Foot and mouth disease: a permanent threat in the Mediterranean basin Rachid Bouguedour OIE Sub regional Representative for North Africa World Organisation for Animal Health OIE GF-TADs Inter-regional consultative meeting on FMD & PPR situation progress, 2 - 4 March 2014, Amman, Jordanie

Foot and mouth disease (FMD)

FMD in North Africa The Chief Veterinary Officers (CVOs) members of the REseau MEditerranéen de Santé Animale (REMESA) established that FMD is one of the priority animal diseases for the region.   The epidemiological situation of FMD in North Africa countries is not homogeneous.

Official diseases status In September 2010 the OIE SRR in Tunis organised a technical meeting on ”Official recognition of the FMD status: interest for North Africa countries" inviting the CVO of the region.

FMD in North Africa Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia have not notified cases of FMD since 1999 In 2011, these three countries commenced working together using a regional approach to control FMD…

Official diseases status Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia were involved in a common process to be officially recognized free for FMD and a “drafting committee” was established (two people per country appointed by the OIE Delegates for the preparation of the dossier to be submitted to the OIE).

Official diseases status The decision was supported by the Standing Veterinary Committee of the AMU (Arab Maghreb Union). Meetings of drafting committee: 3 - 4 March 2011 9 - 10 June 2011 21– 23 Sept 2011

FMD official control programme endorsed by the OIE (article 8.5.48) The approval of the new Article 8.5.48 of the OIE Terrestrial Code gave to the country the opportunity to progress using a sort of "intermediate stage »

FMD in North Africa In October 2011, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia have submitted their dossiers. According to the OIE procedures the dossiers were evaluated by the FMD ad hoc group and the Scientific Commission before the presentation to the General Assembly in May 2012.

FMD in North Africa In May 2012, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia were recognised by the OIE as Member Countries with endorsed official control programme for FMD, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 8.5. of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code (Terrestrial Code)

FMD This work is fully consistent with the FAO/OIE FMD Progressive Control Pathway (PCP-FMD) and the final aim is to achieve OIE official status of countries free with or without vaccination

FMD

FMD in North Africa (2014) Algeria and Tunisia carry out annual vaccination campaigns; Morocco has not implemented a vaccination campaign since 2007. National laboratories in the Maghreb sub-region are fully associated with the work of the European network of FMD reference laboratories. They participate in the annual ring trial and attend technical meetings.

FMD in North Africa In Mauritania FMD: is considered endemic serotypes O and A have been identified since 2005 there are no specific monitoring and/or control programs against FMD no vaccination campaigns have been put into place

FMD in North Africa The Mauritanian Veterinary Service possess the skills required for monitoring animal diseases in line with the framework of the national network of animal diseases (REMEMA). The national Veterinary Laboratory (CNERV) is also capable for undertaking required the tasks. Effectiveness is strongly jeopardised by the lack of human and financial resources.

FMD in North Africa Libya reported many outbreaks of FMD in 2011, 2012 and 2013, particularly related to the introduction of new strains of serotype SAT-2. Control measures (including vaccination) were implemented. A sero-surveillance was implemented (IZS Brescia, Italy)

FMD in North Africa The disease is endemic in sub-Saharan countries. The introduction and spread of FMD to countries free or without cases is therefore important risk which needs to be addressed.

Conclusions 1/2 OIE and FAO are present and active in the North Africa sub-region providing support to countries and strengthening capacities to effectively fight against animal diseases. The endorsement by the OIE of the national official control programs of Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia is a significant recognition of the strong efforts of these countries to fight against FMD.

Conclusions 2/2 A specific meeting to bring support to Maghreb countries was organised in November 2013 at the OIE SRR in Tunis. Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia are committed to continue working together in order to achieve the official status of FMD-free countries. Libya and Mauritania have begun working for official recognition of their control plan.

Thank you Organisation mondiale de la santé animale World Organisation for Animal Health Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal