Reporting Period: May 2013-Sept 2013

Summary of EuFMD actions implemented under the EC/EuFMD agreement (Reporting period: May 2013-Sept 2013

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 1

CONTENTS

Summary ...... 3

The nine Components of the Programme ...... 4

Implementation ...... 4

Communication and Reporting ...... 4

ACTIONS SINCE APRIL 2013 ON THE NINE components of the phase II - four year programme - IN REALTION TO PROGRAMME since september 2009 ...... 6

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 2

SUMMARY

This Report is provided to the 86th Session of the Commission as a summary of the activities undertaken under the EC funding agreement since the 40th Session in April 2013; at that Session a Report on the period since the 39th Session in April 2011 was given. The EuFMD/EC agreement is for 48 months, from September 2009 to September 2013.

The EuFMD Commission, at the 38th General Session in April 2009, adopted a four year Strategic Plan of activities, involving six components, with priorities for in-country actions being to support FMD control in Southeast Europe through greater management of the FMD risk in countries bordering to Turkey, in West Eurasia. These projects are coordinated with those of other Directorates of the EC and other funding agencies, to promote progressive control in the West Eurasian countries along a long term Roadmap.

Following signature of the financing agreement, specific activities of the EuFMD were initiated following response of the EC to proposals from the Secretariat or decisions of the Executive Committee at which the EC is represented.

The EC support is provided through a Trust Fund (TF), MTF/INT/003/EEC, with a total funding of € 8 million for the four year period to September 2013. Since September 2009, the EC has agreed funding of actions in six of the Strategic Plan components, with by far the largest being for in-country programmes in the Trans-Caucasus and Iran aimed at reducing the risk of new incursions of FMD into Turkey and Eastern Europe. Funding is also provided for training of European veterinarians, for surveillance in the African proximity, for short technical studies, and for surveillance for FMD in Egypt. At the 39th Session in April 2011, the EuFMD Commission recommended three additional components. These are indicated as Components 7-9 below.

The workplans of each of the 9 Components were scheduled for completion by the end of the funding agreement, ie September 2013, and most had been completed by the 40th Session, enabling the final 6 months to be spent in planning the detailed workpslans for the Phase III Programme scheduled to begin in October 2013.

The main activities relating to completion of Phase II in this period were:

- Component 1: THRACE programme implemented in 3 countries, as per April agreement - Component 1: Iran project, mission for finalization of national risk based strategic plan for FMD control, for the final project workshop - Component 1: Monthly reporting by 3 TransCaucasus countries, Turkey and Iran - Component 4, surveillance: Monthly Global Surveillance reports produced and circulated by 20th of each month - Component 5, Technical Studies; contract holders urged to complete and report studies by 30th September, and a fund for Applied Research developed for Phase III; - Component 7: Balkan Region; planning workshop held in Belgrade.

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 3

The nine Components of the Programme

As summarized in the Update Report these are:

1. Risk reduction in South-East Europe through support to FMD control in West Eurasia; 2. Activities to reduce FMD risk in the South and East Mediterranean countries; 3. Field based FMD Training Programme; 4. FMD surveillance in the African proximity; 5. Technical studies; 6. Response to FMD Emergencies; 7. Strengthening FMD laboratories in the Balkan Region; 8. Improved Contingency Planning through use of decision support tools; 9. World Reference Laboratory (WRL) contract – FMD surveillance support activities.

Implementation

As per the Agreement with the EC, the activities are implemented directly by the EuFMD Secretariat in FAO. The full time professional technical services to support the programme are provided by the EuFMD Secretariat (One P5 Officer and one P3 Animal Health Officer) plus the short term professionals (STP) officers seconded by Member States. These services are NOT charged to the EC programme, so the latter pays “on an additional cost basis” for the work with consultants being used as needed, since the EuFMD full time staff are few.

Communication and Reporting

DETAILED reports are available for each of the six-month reporting periods, as indicated below.

All field actions are required to give Monthly Reports to EuFMD.

Those resulting in surveillance information are then reported TO MEMBER STATES in the Monthly FMD Global Report.

The field activities usually result in samples sent to FAO/OIE reference centers - and thus fulfill international reporting. Therefore, outputs of EuFMD support to surveillance should be publically available.

Progress on all Components actions is reported every six months to the Executive Committee and after this, online to the Member States.

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 4

Activities supporting Communication to MS Notes Information Outputs e-mail to MS from Secretary Used sparingly. May be joint Immediate early warning with FAO as an early messages warning. Published Reports and Significance of findings Reports of Technical Studies #5, Technical Studies EuFMD and other Open needs extra effort to Sessions. communicate to policy makers. Components 1, 2 and 4: Monthly reports e-mailed FAO/OIE FMD Ref Centers Monthly FMD Global National Focal Points and and placed online are always asked to review Surveillance Report Regional Animators and contribute (by mid- (EuFMD) supported under required to Month). give monthly reports to EuFMD. All 9 components Narrative Report every six Narrative Reports and Progress Reports and months to ExCom/EC.1 financial reports formally situation reviews sent to EC when funds Outputs: E-mail and online requested, as per contract. Principally #9, WRL Pirbight Online (Pirbight + EuFMD) Annual Surveillance Report: ANNUAL reporting Components 1, 2 and 4 and WRL 9 generate FMDV intelligence data and FMDV typing:

1 Narrative Reports on the EC funded programme are provided also when any call for installments of funds is made. The six month update reports to the Executive Committee were established after September 2011. Reports are available for periods 9/2009-9/2011; then each 6 months (a total of 5 Reports to 4/2013).

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 5

ACTIONS SINCE APRIL 2013 ON THE NINE COMPONENTS OF THE PHASE II - FOUR YEAR PROGRAMME - IN RELATION TO PROGRAMME SINCE SEPTEMBER 2009

REPORTS in period are given in the Annex (with links provided to full reports to reduce printing)

Component Subcomponent Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 ACTIVITIES– STATUS Actions REPORTS in Comment 09/2009- 09/2010- October 2011 to October 2012 April 2013 May-Sept period 08/2010 09/2011 Sept 2012 to February 2013 2013 1. Risk reduction in South-East West Eurasia 1st Roadmap 2nd Roadmap 3rd Review 4th Review Roadmap Roadmap report Actions Europe through Roadmap – Regional Review Platform published. stopped/on hold support to FMD Secretariat Progress (2/2012) (4/13) established. after 40th Session. control in West Review (11/2010) Received National Eurasia Collaboration with: Integration with Control Plans FAO, OIE (10/09) GfTADS reviewed workplans agreed.

