AGA: EUFMD/X/02/1

EUROPEAN COMMISSION FOR THE CONTROL OF FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

REPORT

of the

Sixty-seventh Session of the Executive Committee

Budapest, Hungary 25 and 26 April 2002

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS

Rome, 2002

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Table of Contents Page

Introduction 1 Item 1. Adoption of the Agenda 4 - Proposals for the designation of new members of the 4 Executive Committee and of two Vice-Chairmen Item 2. FMD situation 5

- Update of the FMD situation in the world 5 - Update from the WRL 6

Item 3. Report on the FMD situation and control programme in Turkey 8

- Report of Turkey 8 - Report of the Expert Mission to Turkey, 26 November- 9 1 December 2001 and EC/EUFMD funded activities in Thrace

Item 4. Activities towards CIS and Central Asia 10

- Follow-up to the Buffer Zone in Caucasus 10 - Proposal for FMD surveillance in Central Asia 13

Item 5. Report on the activities of the Research Group 14

- Report of the meeting on Agroterrorism of 7 February 2002 14 held in Rome - Report of the Bulgaria workshop on FMD and bluetongue 14 18-22 March 2002 - Report on the FMD Vaccine Monograph of the European 16 Pharmacopoeia (Ph.Eur.) - Report on the development of FMD Reference sera 17

Item 6. Financial matters 18

- Report on the EUFMD accounts as at 31 December 2001 18

Item 7. Any other business 19

- OIE FMD Code Chapter and Guidelines for FMD surveillance 19 - International shipment of biological material 20 - 68th Session of the Executive Committee of the Commission 20 - Personnel matters 20

Item 8. Adoption of the draft report 23 Item 9. Closure of the session 23

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Appendices

Page

Appendix 1 24 Review of the FMD situation in the world in 2001 and 2002 Yves Leforban

Appendix 2 29 FMD in 2001 and 2002 (maps) Yves Leforban Appendix 3 41 Global FMD situation during 2001 Alex Donaldson Appendix 4 46 Global FMD situation during 2002 David Paton Appendix 5 50 Report on FMD situation and control programme in Turkey Mustafa Tufan Appendix 6 56 Report on the FMD mission to Turkey, 25 November – 1 December 2001 Yves Leforban Appendix 7 69 Report of the Tripartite OIE/FAO/EC Meeting on FMD control in Transcaucasia and in the CIS Leos Celeda Appendix 8 74 Proposed programme in CIS for 2002-2003 (Draft) Yves Leforban Appendix 9 77 Terms of Reference – Expert mission to Iran to assess the feasibility of a project For the creation of a “Central Asia Regional Surveillance Centre for FMD in Tehran” Yves Leforban Appendix 10 78 Report of the Activities of the Research Group for the Period 2001-2002 Kris De Clercq

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Page Appendix 11 81 Report of the EUFMD on the way to protect Europe against the risk of intentional Introduction of FMDV (agroterrorism) Kris De Clercq Appendix 12 83 Financial Statements and Report Yves Leforban Appendix 13 87 List of Participants

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INTRODUCTION

The Executive Committee of the European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (EUFMD) held its Sixty-seventh Session in Budapest, Hungary on 25 and 26 April 2002. Members of the Committee present:

Dr Leos Celeda (Chairman) Dr Dionisis Panagiotatos, Greece (1st Vice-Chairman) Dr Preben Willeberg, Denmark (2nd Vice-Chairman) Dr Tibor Soós, Hungary Mrs Dr Karin Schwabenbauer, Germany Dr Huseyin Sungur, Turkey Observers: Chairman of the Research Group Dr Kris De Clercq, CODA-CERVA-VAR, Belgium

EC Dr Alf-Eckbert Fuessel, SANCO, Food Safety, EC, Brussels, Belgium

OIE Dr Jim Pearson, Head Scientific Department, Paris, France Dr Nikola T. Belev, President of the OIE Regional Commission for Europe and Regional Coordinator for Eastern Europe, Sofia, Bulgaria FAO Mr Jaroslav Suchman, Subregional Representative for Central and Eastern Europe, Budapest, Hungary Dr Yves Cheneau, Chief, Animal Health Service, AGA, Rome, Italy Ms Tiina Vares, Livestock Development Officer, Subregional Office for Central and Eastern Europe, Budapest, Hungary Germany Dr Wolf-Arno Valder, Federal Ministry for Consumer Protection, Food & Agriculture, Bonn Hungary Dr Vilmos Pálfi, Head, Diagnostic Department, Central Veterinary Institute, Budapest

Turkey Dr Mustafa Tufan, Director of Veterinary Epidemiology & Information Section, Ankara Secretariat Dr Yves Leforban, Secretary, EUFMD, FAO, Rome Ms Egiziana Fragiotta, Administrative Clerk, EUFMD, FAO, Rome

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Apologies for absence were received from Drs Marabelli and Ivanov. Apologies were also received from Dr Donaldson, WRL. Dr Antal Nemeth, Chief Veterinary Officer of Hungary welcomed the participants upon their arrival but he was unable to attend due to other pressing appointments. The meeting was chaired by Dr Leos Celeda, Chairman of the Executive Committee. On behalf of the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the National Veterinary Service, Dr Tibor Soós welcomed the Committee members to this meeting and stated that the Veterinary Service is particularly pleased and honoured to host this distinguished body and wished them a successful meeting. The floor was passed to Mr Jaroslav Suchman, the Subregional Representative for Central and Eastern Europe (SEUR), who welcomed the participants to the meeting on behalf of FAO. He expressed thanks to the Hungarian colleagues, in particular to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and to Dr Antal Nemeth the Chief Veterinary Officer who kindly offered to host the meeting in Budapest. Thanks were also expressed to Dr Tibor Soós, Director of the Institute for Veterinary Medicinal Products, Ministry of Agriculture, for organising all the practical aspects of the meeting. He welcomed all members of the Committee present, Dr Leos Celeda (Chairman), Dr Panagiotatos of Greece, Dr Willeberg of Denmark and Dr Soós of Hungary. He also welcomed the representatives from OIE, (Drs Pearson and Belev), the EC (Dr Fuessel), Dr De Clercq, the Chairman of the Research Group of the EUFMD, Dr Pálfi, member of the Research Group, Dr Schwabenbauer the recently appointed CVO in Germany, and Dr Sungur, CVO and Dr Tufan from Turkey, and finally colleagues from FAO HQs, Dr Cheneau, Chief of the Animal Health Service and the secretariat of the Commission, Dr Leforban and Ms. Fragiotta. He then took the opportunity to present the role and activities of the Subregional Office for Central and Eastern Europe. He informed the meeting that the office is still very young as it opened in 1996. It is staffed with 8 professional officers, including Ms Tiina Vares, Livestock Development Officer, who was present at the meeting. He explained that the office covers not only normative work but also provides technical assistance. In fact, they are running projects in 19 countries and work in close cooperation with all technical divisions in FAO HQs, including AGA. He is aware of the fact that the Commission also carries out activities in the Caucause region, and that the Commission is considering the possibility to support further activities on the improvement of the control of FMD within the region. He mentioned the TCP project operated by them in Armenia on strategy for sustainable agricultural development. He mentioned that Ms Tiina Vares, recently attended the Tripartite Group Meeting for CIS countries held in Rome on 7 February 2002 during which she shared her experience in the region. The prerequisite for efficient control of FMD in the region is that an organised Veterinary Service is established, however, it is a well known fact that there are still some deficiencies. He stressed the importance of FMD and the permanent risk to Europe it presents. Although the last cases in 2001 occurred in the UK and in western Europe, he pointed out that central Europe is also at risk. He

