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Enhancing the capacities of national veterinary services through the FAO Surveillance Evaluation Tool

Year of publication 2018

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 2

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Brochure, flyer, fact-sheet

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) In recent years, outbreaks of animal diseases such as Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), African swine fever (ASF) and Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) have had a devastating impact on communities’ livelihoods and food security. In addition, many animal diseases can spread to humans (known as zoonoses), sometimes with lethal outcomes, as seen with rabies, avian influenza and Rift Valley fever. To reduce the risk posed by these pathogens, it is necessary to establish a strong animal disease surveillance system that is capable of timely exchange of information with other sectors, such as public health and the environment. However, in many countries, the animal health systems are underdeveloped and underfunded, a factor that places these nations at a disadvantage when they are required to prepare for animal diseases, including zoonoses. Strengthening the capacities of national veterinary services is therefore crucial to fill this gap and ensure that: 1. The impact of economically important livestock diseases such as FMD, ASF, PPR and avian influenza is reduced 2. Countries are able to maintain disease-free status through efficient surveillance activities 3. Zoonoses are detected in animals prior to their spillover to humans

Language English

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