West Eurasia – Risk Monthly and 6 Monthly and 6 Monthly Monthly Functioning, in Monthly Reports Pakistan (FAO assessment monthly monthly Surveillance Surveillance use with four received and project) may join Report (Output) Report countries. placed on datasharing Collaboration with: (Output) database, 4 agreement – FAO EMPRES-i countries. lead on this

West Eurasia- PeP-C Course 1 Epi-Network None Follow-up in training in : 6 countries established, 6 Phase III progressive control countries trained.

WELNET –lab Supported +++ Supported ++ Annual Meeting Consultation Needs support. Follow-up in network only Phase III

Thrace – improved Yes (outbreaks Yes (Design) Yes (on Operational from Operational in 3 Progress Report Follow-up in surveillance for early in BG) programme) April 2013. countries. Online (Annex 1) Phase III, detection of FMD Database entry Component 1.3 forms in Access. MISSION report - Belgrade Review meeting consultation (GR/BG) Sept

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 6

Trans-Caucasus TCC Multi- TCC Multi- TCC Multi- END: 2/2013 Completed. PCP GEORGIA only – WORKSHOP GEORGIA: project Country Country Country Stage 2 strategies workshop on Report Programme Programme Programme need formal developing the Follow-up in acceptance. national control (Annex 2) Phase III, plan. Component 2.1

Iran project Phase II Project Phase III Phase III Project Phase III To be completed Bartels mission Mission Report Program will stop (END) Project Project Sept 2013. PCP August 2013; 11/201 with final Stage 2 strategy Workshop (Annex 3) workshop -the needs formal planned launch of the new acceptance. September 2013, Monthly FMD long term postponed to Nov report. national control 2013 plan (Annex 4) 2. Activities to reduce FMD risk Egypt Project (150 k Project end Feb None except Activities Report on post- PVM study Phase III in the South USD) 2012. Training (PeP- completed. vaccination report. PLANNING and East C) monitoring of the mission did not Mediterranean Emergency Further PCP 2012 campaigns (Annex 5) occur – security countries programme (to progress at risk. completed reasons. 09/2012)

Co-ordination in FMD TAIEX Meetings FAO Regional At risk. Needs TWO Phase III Ryan/van Component 2.2 response and Strategy programme Planning missions Maanen MISSION Workplan progressive control Meetings agreed and to Israel/Palestine report. developed, programme supported. occurred. consulted. development Annex 6 3. Field based FMD Training Real-Time Training Yes (in Turkey) Yes (Turkey Yes (Kenya) Yes (Kenya) Cycle of training E-learning SURVEY Report Component 1.1 Programme programme (NTC) +Kenya) completed (EC modules Workplan program). developed, under (provided developed, evaluation separately) consulted.

SURVEY of MS

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 7

PLANNING for new Training Programme 4. FMD surveillance Yes ExCoM decision Yes (EARLN- Support Co- Established Skeleton level. Circulated FAO (Italian in the African (shipments) to support Lab FMD, RESOLAB- ordination only networks and MONTHLY funds) supported proximity Networking. FMD ) information Facilitated reports EARLN-FMD sharing. EARLN-FMD workshop, not meeting in (provided follow-up.. At risk. Ugnada. separately) RESOLAB-FMD at Monthly Reports risk.. from Network co- ordinators received and reported. 5. Technical studies Projects funded YES YES YES YES Several ongoing FGI-ARRIAH Reported to STC, Phase III : through Concept for completion by contract to Oct 16th Research Fund Note Review Process September. undertake wild established, call boar infection for proposals in experiment ( non- August 2013. invasive FMD sampling project)

Danish/Pirbright poject on PCR delayed - to be completed Dec 2013. 6. Response to YES - Bulgaria YES- SAT2 FMD multicountry Response Emergencies response activities completed.

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 8

Component Subcomponent Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 ACTIVITIES– STATUS Actions REPORTS in Comment 09/2009- 09/2010- October 2011 to October 2012 April 2013 May-Sept period 08/2010 09/2011 Sept 2012 to February 2013 2013 7. Strengthening FMD Tender Gap analysis Reported. PLANNING: WORKSHOP Planned as laboratories Decision on workshop held REPORT Component 1.4 in in the Balkan follow-up September 2013, Phase III Region needed. Belgrade. (Annex 7) 8. Improved Contingency Consultation, Europe-wide Training Reported. PLANNING: E- Courses offered Planning survey – Workshop Workshop (8 learning course in Phase III under through use identify need (Denmark) countries, At risk some content identified the Training of decision and scope Workshop in Vienna) countries will not Programme support tools Turkey (endemic use. Future regions) support on demand (Menu of training options). 9. WRL contract +PTS YES- Annual YES- Annual YES- Annual (EU YES- Annual Extension to Contract ongoing Sample results PLANNING: Phase (EUFMD TF) (EUFMD TF) TF) (EU TF) cover 2013 reports; Pirbright III WRL contract . agreed. – 3 month reports

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 9

LIST OF ANNEXED REPORTS

Annex 1: Progress of the THRACE surveillance program Annex 2: GEORGIA: Report of the Workshop on the development of the national risk based strategic plan (RBSP) for FMD, held in Tbilisi Annex 3: IRAN: Mission Report, Chris Bartels Annex 4: IRAN, Monthly FMD Report Annex 5: EGYPT: report on a collaborative exercise in post-vaccination monitoring (PVM) Annex 6: Israel/Palestine: Report of a mission for training and development of the workplan Annex 7: Balkans: Belgrade workshop report, September 2013.

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 10

Annex 1

Progress of the THRACE surveillance program

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 11

Annex 1 Progress of the THRACE surveillance program

THRACE database project, 11th October 2013

The Transboundry High Risk Area Coordinated Epidemio – Surveillance or THRACE project intents to maintain a confidence in FMD freedom in the common border regions of Thrace, combining a risk based continuous surveillance approach between Turkey, Bulgaria and Greece. The EuFMD acts as an umbrella body in this project, coordinating the activities amongst these three countries, whereby exchange of information is vital. The overall or main goal of disease managers is to have a system of data recording, which can be retrievable and accessed at any time. In an optimal case, the information should be passed on with no delays. Initially, we decided on recording the data through Microsoft Excel; however, entering data in big spreadsheets can be a cumbersome task. Furthermore, the data is stored on separate computers and then combined to form a report of activities for a country. Hereby, the information is send through emails to the EuFMD each month, which can often bring delays in reporting.