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informed the meeting that his office is at the disposition for any support they can bring to the activities of the Commission and of other organizations in the region. He closed by wishing all a fruitful meeting and an enjoyable stay in Budapest. Dr Soós took up the floor once more to give a brief presentation on the Hungarian National Veterinary Service. There are two networks under the Ministry of Agriculture. The first is the network of Animal Health and Food Control Stations (20) and the second is a network of different Institutes (central and two regional), the National Food Investigation Institute and the Institute for Veterinary Medicinal Products are included. From the FMD diagnosis point of view, the Central Veterinary Institute is the most important. The State Veterinary Service (including both networks) has approximately 1,000 staff members. He gave a brief history of recorded outbreaks in Hungary. The first report dates back to 1752, after which several major outbreaks occurred. The most devastating was in 1911 and after the Second World War, there were major outbreaks in 1964-65, and 1968-69, and the last was in the early 1970's. There is a new legislation in Hungary which follows the EC directive and vaccination has been prohibited since 1989. Dr Celeda the Chairman then took the floor and welcomed everybody to the 67th Session of the Executive Committee. He thanked the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Hungary and Dr Antal Nemeth for having offered to host and organise the meeting. Special thanks were conveyed to Dr Soós who took care of all the practical arrangements for the organization of the meeting. He reminded the meeting that a session of the Executive Committee had already been held in Budapest in 1996. Since then, many changes have occurred in the Veterinary Services in the region and there has also been a significant change in the activities of the Commission which have turned to include activities in the Caucase region. Under the present circumstances, the Executive Committee has the unique opportunity to improve and adjust the future work of the Commission. There are still many ongoing discussions held at different levels in order to decide what can be learnt from the recent epidemics. He asked the Executive Committee to put forth any ideas they may have in this respect as this has become an important topic in the European Parliament. The other important issue is the replacement of the Secretary of the Commission. Those members present were briefed on this situation before the opening of the Session. There is a need to reach a consensus on the future of the Commission and therefore the selection of the candidates for the position of Secretary will be discussed during the Session. He stressed the importance of these two issues and hoped that the problems will be resolved smoothly by the Committee. He concluded by wishing all a pleasant stay in Budapest.

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Item 1 - Adoption of the Agenda Proposals for the designation of new members of the Executive Committee and two Vice-Chairmen Before proposing the Agenda for adoption to the Committee, Dr Celeda informed the meeting of the outcome and conclusions of the closed meeting organised before the opening of the Session. He informed the meeting that there were two vacancies within the Executive Committee and Article X of the Constitution of the EUFMD gives the Committee members the possibility to ask a member country to nominate a delegate as a replacement for the period until the next General Session of the EUFMD (in 2003). The first candidate is from Germany, Dr Karin Schwabenbauer who is the recently appointed CVO of Germany. The German Government had requested that Germany continue to be a member of the Executive Committee and Dr Celeda proposed the nomination of Dr Schwabenbauer as a member of the Committee. This proposal was accepted by the Executive Committee. The second candidate is the representative from Turkey, Dr Huseyin Sungur, the CVO of Turkey who has worked for many years in close collaboration with the EUFMD and has contributed to the recent improvements in the control of FMD in Turkey, his candidature is therefore proposed by the Chairman and accepted by the Committee. It was noted that Dr Marabelli and Dr Ivanov who were unable to attend had informed the Committee that they agreed to this proposal and their vote was added to those of the four present. The designation of Dr Schwabenbauer and Dr Sungur was therefore approved by all six members of the Committee. Dr Schwabenbauer and Dr Sungur thanked the Committee for their confidence and said that they were honoured to become a member of the Committee and will do their utmost to serve the Commission. With regards to the designation of two Vice-Chairmen, the Committee agreed to designate: - Dr Dionisis Panagiotatos as 1st Vice-Chairman - Dr Preben Willeberg as 2nd Vice-Chairman This proposal will be submitted to the members of the Executive Committee who were not present for their approval. Dr Celeda then suggested to the meeting that Agenda Item 7 – Any other business (related to personnel matters) – should be discussed during the morning of 26 April, and the adoption of the draft report will be carried out as usual in the afternoon. The following Agenda was proposed to and adopted by the Executive Committee: Item 1. Adoption of the Agenda

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- Proposals for the designation of new members of the Executive Committee and of two Vice-Chairmen Item 2. FMD situation

– Update of the FMD situation in the world - Update from the WRL

Item 3. Report on the FMD situation and control programme in Turkey - Report of Turkey

– Report of the Expert Mission to Turkey, 26 November- 1 December 2001 and EC/EUFMD funded activities in Thrace

Item 4. Activities towards CIS and Central Asia – Report of the Tripartite Group Meeting of 7 February 2002 held in Rome – Proposal for FMD surveillance in Central Asia

Item 5. Report on the activities of the Research Group – Report of the meeting on Agroterrorism of 7 February 2002 held in Rome - Report of the Bulgaria workshop on FMD and bluetongue 18-22 March 2002 - Report on the FMD Vaccine Monograph of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph.Eur.) - Report on the development of FMD Reference sera

Item 6. Financial matters – Report on the EUFMD accounts as at 31 December 2001

Item 7. Any other business - OIE FMD Code Chapter and Guidelines for FMD surveillance - International shipment of biological material – 68th Session of the Executive Committee of the Commission – Personnel matters

