Thimpu, Bhutan- The 3rdSub-regional Meeting on the Global Framework for Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs) for SAARC Member States was kicked off on May 8 in Thimbu, Bhutan amidst a ceremonial function by the Royal Government of Bhutan.

Jointly organized by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) The GF-TADs framework is a joint FAO/OIE initiative, which specifically aims at the progressive control and prevention of Trans-boundary Animal Diseases (TADs)by providing a global and regional platform for coordinating information sharing on a wide range of TADs control activities.

According to a press release issued by FAO, the 3rd GF-TAD Sub-Regional Meeting in Bhutan will review the current status of the priority TADs, e.g., foot and mouth disease (FMD), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), and Rabies in the sub-region, discuss progress made in their management and control since 2015 and will recommend future coordinated and harmonized approach for further reducing the impact of these diseases on rural economics and on food and livelihood security.

Welcoming the participants, Dr Somsak Pipoppinyo, FAO Representative for Nepal and Bhutan, said that TADs in South Asia, including avian influenza (AI), have caused increasing concerns worldwide, due to its potential for pandemic threat, vast economic losses, and immeasurable loss of livelihood, especially to poor farmers and vulnerable communities.

Dr Somsak appreciated the continued efforts of the Chief Veterinary Officers (CVOs) of the SAARC Member States towards successfully addressing common interest and concerns on TADs, including zoonoses, and other issues related to livestock and animal health.

Extending his appreciation to the Royal Government of Bhutan, FAO, OIE, SAARC Secretariat and SAARC Member States for their contributing roles in strengthening regional partnership towards livestock development, he expressed confidence for long term regional partnership for food security and safety, human health, nutrition and alleviation of poverty through prevention and control of TADs.

Lyonpo Yeshi Dorji, Minister of Agriculture & Forests, Royal Government of Bhutan delivered his gracious remarks at the opening ceremony followed by the speeches from the representatives from OIE and the SAARC Secretariat.

The 3rdGF-TADs Sub-regional Meeting will be followed by the 6th SAARC CVOs Meeting from 9-10 May 2017 in the same place.