Initiative to reduce risks arising out of the unregulated cross-border movement of livestock and poultry

Kathmandu, March. A two-day Cross Border consultation meeting of veterinarians of the Gangetic plain countries including Bangladesh, Bhutan India and Nepal kicked off today in Kathmandu in order to take initiative to develop minimum joint strategies and mechanisms to reduce the risks arising out of the unregulated cross-border movement of livestock and poultry.

The meeting is focused on developing a shared understanding of the risks of transmission of important Trans-boundary Animal Diseases and impact due to cross border movement.

Speaking on the inaugural session of the meeting, Dr. YubakDhwaj GC, Secretary at the Ministry of Livestock Development said that the veterinarians of Nepal, time and again, have successfully controlled the outbreak of the animal and poultry diseases in time despite the constraints in resources.

Stating that the Region has common disease in human beings, animals and environment, Dr GC appreciated the efforts of the SAARC countries to control transboundary animal diseases.

Dr. SomsakPipoppinyo, Representative of Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAOR) for Nepal and Bhutan, said that FAO provides technical assistance and advocacy to support the member countries for good management of animal health and control transboundary animal diseases including emerging zoonosis.

Dr. Somsak further elaborated that the global strategies for the progressive control of key livestock diseases, including FMD, HPAI and PPR, have been launched by FAO to address the global concern for these diseases.

MrSangyeRinchen, Director of SAARC secretariat and Dr Santanu Bandyopadhyay, Coordinator of SAARC Regional Sub Unit of FAO also addressed the meeting.

The meeting, jointly organized by FAO and SAARC Secretariat, is attended by 30 veterinarians of the four countries and the officials of FAO is focused on developing a longer-term plan for the safer trade of live animal and animal product. The participants are to review and update cross border status as regard to livestock value-chains