Item 8. Adoption of the draft report Item 9. Closure of the session Item 2 - FMD situation Update of the FMD situation in the world Situation in 2001 Comprehensive information on the FMD situation was circulated by the Secretary (Appendix 1). He presented maps on the FMD situation in Europe and globally in 2001 and 2002 (Appendix 2). He highlighted the fact that Western Europe had been severely affected in 2001. European countries such as the UK, Ireland, France and the Netherlands which had been free of the disease for long periods have had to cope with introductions of the virus. In South America, a significant event was the reoccurrence of the disease in countries recently recognised by OIE as being free such as in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. He drew the attention of the Committee to the 2000-2001 outbreaks in Argentina where three different strains of virus had circulated (one type O and two type A strains, one in 2000 and the other in 2001). It was regretted that this situation and the information regarding strains were reported only retrospectively to OIE. This very serious situation in Argentina and Uruguay necessitated returning to a policy of mass prophylactic vaccination as a means of

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controlling FMD. He also indicated that Patagonia which had not been infected had been proposed to OIE as an FMD free zone without vaccination, with the rest of the country continuing to vaccinate. Situation in 2002 Type A has been isolated from samples collected in Northern Iraq and three types (O, A, Asia 1) are circulating in Turkey but a total of only 5 outbreaks have occurred during the first quarter of 2002 (see item 3). FMD O type was also reported in Bhutan, Peninsular Malaysia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and Vietnam. SAT 2 type have been reported in Botswana and Zimbabwe. Pakistan has also reported FMD through a media channel. Update from the WRL The Secretary apologised on behalf of Dr Donaldson who was unable to attend and presented the reports received from the WRL for the period 1 January to 31 December 2001 and 1 January to 31 March 2002. This report and the supplementary data are given in Appendices 3 and 4. Of 587 samples received in 2001 (from outside the UK) 136 were of serotype O, 20 of type A, none of type C, and 18 of type Asia 1 while no virus was detected in 408 samples. Of 378 samples received in 2002 (228 originated from the UK) 49 were of serotype O, 4 of type A, none of type C, 5 of type SAT 2 and 5 of type Asia 1 while no virus was detected in 315 samples. He also presented data that had been received from the WRL Pirbright regarding type A isolates from Iran and neighbouring countries. The genotypic characterisations indicated that at least three different type A strains were circulating in Iran one of the isolates being close to the Iranian vaccine strain. Discussion Dr Pearson reported to the Committee that South Africa has informed OIE that they have stopped vaccination. The Secretary suggested that more systematic monitoring of the viral strains circulating in the world be carried out by the EUFMD in cooperation with the Animal Health Service (AGAH) of FAO. Dr Pearson explained that OIE is also developing a global proactive monitoring of animal diseases over the world in addition to the passive reporting as carried out so far by the delegates. To a question raised by Dr De Clercq about the FMD situation in Kyrgyzstan, Dr Belev indicated that FMD had been reported in this country in 2001. Dr Fuessel stressed that there was a risk associated to NATO intervention in Central Asia and the movement of European troops. They should be informed of the risk of introducing viruses into Europe upon their return. Dr Cheneau informed the Session of one EU funded project currently in progress in Pakistan and of the important input of FAO assistance in the field of animal health to Afghanistan. The meeting appreciated this action which in general may diminish the risk for neighbouring countries such as Iran and other countries westward.

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Regarding the situation in South America members of the Committee questioned whether updating of the minimum requirements for importing meat (on bone and off bone) prepared by the EUFMD in 1993 should not be revisited and possibly updated if necessary. Following information provided by Pirbright and reported by the Secretary on new type A isolates characterised by the WRL, there was a discussion on the general activities of the WRL and especially those related to the characterisation of the FMDV strains. It was noted that there have been discrepancies between the genotypic and antigenic characteristics. As an example of these discrepancies the Turkish isolate Tur/17/2001 belonging to A Iran 96 topotype had a r1 value of less than 0.2 with A Iran 96 vaccine. Dr De Clercq suggested that a possibility to improve the antigenic characterisation of the FMDV could be to use panels of Mabs in addition to the determination of r1 value. The need for research on FMD was then discussed and it was agreed that while fundamental research was important, priority should be given to solving practical problems such as test validation and establishment of reference sera. Conclusions and Recommendations 1) The Committee agreed that the role of the WRL in the characterisation of the

FMDV and recommending vaccinal strains was essential and should continue to be supported.

2) Better coordination between the FMD Reference Laboratories should be

encouraged by OIE and FAO. 3) Arrangements should be made to be prepared in advance for a situation where

FMD occurs in the country where the Reference Laboratory is located - as in 2001 in UK – and where the laboratory cannot fulfil its international commitments.

4) One possibility to overcome this problem could be to create a network of Institutes

which could support each other in the case of a crisis. 5) The preparation of reference sera and establishment of bank of reagents to face a

possible crisis situation should be investigated further. 6) The EUFMD should monitor FMD strains circulating throughout the world and

keep an updated database in cooperation with AGAH and in conjunction with the WRL and other Reference Laboratories.

7) The minimum requirements for importing meat (on bone and off bone) prepared by

the EUFMD in 1993 should be revisited and possibly updated if necessary. 8) Member countries should inform their militaries of the risk of introduction into

Europe of viruses associated with FMD and other exotic diseases upon their return from overseas missions.

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Item 3 – Report on the FMD situation and control programme in Turkey Dr Tufan presented the FMD situation in Turkey in 2001 and the first quarter of 2002 (Appendix 5). In total 88 FMD outbreaks (50 outbreaks due to type O, 4 outbreaks due to type A and 34 outbreaks due to type Asia 1) occurred in Turkey in 2001. The present situation for vaccine production in the FMD Institute is favourable and the quantity of vaccine produced is sufficient to cover the needs for vaccination campaigns in Turkey. Vaccine production figures in 2002 amount to 14 900 000 monovalent doses. FMD vaccine samples produced at the Sap Institute were sent to the Pirbright Laboratory (WRL) on 2 April 2002 for external quality control. The volume of one cattle dose of FMD vaccine will be decreased to 3 ml from 5 ml to be used in the autumn vaccination campaign. The biannual mass vaccination programmes planned for 2002 (spring and autumn) will be as follows in Turkey: • Large Ruminants: Application of routine mass vaccination twice a year using trivalent vaccine on at

least 80% of all large ruminants in the country; Application of strategic vaccination using trivalent vaccine on large ruminants in

the selected area in the Black Sea Region (Trabzon, Rize, Artvin, Giresun, Ordu, Bartin provinces and Abana, Bozkurt, Cide, Catalzeytin, Doganyurt, Inebolu districts of Kastamonu).

