USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)’s Post

Exciting news for Africa! The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has signed a Contribution Agreement with the European Union. The agreement includes substantial funding of EUR 1.57 million to support the implementation of the African Continental Free-Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) Protocol on Trade in Goods. The #AfCFTA, established in 2018 and active since January 2021, aims to boost trade and economic growth across Africa. The EU's funding through WOAH will significantly strengthen the #AfCFTA, reinforcing its core principles and facilitating continental trade. Under the leadership of WOAH, the project will focus on enhancing animal health within the African Union, particularly in the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment. This initiative aligns with the African Union's strategic objectives outlined in the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Policy Framework. The project's key goals include: Ø Reviewing and harmonizing SPS frameworks, Ø Leveraging existing regional harmonization efforts, Ø Promoting participation in international SPS activities, Ø Supporting Capacity building and raising awareness on SPS issues. While WOAH's support extends to all WOAH and African Union member countries, it will principally collaborate with members of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). #COMESA has a strong track record in trade harmonization and SPS regulations. It is vital to note that, rather than directly implementing operations, WOAH will provide advisory technical assistance to the African Union and #COMESA instruments. This will entail the use of unique assessment methods, capacity building, and the participation of AU agency officials and regional veterinary experts. Over the next 30 months, the WOAH Sub-Regional Representation for Southern Africa, based in Gaborone, Botswana, will oversee the implementation of the project. They will receive support from the WOAH Sub-regional Representation for Eastern Africa and various departments within WOAH Headquarters. This collaboration between WOAH, the European Union, and key stakeholders not only highlights their commitment to supporting the AfCFTA and strengthening animal health systems but also paves the way for enhanced intercontinental trade and economic prosperity in Africa. Read more about the project 👉: https://lnkd.in/eGi7Evb8 Blog: https://lnkd.in/eAwCYQFM #WOAH #AfCFTA #animalhealth #trade #Africa #SPS #collaboration #EU #COMESA #conversationsthatmatter

We're excited to announce the USAID LHSS Project’s collaboration with the Ministries of Health, Veterinary Services, and Ecology in the Republic of Kazakhstan to advance health system reforms in the area of One Health. A recent coordination meeting of the One Health Interagency Technical Working Group in #Astana provided a forum to collaborative address preparedness for emerging health threats and enhancing human resource capacity for #OneHealth. Representatives from key ministries and international partners from the Quadripartite gathered to discuss key issues such as joint disease investigation, data exchange, and early warning systems within the framework of One Health in Kazakhstan. This meeting marks the next step in developing regular mechanisms for interagency efforts to plan, coordinate, and monitor measures regarding zoonotic diseases, antibiotic resistance, biosafety and biosecurity, and food safety in Kazakhstan. The One Health approach fosters interagency collaboration for optimal human, animal, and environmental health. Together, we're building resilient #HealthSystems and #preparing for pathogen X. Abt Associates World Health Organization UN Environment Programme World Organisation for Animal Health

[Japanese Version Release] HGPI Endorsed “Call for Actionable Steps in Response to the Rising Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)” (May 1, 2024) On May 1, 2024, Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI) Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Team endorsed the policy recommendation “Call for actionable steps in response to the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) “. Ahead of the UN High-Level Meeting on AMR in September 2024, this recommendation requests the UN members to agree with actionable and measurable steps based on the One Health Approach that considers the interdependence of human health, animal health and environment. This recommendation was developed by the AMR Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Platform, in which HGPI participates, co-hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The Japanese translation of the recommendations was done by HGPI. The AMR Multi-stakeholder Partnership Platform has authorized HGPI to publish this translation. Please refer to the original text. >> For more information https://lnkd.in/gqRYm6Ug #AMR #antimicrobialresistance #AMRAllianceJapan #OneHealthApproach #health #healthcare #healthpolicy #hgpi #japan

