the next meeting.