• Small Ruminants: • Application of routine mass vaccination once a year using trivalent vaccine on at

least 80% of all ruminants in the Thrace and Marmara regions. (Edirne, Tekirdag, Kirklareli, Istanbul and Canakkale, Balikesir, Bursa, Yalova, Kocaeli, Sakarya, Bilecik, Bolu, Duzce).

• Application of ring vaccination around the outbreaks. A total of 870 000 doses of (Intervet) trivalent DOE FMD vaccines were provided by EUFMD/EC for vaccination in Thrace in 2001. In addition 230.00 doses (Bayer) trivalent FMD vaccines were provided by EUFMD. They are stocked at the Pendik Veterinary Control and Research Institute. A total of 200.000 doses (Merial) trivalent FMD vaccines remain from last year and will be delivered to Turkey. The vaccine left over from previous campaigns – a total 683 000 doses trivalent vaccine - will be used for the autumn vaccination campaign in 2002. A total of 86.5% of large ruminants and 68.0% of small ruminants were vaccinated in Thrance during the autumn campaign in 2001. Globally the situation has improved both at the field level and in the FMD Institute (SAP). Although three types of virus (O, A, Asia 1) were detected in 2002, the number of outbreaks has decreased by comparison with previous years and Turkey is now considering the possibility of eradicating type A. The control of animal movement has been reinforced and dissuasive penalties are applied when illegal movements are detected.

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Report of the expert mission to Turkey, 26 November – 1 December 2001 and EC/EUFMD funded activities in Thrace The Secretary then presented the conclusions of the expert mission which visited Turkey in November 2001 (Appendix 6). Participants in the mission were: the Secretary as Team Leader, Dr Yanko Ivanov from Bulgaria, Dr Dionosis Panagiotatos from Greece and one EC expert. The three objectives of the mission were: - To assess progress in implementing the vaccination campaign of 2001 with vaccine supplied by EUFMD/EC (1.1 million trivalent doses). - To clarify the reasons for the apparently sub-optimal immune response in the 2000 campaign in Thrace, and propose corrective measures if needed. - To contribute to the preparation of a TCP project on Infectious Transboundary Disease Surveillance in the Balkan Region. The reasons for the drop in immunity at day 60 in 2000 was investigated and it appeared that samples at day 0, 28 and 120 were collected from the same animals while samples at day 60 animals were collected randomly in different villages and this may explain the apparent drop of antibody level. However, Sap had tested sera of 30 cattle and 30 sheep kept under controlled conditions at days 0, 28 and 120 post vaccination: there was also a drop at day 120. Referring to the future project for prevention and surveillance of FMD and other exotic diseases in Thrace Region the experts of the three countries agreed that the project should focus on upgrading surveillance for FMD (and other exotic diseases); improving the systems for identification and registration of ruminants in the region with focus on small ruminants in particular at border areas; and improving the immunity of susceptible animal populations in Turkish Thrace. This project is under preparation by the three countries. He thanked Dr Sungur for the openness and transparency demonstrated during the mission and for the very fruitful cooperation that has been established with the Commission in recent years. Discussion Dr Sungur informed the meeting that the Sap Institute had sent vaccines and antigens for external testing by the WRL in Pirbright as agreed with the EC. To a question raised by Dr Fuessel on the level of implementation of the programme for cattle identification in Turkey, Dr Sungur replied that about 4 out of 11 million cattle had been ear-tagged and 2.5 of them had been registered in a national database containing the ear tag number, the name of owner and the name of the village. The Secretary informed the Committee that according to the information collected by the expert mission in November 2001, more than 80% of the cattle in Thrace had been identified by the breeding association (prior to the launch of the national identification programme) and the Veterinary Service is now transferring the data to the Ministry databases.

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Dr Panagiotatos recognised that important progress had been made in the last years in widening cooperation between the countries in the Southern Balkans including cooperation between the National Laboratories, which was initiated in 1998. He was also very satisfied with his visit to Turkey and invited his Turkish colleagues to visit the Greek side of their border. He also considered that the proposed TCP project between the three countries should be regarded as a pilot project and that, if successful, it should be pursued through a comprehensive global project for disease surveillance and control in the region with the support of international organisations. To a question of the Chairman on the follow-up of the meeting in December of the EurAsia Veterinary Group held in Istanbul, Dr Sungur explained that another meeting is planned in 2002 with more countries. He also informed the Committee that a meeting will be held with Georgia in June to discuss the vaccination programme starting simultaneously on both sides of the border. Turkey has also provided a small quantity of FMD vaccines to Azerbaijan. Dr Sungur also explained that he was concerned about the situation in Iraq and about the risks of people and animal movement to Turkey in case of a military crisis in the region. Dr Cheneau explained the important involvement of FAO in the three Northern Governorates of Iraq in the framework of the “Oil-for-Food” programme. Under this programme, FAO supports veterinary infrastructures and provides them with veterinary vaccines and drugs and equipment on a regular basis and also responds through the TCP projects, to emergencies such as the introduction of FMD and PPR. Conclusions and Recommendations 1) The substantial progress achieved in Turkey on FMD control is acknowledged by

the Committee and Turkey must be considered as a partner in future European cooperation in the region.

2) The serosurveillance programme by Turkey in Thrace should be reassessed with

clear objectives i.e. evaluate the vaccination coverage or the antibody response to the vaccine or the circulation of the virus using the NSP test.

3) Cooperation between Turkey and the eastern and southern neighbouring countries

and other countries in central Asia is encouraged. 4) The TCP project under preparation by Turkey, Bulgaria and Greece is strongly

encouraged and supported. Item 4 - Activities towards CIS and Central Asia Follow-up to the Buffer Zone in Caucasus The Chairman reported on the Tripartite Group Meeting held in Rome on 7 February 2002 (Appendix 7). This meeting included under the agenda:

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- A report by Mrs Tiina Vares of her personal experience in the region and particularly in Armenia.

- A report by the Secretary on the activities carried out so far by the EUFMD with the support of EC. He reminded the Committee of the activities carried out by the Commission in the Caucasus through the Letters of Agreement signed between ARRIAH and FAO in 1999 and 2000. Two FAO/EC/OIE missions visited the countries in the region respectively in March 1999 and July 2000.