Recent reports, such as this detailed piece, reveal a worrying uptick in African swine fever (ASF) cases in domestic pigs across several European nations, with the Balkan states bearing the brunt of the outbreaks. These developments are a stark reminder of the threats that contagious diseases pose to agriculture and the economy. ASF is not just a local issue; its repercussions ripple through the economy, affecting food security and trade. The situation calls for a unified strategy where all European countries collaborate closely with the Balkan states. This is essential for several reasons: 1) Interconnected Economies: Our economies are closely knit; an outbreak in one area can have dire consequences on agricultural trade and market stability across the continent. 2) Mobility of Wildlife Reservoirs: Wild boar, which serve as a reservoir for ASF, do not respect national borders. Their movement spreads the virus across regions, making it a pan-European concern. 3) Resource Sharing: Combating ASF effectively can be resource-intensive. Sharing knowledge, veterinary resources, and funding can enhance the response capabilities of affected states. 4) Biosecurity and Education: Joint efforts can improve biosecurity measures and education programmes for farmers across Europe, minimising the risk of future outbreaks. 5) Research and Development: Collective investment in R&D can accelerate the development of effective vaccines and containment strategies, benefiting all member states. The battle against ASF is not only fought in the fields of the Balkan states but also in the unity of European policies and the collective actions that follow. Supporting the Balkans is not merely an act of solidarity—it's a strategic imperative for all European countries to safeguard our common agricultural heritage and economic future. #ASF #AfricanSwineFever #Balkans #Europe #Biosecurity

🌟 News Alert 🌟 Check-out Poultry Creations article “Unlocking Summer Coccidiosis Protection” authored by Zamira Australia’s Dr Sajid Hussain, Techno-Commercial Manager for North & East India! In this informative piece, Dr. Sajid explores the critical importance of managing coccidiosis in poultry during the challenging summer months and the role of anticoccidial medications, with a special focus on Zamira’s ZAMIDAN 10🐔🔥 Read the full article here 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gmPpqyFk #PoultryHealth #CoccidiosisProtection #ZAMIDAN10 #ZamiraAustralia 

Poultry Safety Insights: Discover why Dr. Anuraj Theradiyil Sukumaran's episode is essential as we uncover the significance of embracing continuous vigilance and innovation for elevating poultry product safety standards. Listen now: https://lnkd.in/dfMq3Qrj

OIG News | Belgian Pork Facilities Resumed Exporting to China on Jan 13, 2024 #Belgian #pork has received #approval from #GACC to #resume its #exports to the #Chinese market. According to GACC's website, there are currently a total of #20 Belgian pork facilities eligible for export to China, with the effective date from #Jan 13, 2024. What's more, these 20 facilities have successfully #renewed their qualifications for pork product exports to China, with a registration validity period extending until Jul 31, 2028.   Reviewing the #journey of Belgian pork exports to China: 1. On Apr 7, 2009, Belgium and China signed a #protocol for pork export from Belgium to China. 2. On Sept 14, 2018, Belgian authorities notified the World Organization for Animal Health (#WOAH) of two outbreaks of African swine fever (#ASF) within their borders. To prevent the spread of the epidemic, on Sept 29, 2018, GACC issued GACC & MARA Announcement No. 124 of 2018, prohibiting the direct or indirect import of pigs, wild boars, and their products from Belgium, effective from Sept 29, 2018. 3. In Oct 2020, Belgium submitted an application to the WOAH to resume the status of being free from ASF. On Dec 21, #2020, #WOAH confirmed that all swine animals in Belgium no longer had #ASF. This was a crucial prerequisite for the resumption of Belgian pork exports to China. 4. On Jan 12, 2024, GACC issued GACC & MARA Announcement No. 5 of 2024, #lifting the ban on ASF in Belgium, effective from Jan 12, 2024. For the complete list of Belgian pork facilities eligible to export to China, including registration numbers and company names, please contact us via [email protected].

Here's a great article in ✔️Feed Strategy about the ongoing African Swine Fever (ASF) crisis in the Balkan countries. Having travelled to six Balkan countries this year, I've witnessed first-hand the incredible commitment and resilience of hog farmers in the region. Despite facing significant challenges, these farmers are tirelessly working to manage and overcome the ASF crisis. However, it's clear that more support is needed. The European Union should step up its efforts to provide financial and scientific assistance to these countries. The level of support should not be contingent on the EU membership status of a Balkan country. Every effort counts in combating such a widespread agricultural crisis, and it's crucial that support is extended universally to ensure effective management and control of ASF. The dedication of these farmers is commendable, and with adequate support, I believe we can see significant progress in tackling this issue. #Balkans #EU #ASF #HogFarming #AnimalHealth

AVIX Autonomic Laser System modernizes bird control in poultry operations https://lnkd.in/dS_pJd6t Bird Control Group, #Global #Africa #foodsafetyafrica #foodsafety #foodbusiness #foodindustry #foodmanufacturing #foodprocessing #foodhygiene #foodquality #regulatory #policies #compliance #systemsmanagement #laboratory #foodsecurity #news #technology #poultry