All this led to a development of a web database by the EuFMD. The database is running on Microsoft SharePoint servers, whereby it is using Microsoft Access as its platform. The information is herewith stored in one place and can be used by different users. Compared to an Excel sheet, the information is stored on a separate server, not on a PC and therefore cannot be lost or unintentionally deleted. A separate database has been prepared for Greece and Bulgaria, which can be used by colleagues from these countries. Furthermore, the systems have been tailored to the different needs, thus adding extra attributes according to the preferences of users. For instance, the Bulgarian database has been translated into Bulgarian and an extra recording sheet has been added for the wild boar surveillance. Following a cascade entry system supported by data forms, the user can enter records even faster. Notably, the main idea is to provide users with access to a web database, which can be used at any moment and anywhere where there is internet access.

Figure 1 shows the intended information flow between EuFMD and the THRACE countries. After obtaining the surveillance data, the information is entered into the Angus Cameron model to calculate the probability of Freedom from Disease. In future, the information will be combined with EMPRESi, which is used by FAO as the main reporting system.

Figure 1: Diagram of the information flow

EMPRESi - FAO recording systems Access - SharePoint - Initial data - Excel Web database (Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey) Angus Cameron model for calculating Disease Freedom

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 12

Support provided and data obtained so far

Currently, two national consultants (one lab, one field) have been hired in Greece and lab supplies have been delivered. So far we received the data for July and August on FMD activities. For the work in Bulgaria we have hired five national consultants (NC), which are part time and all covering field work. Lab supplies have also been delivered. So far we have received reports on activates from all the 5 NCs for the period from July to September 2013; however, no data has been received so far. No NCs were hired in Turkey. The lab supplies have been delivered to Turkey and a workshop for Turkish THRACE vets was held in May in Istanbul. So far we have received data of activities for July, however no data yet for August and September.

Table 1: Delivered kits to THRACE countries

THRACE PrioCHECK FMDV- PrioCHECK ELISA kits for FMDV LPB ELISA kits for FMDV PRIONICS & NS (5) (solid) FMDV-NS (5) Antigen Detection Antibody (types BDLS Antibody (strip) Antibody (serotypes O/A/Asia1/SAT2) c/o Detection Elisa c/o Detection O/A/Asia1 and SVDV BDSL PRIONICS c/o BDSL Turkey 8 2 Greece 9 3 Bulgaria 8 2 1 1 TOTAL For 25 7 1 1 PRIONICS/BDSL

THRACE FMDV Antigen Detection/ NSP Antibody SP (Structural SP (Structural SP (Structural IZSLER serotyping Elisa KITS Detection Protein) Protein) Protein) forTypeO,A,Asia/SAT1/SAT2 Elisa 45 Antibody Antibody Antibody sera/5plate / Elisa Type O Elisa Type A Elisa Type Asia 1 Greece 2 1 1 1

THRACE QIAGEN / BIODYNAMICS QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit (250) QIAGEN OneStep Bulgaria 1 2

Table 2: Data obtained so far for Greece

Month Serology Clinical examination EU* Samples EU* Bovine July 140 709 16 340 August 54 402 27 411 September** 31 168 42 344 Total 225 1279 85 1095 *EU – epidemiological unit; ** - data obtained till 20th Sep

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 13

Table 3: Data obtained so far for Turkey

Month Serology Clinical EU* Samples EU* Bovine July 110 1226 310 18698 *EU – epidemiological unit

Figure 2: Example of the probability of freedom calculated for Greece (July, 2013)

Table 4: Report of activities from NC for Bulgaria

National consultant; region Month Herds Total Samples sent to NRL animals (sheep and goats) Georgi Georgiev; July 18 893 40 Sredets municipality of Burgas region August 18 886 40 September 18 897 40 Jordan Panaiotov; Tsarevo municipality of July 73 955 60 Burgas region August 73 959 82 September 73 954 60 Nikola Spirov; Haskovo region July 246 2162 116 August 246 2186 120 September 246 2308 120 Marin Bozhinov; Malko Tarnovo municipality July 48 1156 60 of Burgas region August 46 995 60 September 46 978 60 Stoyan Moldovanov; Elhovo and Bolyarovo July 234 2477 100 municipalities of Yambol region August 234 2477 100 September 234 2477 100 TOTAL samples 1158

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 14

Figure 3: Print screen of main interface of the Bulgarian web database

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 15

Figure 4: Print screen of main interface of the Greek web database

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 16

Annex 2

Georgia: Report of the Workshop on the development of the national risk based strategic plan (RBSP)

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 17

Annex 2

Georgia: Report of the Workshop on the development of the national risk based strategic plan (RBSP) for FMD, held in Tbilisi, 13-15 August 2013 (M.Mclaws; E.Ryan)

The 2.5 day mission was planned to introduce a template that may be used to develop a risk-based strategic plan for FMD control.

The workshop was held at the National Food Agency in Tbilisi. Participants included: Mr. Joseph Menteshashvili (Deputy CVO) Mr. Lasha Avaliani (head of Especially Dangerous Pathogens division) Mrs. Ketevan Tsiklauri (Deputy Head of Epidemiology Unit, vet), Mrs. Ketevan Goginashvili (from laboratory) Mr. Otar Parkadze (chief specialist of Epidemiology unit - participant in PEP-c training wk4), Mr. Zurab Zurashvili (Head of European Harmonization Unit), Zurab Rukhadze (EuFMD Focal Point), Mzia Kuznetsova, (translator) Ms. Darejan (Good Management Dairy Farm). Mr. Mikheil Sokhadze (CVO - Deputy head NFA), joined the meeting to provide support and feedback to the results.

In the morning, the reporting officers gave a presentation that introduced the template. The participants began to work on it by first identifying key risks that are responsible for ongoing clinical disease and virus circulation in the country. The risks identified are listed below.

FMD-related risks identified in Georgia

• Border: – Turkey: no legal movements, wildboar movements from Turkey, little illegal trade, common grazing – Armenia: legal import SR, common grazing – Azerbaijan: common grazing – Uncontrolled territories: S. Ossetia: common pasture, unvacc animals, Abkhazia: illegal trade (mitigate by donate 15,000 vacc) – Russia: Wild boar, transit to Armenia – Transit to/from seaports • Internal migration of livestock (mostly SR): migration roads (350 km), rest points (15-20) • Live animal markets (8 large markets (already with some controls), around 20 small ones (uncontrolled) • Lack of reporting of suspect cases – Lack incentive to report, low public awareness, lack VS, communication (high pastures) • Lack training and capacity of vets

Through discussion, the participants then outlined the measures currently applied to control FMD:

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 18

Current measures employed against FMD in Georgia:

• Vaccination: this is the most important FMD-specific measure. In 2013 and 2014, blanket vaccination of all large ruminants twice annually is planned. The current policy is to also vaccinate small ruminants twice annually but this is being reviewed and may be decreased to only once per year (as in the practice in other countries in the region). o Weaknesses in FMD control through vaccination include: high cost, resource intensive, some animals not included in campaigns (those too young, migrating), lack census data (so cannot calculate coverage accurately), lack booster vaccine for primovaccinates, lack of knowledge regarding circulating strains and consequently if vaccine covers field strains in Georgia • Border check points: controlled by Finance ministry, some vets are employed • Control of migrating animals: there is a date set for the migration, and before the start temporary checkpoints are set up for 6 weeks. There is a plan to upgrade migration roads and checkpoints • Awareness campaigns – vets, farmers, booklets for small farmers, TV clips about FMD clinical signs & vaccination • Preparation of FMD Contingency Plans by Zurab/Tsviatko • Harmonization of legislation (normative act) with EU norms

Georgia has recently developed a National Animal Health Program (2013-2018), in which a vision and long-term objectives are defined. These are:

Vision: According to the Government’s policy to achieve a continuous and lasting improvement in the health and welfare of animals which meets the needs of stakeholders, enables safe production of food, improves health of the public, sustains the rural economy and enables trade’.

Long term objectives of the NAHP are to:

· Support production of food from healthy animals; · Enable increased trade; · Limit the levels of infections, diseases and related risks; and to · Channel donor and government investments into sustainable projects consistent with the NAHP

The workshop participants drafted a long term goal (5-15 years) and a medium term strategic objective (SO) for FMD control in Georgia, coherent with the National Animal Health Program.

Goal and Strategic Objective (drafted by participants at workshop on developing a Risk Based Strategic Plan for FMD control)

Goal (draft): Achieve a continuous and lasting improvement in the productivity, health and welfare of animals which meets the needs of stakeholders, sustains the rural economy and enables trade’.

Component objectives are more specific objectives related to mitigating the risks and improving FMD management. Participants identified some CO’s CO’s based on the identified risks, and added to them as the discussions progressed. These will most likely be further revised as the plan continues to be refined.

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 19

Component Objectives (identified by participants at workshop on developing a Risk Based Strategic Plan for FMD control)

1. Establish risk-based strategic plan 2. Improve control on migration roads** 3. Reduce risk from grazing at borders 4. Reduce risk of FMDV introduction into live animal markets 5. Ensure early detection and response** 6. Improve monitoring system 7. Improve advocacy to support FMD control **

To demonstrate the distinction between component objectives, tactics and activities, the participants were divided into 2 groups, and each group elaborated the tactics and activities for one CO.

Example 1: Tactics and activities to improve FMD control on migration roads

1. Improve legislation 1.1. Review current legislation and identify key gaps 1.2. Stakeholder consultation 2. Vaccination of all migrating animals before migration 2.1. Estimate number of animals to vaccinate per village– veterinarians 2.2. Plan distribution of vaccine 2.3. Procure vaccine and equipment 2.4. Contract vaccinators 2.5. Communicate with owners regarding planned migration time and advertise 2.6. Develop SOP 2.7. Conduct vaccination 3. Training for veterinarians to recognize clinical signs 4. Clinical investigation before and during migration 2 days prior to move (issue vet certificate of health, and record how many animals ) 5. Advise on improving infrastructure on road 6. Communication about rules and regulations to owners 6.1. KAP survey – identify gaps in knowledge 6.2. Workshop to determine key messages 6.3. Design brochures for distribution 6.4. Produce brochures 6.5. Disseminate brochures at local markets 6.6. Hold post-campaign KAP survey 7. Communication about current situation on the road

Example 2: Tactics and activities to improve reporting of suspect FMD cases

1. Hold trainings for veterinarians on disease recognition and reporting system 1.1. Find financial resources 1.2. Define group to be trained (private vets, state vets, farmers) 1.3. Select trainer for training of trainers 1.4. Develop training materials 1.5. Hold the training 2. Increase awareness (TV, media, leaflets) 2.1. ...

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 20

3. Enhance reporting by private vet 3.1. Include FMD reporting in private vet contract with state 3.2. Develop reporting forms for private vets to use 4. Develop standard procedure for lab confirmation 4.1. Develop SOPs for sampling 4.2. Develop SOP for sample transport to laboratory

As a single group, we applied the first example to develop a log-frame that might be used for monitoring and evaluation. There was considerable discussion to define useful, SMART indicators. During this discussion, the importance of case reporting and, in its absence, NSP serosurveys to monitor the impact of control measures, was illustrated.

There have been no reports of suspect cases of FMD in Georgia in recent years, despite NSP evidence of FMDV circulation. Listed from most important to least important, participants attributed the lack of reporting to: 1) farmer’s lack incentive to report due to policy of slaughter without compensation; 2) farmers and vets are not well trained to recognize the clinical signs of FMD and 3) some communities are very isolated and lack a good communication system for reporting. However, despite the fact that the lack of incentive was considered the most important obstacle to reporting, none of the tactics identified in Example 2 addressed this. When questioned on this, participants reported that it is a sensitive issue and must be addressed at a high level.

Other issues discussed

1. Training options offered to EuFMD member countries: we explained the options and process, and they will complete and return the form. 2. Current outbreak of FMD serotype A in Russia, and that it is related to viruses circulating in Turkey. Given that Georgia is located between Russia and Turkey, it is most likely also circulating in Georgia. Vaccines currently used may not provide good protection against this strain. 3. Non-invasive techniques for sampling wild-boar: we discussed that wild boar may be important in cross-border transmission of FMDV, and that we could provide technical assistance in non-invasive sampling using corn cobs. We learned that DTRA is planning a large project involving sampling wild-boar related to ASF (see point 3 below).

Next steps

As a group, we discussed how work on the RBSP would proceed, and how EuFMD might best support Georgia to improve FMD control. This input is necessary to help EuFMD develop its 2 year workplan in Aug-Sept. To facilitate the discussion, a number of suggestions were provided and the participants ranked these in order of interest:

1. Control strategy development: – a working group will be formed within the NFA, Zurab Rukhadze will be the focal point for contact and will provide updates every 2-4 weeks. – It was agreed that a follow-up meeting may be held in February and a draft strategy would be available by then. 2. Vaccination strategy – Plan is to move to obligatory vaccination and eventual cost-sharing in next 2 years or so – Need: to monitor blanket vaccination (to demonstrate coverage attained, impact on virus circulation), explore how it can be sustainable after and plan how it will be undertaken – There is interest in technical support from EuFMD on this, perhaps as a workshop which may involve other countries. 3. Monitoring system

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 21

– Would like technical input to design of serosurvey in November 2013 – FMD in wild boar??? – DTRA doing ASF survey in domestic and wild pigs project proposal, may start early 2014 run for 3 years 4. Workshops on Socio-economic impact of FMD: – Of FMD: direct and indirect losses – Of control options (cost-benefit analysis) 5. Real-time training – outbreak investigation – Many (all?) workshop participants have never seen or investigated clinical cases of FMD. EuFMD may hold a real-time training course in Turkey for countries in the region. We discussed the possibility of including veterinarians from neighbouring territories and the region. 6. Value chain analysis

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 22

Annex 3

Risk-based Strategy Plan for FMD control in Iran,

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 23

Annex 3

Risk-based Strategy Plan for FMD control in Iran, 16-23 August 2013, Chris Bartels Executive summary

This mission was dominated by working on a risk-based strategy plan for FMD control in Iran. The template, guiding document and presentation recently developed by EuFMD was used to train IVO staff about application of the three core themes of such strategy:

- defining goal, objectives, tactics and activities, - targeting at high(est) risk areas/situations of FMD transmission and impact of FMD disease - establishing indicators and targets in order to monitor and evaluate implementation of the control strategy over time.