- A report on the EuroAsia Veterinary meeting organised by Turkey in Istanbul. The mission carried out in 2000 concluded that despite the efforts on the part of ARRIAH, the results of the project were sub-optimal, especially regarding surveillance, diagnosis and reporting of the disease. This situation was mainly related to the weakness of the National Veterinary Services and crucial lack of resources. Following the mission report the EUFMD and its Executive Committee proposed to suspend support to the Buffer Zone programme in the region until the recommendations of the mission have been implemented. New requests for resuming support to the Buffer Zone in Caucasus have been addressed to EUFMD by ARRIAH, Armenia and the CIS Intergovernmental Council for Collaboration in the field of Veterinary Medicine. During the Tripartite meeting of 7 February, EC announced that they have agreed to provide funding for a further amount of US$500,000 for the development of a vaccination belt in southern Caucasus to be carried out under the supervision of EUFMD. The proposals from the Tripartite meeting were as follows: 1) OIE should continue to play a coordinating role in the region. A meeting will be organised in Paris by OIE, EC and EUFMD/FAO to present the proposals from the Tripartite to the CVOs of the Caucase region and its neighbours. 2) The OIE Regional Reference Laboratory of ARRIAH, Vladimir should be involved in surveillance of the disease in the region and adequate support should be provided. 3) The proposal from the EC is accepted by the Committee and EUFMD is asked to implement the control programme proposed. 4) The strategy in the region should be based on: - Establishing a vaccination belt along the southern borders with Iran and Turkey; - Proceeding with immediate ring vaccination in the case that one outbreak occurs within the region (within or outside the Buffer Zone); - Improvement of veterinary services in the medium and long-term. The Secretary presented to the Committee a draft programme for actions in the region (Appendix 8). This programme is based on the above recommendations of the Tripartite meeting. This proposal had been submitted in advance to OIE and to EC to get their opinion and was also circulated to the Committee. The proposed future programme includes the following short-term activities: - The establishment of a vaccination belt along the Southern borders of Georgia,

Armenia and Azerbaijan. The vaccine should be purchased on international market

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through tenders. Part of the vaccine should be kept as a reserve for emergency vaccination in the case of outbreaks.

- An international Russian speaking expert should be sent to the region for preparing

and controlling the vaccination campaign. This expert should also advise the National Veterinary Service on their FMD control policy and surveillance of the disease in close cooperation with ARRIAH Vladimir for the serosurveillance.

Long-term activities are also proposed but they will be possible only if donors are identified. Discussion Dr Belev informed the Committee that the OIE and CIS Executive Committee had organised a meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania to discuss the epizootiological situation in the region and to show the countries how the EU candidates should be prepared to control diseases. He also explained that OIE will organise in June 2002 in Teramo, Italy a seminar on how these countries will view the OIE strategic plans for the CIS decision-makers. Dr Fuessel explained that this project (of $500,000) proposed by the EC for the region, was a starting point and corresponded to a global approach to improve FMD control in the region in order to reduce the risk of FMD coming from this region into Europe. Other components of this approach include activities in Western and Eastern Turkey and the Iranian programme – see the proposal below. Dr Cheneau regretted that again, as was the case for the activities carried out in 1999 and 2000, a short-term approach is envisaged while no long-term control strategy is defined. The political commitment of the countries concerned is still limited and under those conditions the sustainability of the project is questionable. Ms Vares continued by saying that the EU Food Security programme will remain the main funder for the region in the next 5 years and there is a need to discuss with EU representatives and Government at national level to request funding for a long-term and sustainable FMD project. The situation in China was also discussed and it was agreed that this country plays a key role in the control of the disease in the region. Dr Pearson informed the Committee that the involvement of China in OIE activities is in progress. Dr Belev made the parallel between the situation in Turkey a few years ago and the current situation in Caucase. For him the key to progress in FMD control is the commitment of the Governments and not only of Veterinary Services, as was the case in Turkey in the past. Turkey has made progress in the last years due to its strong political commitment towards FMD control. Dr Sungur indicated that Turkey was ready to help other countries in the region as they have already started to do with Azerbaijan and Georgia. The Committee appreciated the offer. The Committee suggested that another meeting be held in Paris at the time of the OIE Session in May. The need to organise another general meeting with CVOs in November (tentatively the week of 4 November 2002) was discussed and it was

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agreed that it was needed but donors to support the meeting and a global FMD project in the region need to be identified. Dr De Clercq suggested that priority should be given by the Secretariat to follow-up and backstop the activities that are requested by the Committee. Considering the increasing field activities of the Commission, additional support should be provided to the Secretariat possibly through the APO programme or other arrangements should be made. Conclusions and Recommendations • EUFMD should continue to pay attention to the situation in the region and keep

close contact with ARRIAH, Vladimir and with the Caucasus countries which are members of FAO.

• EUFMD should work in cooperation with FAO Subregional Office in Budapest to benefit from their experience and expertise in CIS.

• Baltic countries and particularly Lithuania which is a member of the EUFMD Commission could also help in the cooperation with Caucasian countries by organising workshops and other activities.

• The Committee supported the offer of Turkey to cooperate with the countries in the region in the context or the EurAsia intiative.

• The draft programme presented by the Secretary should be submitted to the three CVOs concerned – after translation into Russian by OIE – in order to get their opinion and another joint OIE, FAO/EUFMD, EC, Tripartite meeting with the participation of the CVOs concerned could be held in Paris at the time of the 70th OIE Session of the International Committee, to finalise the short-term programme. Plans should be formulated for a meeting of the CVOs to develop a long-term strategy and global approach to FMD control in the region; the tentative date for the meeting is the week of 4 November 2002.

• Additional support should be provided to the EUFMD Secretariat to carry out all the tasks. The possibility of obtaining APO(s) should be investigated further.

Proposal for FMD surveillance in Central Asia The Secretary reported that: - He had prepared a letter to Dr Mansour Sayari, the new CVO in Iran asking

whether the proposal for a joint FAO-EUFMD/EC/OIE/French/Turkish mission to evaluate the feasibility of the Surveillance Centre as proposed by the 66th Session was acceptable to Iran. The TORs for this mission had been prepared and attached to this letter together with the conclusions and recommendations of the 66th session of the Executive Committee. The TORs for the mission were also circulated to the meeting (Appendix 9).

- EC had agreed to support the cost for this mission for a maximum cost of

€50,000. - Dr Francis Geiger, from the French Veterinary Services, is visiting Iran in early

May and he will discuss it with the CVO of Iran and the Iranian FMD expert to get their view on this proposals. He will then report to the EUFMD.

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Conclusions and Recommendations

• The Executive Committee supports the proposal for proactive action to be taken for the surveillance of FMD in Central Asia and also agreed on the TORs for the expert mission in Iran to assess the feasibility of an FMD surveillance centre for Central Asia in Tehran.

