𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 (𝐓𝐀𝐃𝐬) 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

The Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs) is a joint initiative of FAO and WOAH, with the expected participation of WHO for the zoonoses, to achieve the prevention, detection and control of TADs and in particular to address their original and global dimensions. The initiative was launched on May 2004, under the banner “FAO-WOAH GF-TADs general agreement”. The initiative combines the strengths of both international organizations to achieve agreed common objectives.

GF-TADs is a facilitating mechanism that endeavors to empower regional alliances in the fight against TADs, to provide for capacity building and to assist in establishing programmes for the specific control of certain TADs based on regional priorities. The meeting focuses on Foot and Mouth disease (FMD), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) with the objective to share experiences and information on these diseases to support and strengthen disease control and eradication strategies.

The meeting is attended by Chief Veterinary Officers of SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal), national laboratory and epidemiology experts of each country engaged in transboundary animal disease control programs, experts and representatives from SAARC Secretariat, FAO/WOAH reference laboratories for PPR, FMD, LSD and other global experts, Representatives from private sectors and vaccine producers in the region are also present in the meeting.

The meeting was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock at Hotel Olathang in Paro. The other dignitaries present during the inauguration included Dr. Hirofumi Kugita, WOAH Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific; Ms Karla Robin Hershey, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bhutan; Ken Shimizu, FAO representative for Nepal and Bhutan, and Jamal Uddin Ahmed, Director, ARD and SDF, SAARC Secretariat. The Bhutanese team of experts participating in the meeting is led by Director, the Department of Livestock.