The overall goal is to improve livestock production and productivity and the strategic objective is to reduce the impact of clinical FMD by 50% in 2017. Nine component objectives have been defined:

Component Description Objective

to reduce risk of FMD virus transmission caused by animals being traded through livestock 1 markets

to improve the immunity against FMD and general health of calves destined for fattening, at 2 place of origin as well as destination

3 to reduce risk of incursion of new strains and serotypes through importation of livestock

to reduce the risk of transmission of FMD virus by ‘veterinary’ professionals (vaccinators, 4 inseminators, practitioners, outbreak investigators) through application of sufficient and effective biosecurity measures – for them to lead by example

to reduce risk of FMD transmission from high-risk areas such as animal complexes and beef- 5a fattening farms

5b to reduce impact of clinical FMD in commercial dairy sector

to ensure the use of FMD vaccine that complies with quality standards on potency and safety 6 and matching with field strains

To establish an accurate and effective system of monitoring and evaluation of the FMD control 7 strategy

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 24

To establish sustained private-public partnerships (between IVO and private stakeholders of 8 the following sectors ....), through which the RBSP on FMD control is effectively supported and implemented

to sustain risk-based control of FMD through advocacy with government and international 9 agencies

To safeguard this work in progress, Dr Naser Rasouli has the overall responsibility to coordinate further work on the RBSP with the aim to complete this strategic plan before the final seminar, end of September 2013. For each of the component objectives a ‘team leader’ is appointed. They will coordinate completion of tactics, activities, indicators and targets within their group. The EuFMD consultants will provide feedback and input on drafts submitted during September.

Matching of OIE-PVS critical competencies and PCP-FMD Stages 1 and 2, chapter 2.2

As part of the global strategy of FMD control, a matrix was developed to ensure that progressive control of FMD goes hand in hand with improvements of the veterinary organisation. Based on the results of a OIE-PVS evaluation in October 2010, it was assessed that Iran is doing very well with regard to its enabling environment. For only 3 critical competencies, out of 17 required in PCP-FMD Stage 2, IVO doesn’t fulfil requirements.

Golmakan experiment, chapter 2.3

Dr Nazem, Mashad Veterinary Laboratory, shared results of SP-serotype O for D90 and NSP testing for D0, D21 and D42. No NSP titers have developed indicating that the Razi vaccine does not induce NSP-Ab titers. SP-titers were low. Based on results of D90 alone, it is too premature to draw conclusions. It was agreed, after consultation with Dr Kees van Maanen and Dr Emiliana Brocchi (Brescia Institute) that samples from D21, D42, D90 and D120 will be tested for serotypes A and Asia1. Dr Nazem indicated to have these test results available by 1 September 2013.

Animal markets, chapter 2.4

It is recommended to use this draft to further discuss the potential of continued monitoring of data on livestock numbers and livestock movements through animal markets. There is little purpose in spending a lot of time discussing the ‘truth’ behind the number presented in this report. More valuable is to learn from this study, on how to improve both data quality (accurateness and completeness) and its value to FMD control.”

Final seminar, September 2013, chapter 2.5

As a means to finish the 3-year EuFMD project on FMD, a 2-day seminar in September 2013 was discussed. The first day focuses on activities and achievements of the project and the improved understanding of FMD transmission in Iran. It is meant for IVO staff, practitioners and private stakeholders. The second day aims at advocating continued FMD control and intends to consult public and private stakeholders about the newly developed risk-based strategy plan for FMD control. It is meant for staff from the Ministry of Agriculture and Jihad, for IVO staff, FAO staff and agricultural attachés from embassies.

Additional sero-survey, chapter 2.6

Two proposals are written for a sero-survey on NSP-Ab for FMD. One is a nationwide survey in small ruminants to establish the level of infection in sheep and goats across Iran. The second proposal is a provincial sero-survey, similar to the one conducted in West Azarbaijan, for both large and small ruminants. The provinces Kerman (large sheep population) and Qazvin (many commercial herds) have been nominated. A choice has to be made soon as to prepare for this sero- survey before the end of the project.

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 25

Meeting with Dr Dashtoor (CVO) and Dr Rezaei (Dir of DPt of Combating Disease), chapter 2.7

During this meeting, the proposal for the seminar was accepted and modified. Additionally, the purpose of a RBSP for FMD control has been explained, specifically with regard to support future requests for technical assistance.

Data on impact of clinical FMD in an animal complex, chapter 2.9

Dr Barani has collected data on clinical FMD in 127 dairy herds during an outbreak of Asia1 in 2011. These data need further analysis on the impact of FMD: morbidity, mortality, production loss and expenses for treatment. This dataset will be made available as soon as possible.

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 26

Annex 4

Iran, monthly report – August 2013

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 27

Annex 4 Iran, monthly report – August 2013

Monthly report: Aug. 2013 Iranian calendar: Mordad 1392

1.1 Number of outbreaks

Month Number of outbreaks (2011) Number of outbreaks Number of outbreaks this previous year (2012) year (2013) Total Total December 203 146 November 164 81 October 101 95 September 52 104 52 August 84 94 57 July 123 127 104 June 169 118 168 May 176 68 148 April 108 74 76 March 100 96 55 February 231 119 67 January 448 176 74 Total 1959 1298 801