• Turkey should be associated to the project especially in the laboratory component so that cooperation initiated between Iran and Turkey through the FAO TCP could be pursued and reinforced for the benefit of the two countries and of Europe.

• If an FMD surveillance centre is established in Iran it should be linked to other activities of surveillance supported by FAO in Pakistan and Afghanistan and also with the buffer zone project for the Caucase region. The Committee suggested that FAO should play a coordinating role to harmonize the different regional FMD control programmes currently in progress or proposed in the region.

Item 5 - Report of the Activities of the Research Group Dr De Clerq reported on the activities of the Research Group for the end of 2001 and first quarter of 2002 (Appendix 10). Report of the meeting on Agroterrorism (At) of 7 February 2002 held in Rome Dr De Clercq presented the conclusions and recommendations of the meeting (Appendix 11). The meeting agreed that the probability of intentional introduction of FMDV in Europe was low but the consequences would be very serious for the economy. There was general agreement that there is a need to include agroterrorism as a separate issue in the FMD national contingency plans. Information gathering and exchange on circulating virus strains is more important than ever. The Secretariat should consult with the Executive Committee and the Research Group to define criteria to determine whether a virus introduction is intentional or accidental and to prepare guidelines to help member countries to react appropriately. The creation of a special working group on At is kept open. Report of the Bulgaria workshop on FMD and Bluetongue 18-22 March 2002 Dr Celeda and Dr De Clercq participated in the workshop and Dr De Clercq coordinated the part related to FMD diagnosis whilst the part related to Bluetongue was coordinated locally by Dr Roeder, AGAH, FAO. The EUFMD Secretariat was in charge of practical arrangements and funding was shared between EUFMD and EC through the FAO-EC trust fund ($13,000 and $15,000 respectively).

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Participants were from Bulgaria, Greece, FYR of Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Turkey and Fed. Rep. Yugoslavia. Experts were from FAO, EUFMD, EC, Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, UK, Bommeli Diagnostics-Intervet. Part I: Foot-and-mouth disease This part of the WS was chaired by Dr. K. De Clercq and attended by Bulgarian, Greek, Polish, Romanian (partly), and Turkish experts. As a follow-up of the previous workshops in Athens (Greece) in 1998 and Brescia (Italy) in 2000, 30 sera (including 10 positives) were sent in a blind way each by the Brescia and the Pirbright laboratory to the labs in Sofia, Athens and Ankara. In general it can be concluded that all labs scored the sera correctly. Labs should try to get more experience. A vaccination campaign was carried out in Turkish Thrace and the Anatolian part of Istanbul and Cannakale Province in autumn 2001 using a trivalent vaccine (O1 Manisa, A22 and Asia1) donated by EU. The laboratory of Ankara presented the results from a serosurveillance using the LPB-ELISA and the FMD-3ABC bo-ov ELISA-kit donated by FAO-EUFMD and EU. The results from the 3ABC-ELISA reveal that 16 positive animals were found in a total of 1310 samples taken. Three ELISA’s were explained, practised and discussed: - The FMD-3ABC bo-ov ELISA-kit (CHekit-FMD-3ABC) - Ceditest FMDV type O ELISA-kit - The Solid Phase Competition ELISA Sera were brought to be tested by the laboratory from Ankara, Athens, and Bulgaria. For the FMD-3ABC bo-ov ELISA-kit (CHekit-FMD-3ABC) it can be summarised that the results were as expected: - Sera collected from animals in outbreaks in Bulgaria and Turkey were found positive in Sofia and uninfected animals were scored negative. The test showed to be very robust, easy to perform and fast. Carrier animals or animals long time after infection were not tested. For the Ceditest FMDV type O ELISA-kit it can be summarised that 27/27 animals tested scored positive from the Bulgarian outbreak and all other results were as expected. The test showed to be very robust, easy to perform and fast. For the SPCE FMDV type O ELISA it can be summarised that 27/27 animals tested scored positive from the Bulgarian outbreak; all except 4 of the 90 Turkish animals tested scored positive (vaccinated animals); from Phase XVI the serum originating from the animal vaccinated with type O scored positive but also one serum from the animal infected with type C; from the Greece bovine and ovine negative sera all scored negative. It appears that robustness of the test is still to be improved.

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Part II: Bluetongue This part of the WS was chaired by Dr. P. Roeder. An overview of the disease situation in Europe was given by Dr. J. Février (EC) and of the diagnosis and epidemiology by Dr. S. Zientara (Maisons-Alfort, France). Two ELISAs were explained, practised and discussed: this was guided by Mr. C. Hamblin (Pirbright, UK) using the Pirbright reagents. One ELISA was for Ag detection testing positive virus samples from Bulgaria. The other ELISA for Ab detection tested positive sera from Bulgaria and negative bovine and ovine sera from Greece. Participants from several countries reported on the use of an antibody ELISA kit from VDR Company, USA: the test is easy to handle, fast (2 hours) and robust. Positive bluetongue virus samples were also tested by inoculating baby mice intra-cerebrally demonstrated by Dr. G. Georgiev and by inoculating embryonated eggs demonstrated by Dr. K. Nomikou. Report on the FMD Vaccine Monograph of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph.Eur.) On the initiative of the FAO-EUFMD RG the Ph. Eur. accepted to revise the FMD Vaccine Monograph. Therefore the Chairman of the RG participated in several meetings of Group 15V of the Ph. Eur. The revision is finished and the proposal has been sent by the Ph.Eur. to the responsible authorities of their member countries. EMEA installed an Ad hoc Working Group with all these organisations and the Chairman of the RG has represented EUFMD in 4 meetings so far (April 2002). The Ad hoc group developed 3 documents: one with comments on the revision of the FMD Vaccine Monograph, a second with comments on the development of an FMD vaccine Monograph for use in pigs and in a third document guidelines are established considering those aspects of production and use which are unique to FMD vaccines and which fall outside the scope of Ph.Eur. This last document considers following points: - Current licensing guidelines require that the safety and efficacy of all antigens and

all possible combinations of antigens are individually demonstrated. This is impractical for FMD vaccines taking into account the range and diversity of serotypes and strains.

- The urgent need to add or replace new FMD strains. This strain must at least be fully characterised.

- A timetable is proposed for periodic testing of the quality of antigens stored for long periods of time.

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- Manufacturers can only claim that after using their vaccine differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals is still possible if they demonstrated that repeated immunisation does not result in sero-conversion to non-structural proteins. An immunisation scheme is proposed.