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 28

Outbreak by provinces

Large Small total Total No .of Outbreak per 1000 Provinces ruminants ruminants Epi. unit Qom 10 0 10 347 28.82 Ardebil 4 1 5 2131 2.35 Markazy 4 0 4 1870 2.14 West Azar 7 0 7 3543 1.98 Zanjan 1 1 2 1209 1.65 Yazd 3 1 4 2658 1.50 Bushehr 1 0 1 767 1.30 Tehran 3 0 3 2447 1.23 Kordestan 1 1 2 2024 0.99 Fars 6 0 6 6708 0.89 North Khorasan 0 1 1 1304 0.77 Qazvin 0 1 1 1538 0.65 Hamedan 0 1 1 1707 0.59 Khorasan Razavi 1 1 2 5989 0.33 East Azar 1 0 1 3913 0.26 Esfahan 1 0 1 6365 0.16 Sistan Va Blu. 0 1 1 6382 0.16 Lorestan 0 0 0 3172 0.00 Semnan 0 0 0 1219 0.00 Gillan 0 0 0 3042 0.00 Kermanshah 0 0 0 3063 0.00 Khozestan 0 0 0 4163 0.00 Mazandaran 0 0 0 4206 0.00 Golestan 0 0 0 1880 0.00 Illam 0 0 0 841 0.00 Jiroft 0 0 0 1363 0.00 Kerman 0 0 0 3812 0.00 South Khorasan 0 0 0 3286 0.00 Chaharmahal 0 0 0 1045 0.00 Hormozgan 0 0 0 1668 0.00 Kohkilouyeh 0 0 0 1682 0.00 Total 43 9 52 85344 0.6093

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 29

2. Laboratory diagnosis

FMD Sample results

Positive

Total Asia1 Negative Unsuitable positive A O Month No. No. No. No. No. No. No. samples Sep. 2013(CVL, WA, Khorasan 38 12 1 25 17 8 0 &Fars) Aug. 2013(CVL, WA, Khorasan 31 16 1 14 12 2 0 &Fars) July 2013 (CVL, WA, Khorasan, 57 11 5 41 40 1 0 Kerman &Fars) June 2013 (CVL, WA, Khorasan, 70 29 5 36 28 8 0 Kerman &Fars) May 2013 (CVL, WA, Khorasan, 83 26 5 52 44 7 1 Kerman &Fars) April 2013 (CVL & WA, Khorasan) 52 18 4 30 29 1 0 March 2013(CVL,W.A, K.R) 104 48 4 52 48 4 0 Feb. 2013 71 15 0 56 45 8 3 Jan. 2013(CVL+ WA)* 64 21 1 42 32 10 0 Dec (CVL+WA+ Fars) 48 8 3 37 28 9 0 Nov. (CVL+WA) 33 7 3 23 22 1 0 Oct. 2012 (CVL) 57 11 7 39 31 3 5 Sep. 2012 (CVL+ WA) 16+6 0 6 16 9+6 1 0 Aug. 2012(CVL + W.A) 23+13* 7+10 6 10+3 9+3 1+0 0 July 2012 (CVL + W.A) 50 + 27* 14+8 4 +1 36 +18 16 +15 4 +2 12+1 Jun-12 18 8 6 4 1 1 2 May-12 38 12 2 24 6 7 11 Apr. 2012 West Azerbaijan sNl 16* 6 0 10 0 3 7

Mar-12 52 18 9 25 1 6 18 Feb. 2012 47 17 2 28 7 5 16 Jan. 2012 82 29 12 41 6 15 20 Dec. 2011 115 15 15 85 22 15 48 Nov. 2011 65 14 8 43 18 13 12 Oct. 2011 35 9 5 21 7 2 12 Sep. 2011 46 13 7 26 14 1 11

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 30

FMD Sample result by provinces Sep. 2013 (CVL, WA, Khorasan & Fars)

Province Total Neg. Unsuitable Positive Asia1 A O Hormozgn 2 0 0 2 0 2 0 Tehran 2 0 0 2 0 2 0 Ardebil 6 1 0 5 0 2 3 Qom 6 2 0 4 0 0 4 Hamedan 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 Chaharmahal 3 0 0 3 0 3 0 Markazy 5 3 0 2 0 2 0 Sistan-Va_Blouchestan 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 West Azar 6 3 0 3 0 3 0 Fars 5 2 0 3 0 3 0 Khorasan Razavi 1 0 0 1 0 0 1

Total 38 12 1 25 0 17 8

Vaccination: 217899 cattle vaccinated in 1490 Epi units during Sep. and 513231 sheep & Goat vaccinated during this month.

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 31

Annex 5

EGYPT: report on a collaborative exercise in post-vaccination monitoring (PVM)

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 32

Annex 5

EGYPT: Report conclusions and recommendation on a collaborative exercise in post-vaccination monitoring (PVM)

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 33

Annex 6

Foot and Mouth Disease Support mission to Palestine and Israel

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 34

Annex 6

Foot and Mouth Disease Support mission to Palestine and Israel, 6-12 July 2013, K.V.Maanem, E.Ryan

Executive Summary

At the 40th General Session of the EuFMD (April 2013, Rome) the member states approved a new strategic plan. Component 2.2 of this plan involves supporting better management of FMD in the neighbourhood of Israel and Cyprus. The purpose of this mission was to identify gaps and areas for support which could assist with the development of a project proposal on improved FMD management capacity for West Bank and Gaza Strip (WBGS), in coordination with Israel as the relevant EuFMD member state and using the PCP framework, building on the recommendations from the joint EuFMD/EMPRES support mission in April 2013 in response to an FMD outbreak in the Gaza Strip.

The scope of the proposed support project was discussed with FAO WBGS staff in Ramallah, including the areas for synergies with the EC-funded sustainable livestock initiative project. This project involves components on disease control, risk reduction strategies and animal identification and registration. The FAO procurement of Merial vaccine for WBGS was discussed with local FAO colleagues, as EuFMD has provided some technical input and advice on this. The need for a risk- based vaccination strategy was highlighted as a gap which should be addressed within the context of an overall PCP-based risk-based strategic plan.

The reporting officers (ROs) and FAO WBGS staff held a meeting with the Palestinian CVO Dr Imad Mukarker and his staff at the Al Aroub veterinary laboratory complex in Hebron. The objectives of the mission and the scope of the proposed project were discussed. The CVO and his colleagues were very much in favour of such a project, but expressed their concerns about practical issues which could obstruct implementation, particularly in relation to the locally applied security measures. Subsequently several items were discussed (how to do surveillance, constraints to reporting, active/passive surveillance, incentives, public/private roles, real versus apparent temporal trends). Due to the unavailability of vaccines there are limited incentives for reporting outbreaks. A serious discussion is needed regarding the creation of incentives to report outbreaks. This will require communication, biosecurity advice, and also the involvement of private vets and paravets.