- It is not currently possible to define precisely a potency level above which a vaccine can be considered as a ‘high’ potency vaccine.

- For potency testing: the more distantly related the challenge strain is from the vaccine strain the lower the potency will be when tested by challenge.

- If sufficient data from the manufacturer exists on safety testing then safety test for each strain or combination of strains is not necessary.

- For strains equally virulent for all species, manufacturers may demonstrate batch potency in cattle alone.

- For a claim to be made that a vaccine reduces or prevents the occurrence of the carrier state the manufacturer shall demonstrate these facts with a 95% confidence level.

Report on the development of FMD Reference sera At the 66th Session it was recommended that reference reagents for antibody detection and virus detection should be made for all FMDV strains representing a high risk to Europe. This should be done through a project involving a network of laboratories. Following this, the Chairman of the RG was invited by the OIE Standards Commission to present this project. During this meeting and in a letter addressed to the EUFMD, this Commission gave its full support to the project and stressed its high priority. Contact was also made with IAEA to avoid overlap. A project will be worked out in full collaboration with the EU. Several laboratories already expressed their wish to be integrated and have already given a cost estimate. Discussion Dr Belev thanked the EUFMD for their initiative to organise the Workshop in Sofia and informed the Committee that the participants were completely satisfied. Dr Celeda explained that member countries should be guided on the new tests available and on the different situations when each test should be used. He also felt that there was a need for other workshops to be held for central and eastern Europe based on the model of the Sofia WS. Dr Pearson explained that NSP tests are now officially recognised by OIE for serosurveillance to demonstrate freedom from FMD for countries or zones. Dr Fuessel recalled that EC is considering the EUFMD RG as the key forum where scientific matters are discussed in Europe and they will continue to support the activities of the group. The Committee asked that the objectives of the Collaborative study now under Phase XVII should be re-evaluated by the RG at the Izmir Session in September. This activity should be coordinated with other initiatives of EC and OIE especially regarding the preparation and acceptance of reference sera.

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Conclusions and Recommendations - The Secretariat is requested to take care of not circulating sensitive information

especially through the Internet website. - The Secretariat of the EUFMD should consult with the Executive Committee and

the Research Group to prepare criteria to guide member countries in recognition of the intentional introduction of FMDV and on the way to integrate this risk in their contingency plans.

- Other workshops should be organised on quality control of ELISAs and on FMD

new tests based on the model of the Sofia WS destined for other countries. - The Committee encouraged discussion and cooperation of EUFMD with other

international organisations (WRL, Panaftosa, Senasa, USDA etc.) and also the constitution of networks between the Institutes for global surveillance of FMD over the world.

- The Committee encouraged the preparation and validation of reference sera to be

used as standard for FMD serology and particularly sera which can be used to assess the NSP kits which are or will be marketed.

- The objectives of the Collaborative Study now under Phase XVII should be re-

evaluated by the RG during the Izmir Session in September. - The Chairman of the Research Group should continue to represent the EUFMD in

the discussions on the FMD Vaccine Monograph of the European Pharmacopoeia and on the Guidelines considering those aspects of production and use which are unique to FMD vaccines and which fall outside the scope of the Ph. Eur. established by the Ad Hoc Working Group of EMEA.

Item 6 – Financial matters Report on the EUFMD accounts as at 31 December 2001 The Secretary presented the accounts of the Commission as at 31 December 2001 (Appendix 12). As explained in the previous Executive Committee meeting it is now possible through the FAO Intranet to follow each item of expenditure in detail thanks to the new financial system in operation. He began with the project MTF/INT/011/MUL – TF 904200 and informed the meeting that the Trust Fund had a balance of US$249,000 as at 31 December 2001. He presented a table indicating the contributions from Member Countries; the overall situation looks good in that most countries paid their contribution in 2001. There is still a problem with the contribution from Croatia due to a mix up with the bank transfer. Iceland has paid the 2001 contribution since production of the table, and he added that they have also paid the contribution for 2002. Italy and FYR of Macedonia still have arrears. With regards to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, he informed the meeting that as provided in Article XV, para. 1 of the Constitution of the EUFMD,

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acceptance of the Constitution by the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia became effective on 2 November 2001, the date of membership to FAO. The Organization is considering how to resolve the payment of arrears. A solution would be to consider two periods for Yugoslavia. First when there were several republics together, and the second to consider the period after 1994 when the country divided into separate republics. The arrears up to 1994 will be split between the new republics, and the actual arrears of Yugoslavia will be treated separately. However, this is still to be confirmed by the UN New York. Project MTF/INT/004/MUL - TF 909700 includes contributions received from non-EU countries. It has been decided to continue this account for any contributions received from non-EU countries. The balance as at 31 December 2001 was $39,000. Project MTF/INT/003/EEC – TF 911100 corresponding to the EC/FAO TF had a balance of US$218,000 as at 1 January 2001. Interest up to the amount of $13,000 was received and a contribution from the EC - mainly to cover costs for the provision of vaccines to Turkey - amounted to the equivalent of €850.000. Other expenses incurred under this TF were for duty travel mainly for the Research Group members and also for the Tripartite meetings/ workshops. The balance as at 31 December 2001 was $281,000. The Executive Committee had no further questions in this regard and approved the financial statements presented. Item 7 – Any other business OIE FMD Code Chapter and Guidelines for FMD surveillance The changes in the chapter were presented by Dr Valder, Vice-Chairman of the OIE Code Commission and Dr Pearson. They mainly relate to: - The concept and the definition of FMD infection. - The possibility of retrieving free status after 6 months without slaughter of

vaccinated animals if vaccination has been carried out to control the disease in a country or zone which was free without vaccination before.

- The consequence of the vaccination of zoo and game animals on the status of the country.

This last point was discussed by the Committee. Certain members thought that the new provision in the code with regards to zoning (for example, “fencing off” zoos and game animals) does not solve the problem as the countries have to wait up to one year to have their “new vaccinated zone” recognised by the International Committee. They suggested that recognition of a vaccinated zone should be delegated by the International Committee to the FMD and other Epizootics Commission. In the guidelines for surveillance the feasibility of probang testing on a statistical basis was questioned. In conclusion, it was agreed that EUFMD will not submit any proposal for amendment to the Code Chapter nor to the guidelines for surveillance. If any

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proposed changes are needed, they should be submitted by delegates at the national level or by the EU. The Secretary raised the question of cooperation between EUFMD/FAO and OIE and stated that he had been very happy to work in close cooperation with the FMD and other Epizootics Commission of OIE and he expected that this close link, which is beneficial to the two organisations, will be continued. International shipment of biological material The Chairman expressed his concern on the new measures adopted by certain countries and air companies which restrict this transport to very stringent conditions. This is the case in the UK where the transport of material or specimens to the WRL is complicated and where new local rules have to be followed. OIE should provide information on the current international regulations applicable and possibly organise a meeting on this subject if deemed appropriate. The Committee recommended that EUFMD organise information sessions and training for those directly concerned with the shipment of virulent material and specimens in member countries. 68th Session of the Committee No proposal was made for a date and venue for the next Session. It will be put forth to members of the Commission for one country to accept to hold this Session which is foreseen in November 2002. Personnel Matters Report of the Closed Session held on 26 April from 9:00 to 11:00 hrs. Participants in the Closed Session were the six members of the Committee present as well as two observers who were invited by the Chairman to attend, i.e. the Chairman of the Research Group of the Standing Technical Committee of the EUFMD and the Representative of DG SANCO, Food Safety, EC Brussels. On behalf of FAO, Dr Cheneau reported to the Closed Session the procedures and outcome of the selection process for the position of Secretary. Full documentation on the selection process was distributed to the participants. Dr. Celeda, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the EUFMD and Dr Cheneau provided additional detailed information and historical background as follows: 1. On 09.08.01 Dr. Y. Leforban announced, through a message to the Members of

the Executive Committee, his intention to withdraw from his present position as Secretary, EUFMD. It is planned that Dr. Y. Leforban will leave his present functions on 31.08.02.

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2. Article XII of the Constitution of the European Commission for the control of

FMD, alinea 1 says:

The staff of the Secretariat of the Commission shall be appointed by the Director-General with the approval of the Executive Committee, and for administrative purposes shall be responsible to the Director-General. They shall be appointed under the same terms and conditions as the staff of the Organization.

3. In accordance with FAO rules, FAO launched Vacancy Announcement No. 617-AGA on 14.11.01 after having obtained the approval of the 66th Session of the Executive Committee on the terms of reference (post-description). The closure of the VA was on 09.01.02.

4. The FAO Secretariat, with the technical support of the EUFMD Secretariat,

organized the pre-screening of the 68 applications received. 5. According to the recommendations of the 66th Session of the Executive

Committee of the EUFMD, a Selection Panel of six persons, three representing the EUFMD Commission, three representing FAO was established. FAO Secretariat communicated the results of the pre-screening to the Members of the Panel. A list of 16 applicants was considered as meeting most, but not all the essential qualifications. A consultation by e-mail was organized in order to select candidates for interview. A majority of the Members of the Selection Panel agreed on a list of 6 applicants to be interviewed.

6. The Chairman of the Executive Committee and the Chairman of the Selection

Panel, which met on 16.04.02 in Rome, reported that: • The Selection Panel agreed that one candidate meets all the essential and desirable

qualifications, that he performed well during the interview and could be proposed to the 67th Session of the Executive Committee for replacement of Dr. Leforban on the post of Secretary, EUFMD, P5.

• The selection panel also agreed that a second candidate meets all the essential and

desirable qualifications and could be considered for the position. The selection panel took note of the DOB of the candidate (01.07.1942); if recruited with Entry on Duty on 01.09.02, he would not be entitled to a 3-year fixed-term contract (but only 22 months).

7. Four months is what remains between the on-going present meeting of the

Executive Committee and the departure of the present Secretary (1 May to 31 August 2002). If a decision is taken on 26.04.02, it shall be immediately reported to FAO to enable the Director-General to appoint the new Secretary of the Commission with possible Entry on Duty of 1 September 2002.

During the discussion that followed, the six members of the Executive Committee expressed their choice for the selected candidate who could remain in the position on

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a more permanent basis. Full confidence and congratulations were given for the work carried out during the selection process by the FAO/EUFMD Selection Panel. It was further recommended that the new Secretary should enjoy the full support of all members of the Executive Committee through collaborative work between the Secretary and the Committee. FAO should ensure that the new Secretary receives guidance on the need for close and smooth relations with inter-governmental and international organisations (EC and OIE). Training on administrative matters should be provided by FAO (EC and OIE) and visits to Brussels and Paris organized as soon as the new Secretary enters on duty. The Chairman of the Executive Committee closed the Session on this item by expressing his satisfaction on the outcome of the Session. Members of the Executive Committee congratulated Dr. Leforban for his good work as Secretary of EUFMD during his 8 years of tenure. Discussion Dr Leos Celeda, in his capacity of Chairman of the Executive Committee briefed the meeting of the outcome of the closed session which was held on the morning of Friday, 26 April (see report above). The Committee unanimously agreed on the proposal of one name, that of Dr Keith Sumption from the UK. Dr Celeda mentioned that the designation of the new secretary could be a good investment for the future and should be used as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with other international organizations, in particular, EC and OIE. Dr Cheneau thanked all the Committee members for their willingness to support and create a closer link between the Secretariat of the Commission in Rome and the members of the Executive Committee. Dr Panagiotatos made a proposal to pass a motion to thank the outgoing Secretary, Dr Leforban for his excellent work and wished him every success in his future and professional life. Dr Pearson assured the meeting of OIE’s intention to continue to work closely with the EUFMD and with the new Secretary. He also thanked Dr Leforban for his help in particular, for his contribution to the activities of the FMD and other Epizootics Commission. Dr Leforban said that it has been a privilege for him to act as Secretary for the past 8 years and has done his best to fulfil the requirements from the Executive Committee. He stressed that the relationship between the Executive Committee and the Secretary is important and crucial in the smooth functioning of the Commission. He also thanked Dr Pearson from OIE and Dr Fuessel from EC with whom he has developed excellent working relations and would like this to continue with the new Secretary. He also commended Dr Kris De Clercq and the Research Group, which is an important forum at the scientific level. He took this opportunity to wish his successor happiness and success in his new position and promised to do his best for a harmonious and smooth transition with the new Secretary.

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Dr Celeda took the floor to add his personal thanks to Dr Leforban and to wish him “bonne chance” for his future. Item 8 - Adoption of the Draft Report The draft report was adopted, subject to the agreed modifications by the meeting. Item 9 – Closure of the Session On closing, Dr Celeda thanked the Hungarian colleagues for hosting this meeting in such pleasant surroundings and for the outstanding hospitality they generously offered to the participants. He thanked all of the participants for their productive work, in particular, their collaboration in resolving the outstanding issues and wished all a safe journey home. A special thank you was extended to Dr Soós and his staff for the technical assistance provided to the Secretariat which contributed to the successful outcome of this very important Session.