The ROs delivered training to a group of 20 Palestinian vets and para-vets on FMD outbreak investigation, diagnostic sampling and laboratory diagnosis, plus a visit to a farm to demonstrate and practice biosecurity protocols, clinical examinations and the use of a probang cup. During this training, the issues of how best to use limited resources (vaccination, surveillance activities), the role of stakeholders, and how to detect virus circulation were discussed and the concepts behind a risk based strategic plan explained, with a very enthusiastic response. The putative role of wild boar passing across the Jordan river from Jordan to the West Bank causing sporadic outbreaks was discussed. Due to security issues, it is not possible to shoot the boar for traditional surveillance, so the non-invasive surveillance techniques developed by the EuFMD were of interest to address this.

The ROs and colleagues from FAO and Palestinian Veterinary Services attended a meeting in the Kimron Veterinary Institute (KVI), Israel, on the occasion of the closing of the Italian/Israeli veterinary twinning project. A round-table discussion between the Israeli and Palestinian veterinary services and FAO WBGS was organised at which the scope of the support project was discussed. There was consensus about the following discussion points:

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 35

(a) a steering committee on a technical level (virologists and epidemiologists of both parties, FAO Jerusalem and Ramallah, EUFMD representative) should be established to oversee project activities and pro-actively identify and attempt to resolve any issues of concern;

(b) technical cooperation (training, confirmatory testing, training in KVI for Palestinians, ring-trials, maybe even combined simulation exercises) was agreed between the two sides, in the context of the proposed project;

(d) Israel has not recently performed active surveillance for NSP antibodies, and suggested to develop such a plan in conjunction with the WBGS plans to identify hot spots and in the end develop a more risk based vaccination strategy; e) more transparency is needed in the choice of FMD vaccines. This could be a subject for the steering committee (composition of vaccines, vaccine matching results etc.); f) organizing regional meetings on a technical level with virologists and epidemiologists linked to veterinary services representing Jordan, Lebanon, WB/GS, Israel, and maybe Egypt could be useful. The venue for such a meeting could be Cyprus and such a meeting may be facilitated by FAO/EUFMD.

The main Veterinary laboratories for the West Bank are currently situated in Al Aroub, Hebron. Recently a new Food Safety Laboratory has been built, which will be operational in 3-6 months. The Central Animal Health laboratory will be upgraded taking into account the recommendations of a recent assessment report. Currently the laboratory is at BSL-I level. ELISAs for antibody detection are carried out regularly, and reliable testing for NSP and SP antibodies against FMD should be possible. Although technical expertise to perform conventional and real-time PCR is present, the facilities should be reconstructed to reduce contamination risks. Biocontainment issues in the laboratory require attention, as samples for virological diagnosis of FMD cannot currently be analysed in a bio-safe way. The Sanitary and Phyto Sanitary (SPS) program and the current environment in which a FMD support project would have to be embedded was explained by FAO colleagues. Several donors (USAID, AECID, EC) have been and are supporting programs in WBGS. A FAO program has recently started (Capacity building programme in support of the Palestinian National Authority – SPS measures”, June 2013 – June 2016) which should provide the framework for all other related animal health projects. The first outline of a project proposal for supporting improved control of FMD in Palestine will be created, to be completed with input from FAO WBGS. FAO WBGS will be the responsible office for the project, with technical and financial support from EuFMD. Project activities should also be supported by and coordinated with Israel as a neighbouring country and EUFMD member.

Main Recommendations

1. The outline of the technical support element of the project proposal should be drafted by EuFMD consultants involved by mid-September; subsequently the project proposal should be drafted in cooperation with FAO WBGS by the beginning of October. 2. The Capacity building programme in support of the Palestinian National Authority – SPS measures (June 2013 – June 2016) should be the framework for all other projects and activities. The FMD support project should be carried out in this context and demonstrate synergy with other activities. 3. Technical clearance on FMD vaccines being purchased by FAO WBGS is needed; this will be provided by EuFMD in response to FAO WBGS requests. 4. Israeli-Palestinian collaboration is essential for progressive control of FMD in Israel, West Bank and Gaza Strip. Regional collaboration on a wider scale should be encouraged, but is currently complicated. The consensus reached during a round table discussion should be reconfirmed and should be explicitly incorporated in the project document. 5. The Central Animal Health laboratory needs upgrading as described in an extensive laboratory assessment report of the Arab European Foundation for Training and as described in this report. Also additional training on specific tests for FMD diagnosis is necessary.

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 36

Annex 7

Balkans: Belgrade workshop report

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 37

Annex 7: Balkans: Belgrade workshop report, September 2013

Background

On the 26th of September 2013, a meeting was held Belgrade organized by the EuFMD and kindly hosted by the Veterinary Administration of the Republic of Serbia, which provided the venue place. The participants of the meeting were representatives from Greece and Bulgaria as well as EuFMD staff and Serbian colleagues, which acted as observers. The meeting was funded by the EuFMD budget using the funds allocated by the European Commission specifically for the Thrace risk-based surveillance work. The participants of the meeting are listed below:

- Marko Potocnik, Short Term Professional EuFMD - Eoin Ryan, Animal Health Officer EuFMD - Dimitrios Dilaveris, Hellenic Republic, Ministry of Rural Development & Food, Directorate General of Veterinary Services Animal Health Directorate Dept. of Infectious Diseases - Anna Maria Baka, National Consultant for EuFMD Greece - Tsviatko Aleksandorv, Bulgarian Food Safety Agency - Pencho Kamenov Zapryanov, Bulgarian Food Safety Agency - Milan Pandurovic, Veterinary Administration of the Republic of Serbia

Coordination issues

First of all, the progress of the THRACE project was discussed. Currently, two national consultants (one lab, one field) have been hired in Greece and lab supplies have been delivered. So far we received the data for July and August on FMD activities. For the work in Bulgaria we have hired five national consultants (NC), which are part time and all covering field. Lab supplies have also been delivered; however, we haven’t received any data of the activities so far. No NCs were hired in Turkey. The lab supplies have been delivered and a workshop for Turkish THRACE vets was held in May in Istanbul. So far we have received data of activities for July, however no data yet for August and September. The THRACE budget breakdown is presented below. The main features of the THRACE project work plan were described by Dimitrios Dilaveris (DD). With risk based sampling approach we use multiple observations with different sensitivities, which increase our confidence in freedom from disease. Questions have been raised on how good the OIE understands the principles of RBS approach. Up until now, the MOUs with the three countries have not been signed yet.

Web-based reporting and analysis

A web database for reporting of surveillance in the THRACE region was presented by Marko Potocnik (MP). The database runs on Microsoft SharePoint and uses Microsoft Access as its platform and allows reporting in almost real time. Currently, a web database has been prepared for Bulgaria, however it needs some improvements. TSV would like it to be translated into Bulgarian, so it can be used by the NCs of Bulgaria. We also have to improve the WB sampling frame, where we have to add new attributes for age, sex, sample options (tissue, blood), hunters name and negative or positive results for PCR and NSP (we need different options). The current “district” has to be changed to “municipality”. MP checked the option of providing a download button for retrieving of data to the Reports field. Unfortunately, the web platform of Access doesn’t allow this option. The database can however be uploaded to the computers through Access and then the download can be performed accordingly. A separate database will also be prepared for Turkey and Greece.

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 38

The Greek colleagues also agreed on using a web database for reporting. Anna Maria (AM) has difficulties accessing the internet while she is in the field and in the office of Evros. Therefore, we agreed on providing a WIFI option for her, whereby AM has to find different providers of WIFI internet and choose the best one. The future Greek web database was also discussed and the suggestions are summed up below:

o Change “district” to “sub – region” o “Id holding” to unit – farm o “District” should be one option only – Evros – in the future we might add something else so it should be included to this one, options to be changed o NO WB SAMPLING for Greece o Other options stay the way they are o The database will not have an open access and will therefore be restricted and visible only to its owners. AM will have to prepare an A4 list or card with clinical signs of FMD, SGP and PPR as well as her contacts, which she will hand out to the farmers while doing the surveillance. Hereby we will increase the awareness in the field and so minimising the time for reporting. The EuFMD will cover the printings of the “disease card”. AM also gave a presentation on her activities in the 1st cycle of the surveillance. She had difficulties collecting samples in the Northern part of Evros, which is under a restriction zone due to the SGP outbreaks. In future, surveillance for SGP could also be continued as part of the FMD surveillance in the Evros delta.

TSV presented the activities of Bulgaria for the 1st cycle of the surveillance. 21 villages have been clinical examined and surveillance has been done every month (20 samples of small ruminants / village / month). A checklist has been introduced specifically prepared for FMD, covering clinical examination of cattle, number of samples taken, dates and are used by NCs (has to be stamped and signed).

Sheep and Goat Pox situation

The threat of Sheep and Goats Pox (SGP) was also discussed. Because of the outbreaks of SGP in Bulgaria, the import of meet is currently banned by the Turks. Moreover, the Muslims will be celebrating their Kurban Bajrami very soon. Previously lots of small ruminants have been imported from Bulgaria to Turkish Thrace; however, now the animals will be coming from the Anatolian part of Turkey brining in FMD, Pestes des Petits Ruminants (PPR) or SGP. According to Tsviatko Aleksandorv (TSV), the peninsula of THRACE is a bigger threat for FMD incursion than the Istanbul part and should be considered a high risk zone.

DD presented the situation of SGP in Greece. Evros is a rural area (2.452 small ruminant holdings with 261.674 animals in total). The place bears 1 slaughterhouse, 1 medium sized dairy plant, 3 small creameries and 2 cutting plants (processing mostly pork). The last occurrence of SGP, prior to these ones, was in 2000. The first outbreak started near Pythion village on the 12th Aug (farmer notification) with 10 animals affected (130 susceptible sheep). On 16.8.2013 stamping out and cleaning / disinfection of the infected holding was performed (online notification to ADNS - WAHIS). The second outbreak started on the 27th Aug (farmer notification) near the city of Orestias with 70 affected sheep (susceptible 318 sheep and 35 goats). On 30.8.2013 stamping out and cleaning / disinfection of the infected holding was performed (online notification to ADNS - WAHIS). The third outbreak started on the 2nd Sep near the city of Orestias where the farmer reported cutaneous lesions in some of his sheep (total susceptible 78 sheep and 54 goats). In all outbreaks, the lesions observed were relatively recent (≤ 3-4 days) and the overall morbidity was 13.17% with overall mortality of 0.65%.

According to DD, Turkey reported 103 SGP to the ADNS outbreaks in 2013. In Turkish Thrace 6 outbreaks were reported for the period from January to May, whereas another 22 outbreaks were reported for the period from June to September.

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 39

DD still believes the border in Turkish Thrace is a high risk area which bares high consequences if introduced to other countries. The illegal immigrants have been greatly reduced over the past months, with the increased safeguard measures on the borders as stated by DD. Even though, there is still a high risk of crossing the river by the illegal immigrants, which is not protected by the authorities (TSV). Turks only entered data in ADNS after Greek SGP outbreak.

TSV gave a presentation of the SGP situation in Bulgaria. A protection zone is established on the border with Greece, where the Greeks had their cases. On the 19th September in village Burgas in the mountains with only one road access, very good clinical signs in sheep have been observed. In two holdings in this village, 8 sheep had clinical signs with nasal discharge. 3 blood samples were taken for PCR diagnosis. Altogether, 34 sheep and 74 goats were culled in this village. This is a remote area with only 4 settlements in a 10 km zone. TSV created a PDF clinical guide (attachment 2).

Proposal for coordinated cross-border surveillance

A Trans – border automatic enhanced surveillance action, which would be triggered by the outbreaks, has also been discussed (supported by Greece and Bulgaria). In other words, automatic transboundry surveillance should be in place in case of an outbreak of SGP. The results would have to be communicated to the other countries, for instance if Greece has a SGP case on the Turkish border it should trigger enhanced active surv on in TT in that area.

Follow-up actions:

1. THRACE / SGP actions: a. Laboratory needs – DD and Christina Fuoki (CF) to identify needs, Lily Polihronova (LP) for Bulgaria b. TORs for NCs – add SGP and PPR to it c. Amend MoU – specify details for SGP and PPR d. TSV to combine clinical and blood PCR surveillance 2. MP and AM to make Greek input sheet for the Greeks web database 3. Training for GIS mapping – TSV suggested Sergei Khomenko for this task 4. NCs for Turkey, we have to discuss this option, as well as: a. Add data entry into web database b. Monthly activity reports have to be submitted c. add SGP + PPR to the TORs

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 40

The final THRACE budget

Output Activities Consultant Consultant Travel Equip Other Subtotal Total by (days) (€) ment output Planning and 1.1 Tri-country biannual 40,000 40,000 framework: coordination and planning meetings (4) 1.2 Small coordination and 18,000 18,000 activity implementation meetings (6) 58,000 Systems 2.1 Maintenance, 24 7,200 2,400 9,600 improvement and trouble- shooting of a web-based system for real-time reporting and analysis of RBS data 2.2 Training G/B/T in data 4 1200 1000 500 2,700 management and GIS systems 12,300 Activities 3.1 RBS activities carried out in (NCs; variable 145,200* 145,200 Thrace region days and rates by country) 3.2 Procurement (lab supplies, 79,06 79,060 consumables for surveillance) 0 224,260 294,560

86th Session of the EuFMD Executive Committee, 17-18th October 2013 41